Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, has opened a focused investigation into Mike Kolacz (CRD# 2566829), a Rockwall, Texas-based financial advisor currently affiliated with Independent Financial Group and doing business as Epstein & Kolacz Wealth Management. We are investigating allegations of unsuitable investment recommendations and related red flags that may have affected investors’ ability to recover losses.
As former Wall Street defense attorneys, our firm brings over 95 years of combined securities law experience and rare insider knowledge to every case we take on. With a 98% success rate across hundreds of investor claims and over $520 million involved in securities matters, we have earned top industry recognition, including Super Lawyers designation and Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent peer review. If you believe you have suffered losses as a result of inappropriate investment recommendations or misrepresentations by Mike Kolacz or his associated entities, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation at 1-888-885-7162.
Who Is Mike Kolacz of Rockwall, Texas?
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Mike Kolacz is a registered broker and investment adviser with nearly three decades of experience in the securities industry. He is currently affiliated with Independent Financial Group (IFG) and operates as Epstein & Kolacz Wealth Management in Rockwall, Texas. His prior registrations include International Assets Advisory, Cetera Advisors, Woodbury Financial Services, and NEXT Financial Group.
Mr. Kolacz’s credentials include the following securities examinations:
- Securities Industry Essentials Examination (SIE)
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination
- Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination
- Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
- Series 65 – Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination
He reportedly holds active securities licenses in 18 states as of April 26, 2026.
Red Flags and Investor Complaints
Our investigation has identified several disclosures on Mike Kolacz’s BrokerCheck report relating to customer disputes and employment history. Below is a summary of public complaints and events that may impact your ability to recover funds if you suffered losses under his advice.
| Date | Allegation | Status / Outcome | Associated Firm |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | Client alleges Mike Kolacz recommended an unsuitable investment in GWG Holdings L-Bonds, resulting in losses. The advisor was associated with International Assets Advisory at the time. | Pending Claimed Damages: $50,000-$100,000 |
International Assets Advisory |
| 2023 | Client alleges breach of fiduciary duty and the recommendation of “super high risk” investments. Damages were unspecified. The complaint was filed while Kolacz was associated with International Assets Advisory. | Withdrawn | International Assets Advisory |
| 2016 | Advisor was permitted to resign from Cetera Advisors following allegations of failure to follow firm policy regarding a variable annuity transaction. | Resigned | Cetera Advisors |
Focus on GWG Holdings L-Bonds – A Source of Serious Losses
A key focus of our investigation is the suitability and risk disclosure of GWG Holdings L-Bonds, a complex product that has deeply impacted many investors. GWG Holdings raised money from investors to purchase life insurance policies on the secondary market, seeking profits when those policies paid out. However, GWG Holdings disclosed increasing financial distress and came under SEC scrutiny in 2020. In 2022, the company and two subsidiaries filed for bankruptcy, causing significant investor losses. The SEC later charged Western International Securities and several advisors with Regulation Best Interest violations related to the sale of these bonds. If your advisor misrepresented the risks or over-concentrated GWG L-Bonds in your portfolio, you may be entitled to recover losses.
BrokerCheck & Regulatory Background: A Detailed Look
Our attorneys base their analysis on current regulatory findings. As of April 2026, Mike Kolacz’s public regulatory disclosures reportedly show:
- No statutory disqualifications
- No finalized FINRA arbitration awards or customer cases resulting in an adverse finding
- No record of regulatory actions, including FINRA suspensions, fines, or formal disciplinary findings
- No civil litigation disclosures tied to securities-related matters
- No administrative proceedings or enforcement actions by the SEC or any state securities regulator
- No reported public news disclosures involving lawsuits, disciplinary actions, or regulatory complaints
However, the pending and withdrawn investor claims and the employment-related disclosure noted above may present important warning signs, especially in the context of unsuitable investment strategies and possible fiduciary breaches.
What Do These Complaints Mean for Investors?
- Unsuitable Investment Advice: If you were placed into GWG Holdings L-Bonds without a full understanding of the risks, or if your account was over-concentrated in this product, you may have the right to pursue recovery.
- Failure to Follow Policies: Past employment disclosures may reflect concerns about adherence to firm procedures, which is especially important in complex annuity and alternative investment transactions.
- Pattern of High-Risk Recommendations: More than one client has alleged high-risk investment advice, which may indicate a broader pattern warranting further investigation.
Why Investors Trust Our Firm
Our attorneys bring insider knowledge from years of Wall Street defense work. We understand the tactics financial institutions and advisors may use to limit liability, and we now use that experience solely to represent investors. Our results place us among the Top 2% of peer-reviewed securities law firms, supported by a strong record of 5.0-star client reviews and a no recovery, no fee commitment.
What Should You Do Next?
If you invested with Mike Kolacz, especially if you purchased GWG Holdings L-Bonds or other alternative investments through Independent Financial Group or Epstein & Kolacz Wealth Management, we urge you to act promptly. Even if you have not filed a formal complaint, you may still be eligible to recover losses based on unsuitable recommendations or inadequate risk disclosure.
- Request a free, confidential portfolio review to learn your recovery options, deadlines, and next steps.
- All consultations are protected by attorney-client privilege and involve no obligation and no up-front cost.
Call us today at 1-888-885-7162 for your free consultation. Our attorneys are ready to fight for your recovery.
