Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national law firm focused on representing investors, has opened an independent investigation into Samuel David Frankfort, a Houston-based financial advisor formerly registered with Rockefeller Financial LLC and, most recently, with Corient Services LLC. If you invested with Samuel D. Frankfort, it is vital to be informed about his regulatory history, the complaints filed against him, and your options for potential recovery of losses.
Who Is Samuel David Frankfort?
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Samuel David Frankfort (CRD #2773755) has served as a registered stockbroker and wealth advisor for over two decades, with positions at prominent broker-dealers:
- Corient (Corient Services LLC) – Most recent firm
- Rockefeller Financial LLC (05/2020–02/2024)
- Raymond James & Associates, Inc.
- Deutsche Bank Securities Inc.
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc.
- Goldman, Sachs & Co.
- Morgan Stanley & Co., Incorporated
Mr. Frankfort is currently suspended indefinitely by FINRA (the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority), and is no longer registered as a broker or investment adviser.
Current Regulatory Actions and Status
Recent regulatory actions highlight significant concerns regarding Mr. Frankfort’s conduct as a financial professional:
- Indefinite Suspension from FINRA: As of July 8, 2025, Samuel Frankfort is indefinitely suspended in all capacities by FINRA for failure to comply with an arbitration award (FINRA Rule 9554 proceeding).
- Sanctioned by Securities Regulators: Documented history of securities regulatory action.
What does this mean for investors? A FINRA suspension prohibits an individual from associating with any FINRA member firm and from acting as a registered representative or investment adviser.
Complaints and Pending Lawsuits
According to public records and regulatory filings, Mr. Frankfort has been the subject of several customer complaints and regulatory proceedings. Below is a summary table for reference:
| Type | Date | Firm | Allegations / Issues | Status | Damages Sought / Ordered |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Customer Arbitration | July 2025 | Rockefeller Financial LLC | Unsuitability, failure to act in client’s best interest (SEC Regulation BI), inadequate KYC diligence, sales of alleged complex products (Direct Investments – DPP & LP Interests) | Pending | $500,000 – $1,000,000 |
| Regulatory Action | Apr 2025 | Rockefeller Financial LLC | Failure to repay employer loans; Arbitration initiated by former employer | Final (Awarded to Employer) | $1,900,000 Ordered |
| FINRA Suspension | Jul 2025 | N/A | Failure to comply with arbitration award (FINRA Rule 9554) | Indefinite Suspension (all capacities) | N/A |
Specific Allegations Against Samuel Frankfort
Several issues have been raised in both customer and regulatory actions:
- Unsuitable Recommendations: Alleged sale of investments not appropriate for customers’ goals or risk tolerance, especially complex direct investments (DPPs and LPs).
- Failure to Act in Customer’s Best Interest: Alleged breaches of SEC’s Regulation Best Interest requiring brokers to prioritize clients’ needs.
- Deficient “Know-Your-Customer” Diligence: Alleged lack of reasonable efforts to understand clients’ financial situation and needs.
Additionally, his former employer, Rockefeller Financial, won a $1.9 million arbitration award against Mr. Frankfort following his alleged failure to repay certain work-related loans. FINRA’s suspension action centers on his noncompliance with this arbitration award, a serious red flag for clients concerned about financial responsibility and regulatory standing.
Why Is This Important for Investors?
If you worked with Samuel D. Frankfort at Rockefeller Financial LLC or Corient Services LLC, these findings underscore critical concerns about investment suitability, oversight, and regulatory compliance. A FINRA suspension is a significant event—especially when paired with customer disputes that seek damages between half a million to one million dollars.
Investors may be able to recoup losses through FINRA arbitration or other legal avenues, especially when issues involve unsuitability, conflicts of interest, or breaches of industry standards.
Your Investment Recovery Options
Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com) is currently investigating recovery options for clients who deployed funds with Samuel Frankfort under the impacted firms. With over 50 years of collective experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for investors nationwide, the firm stands ready to offer clear, no-obligation guidance to investors with potential claims.
No recovery, no fee — you do not pay legal fees unless your recovery is successful.
Red Flags for Investors
- Indefinite regulatory suspension— indicates a serious regulatory infraction.
- Pending customer dispute— seeks damages of $500,000–$1,000,000, focusing on suitability and product complexity issues.
- Regulatory sanctions— multiple with both disputes and firm recovery actions in play.
- Employment history with frequent firm changes— investors should always review an advisor’s broker-dealer record (view FINRA BrokerCheck).
Next Steps: Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut Today
If you invested with Samuel D. Frankfort and have concerns about how your account was managed—or if you suspect losses tied to unsuitable investments or misconduct—don’t wait to take action. As investigations continue, gathering records and evaluating your case can help protect your rights and maximize potential recovery.
Haselkorn & Thibaut offers a free, confidential consultation for concerned investors. Call 1-888-994-8066 now.
- Consultations are 100% free and confidential
- No recovery, no fee policy for all investment fraud cases
- Seasoned lawyers with decades of experience taking on major broker-dealers
Don’t let confusion or delay cost you more. Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut today for clarity and professional support in assessing your potential claim.
