Investigation Launched Into Bryon C. Martinsen of Centaurus Financial Over Investor Complaints

Financial Advisor Lost My Money

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, has formally opened an investigation into former financial advisor Bryon C. Martinsen (CRD #1621649), who was registered with Centaurus Financial (CRD#: 30833) in Kings Park, NY. We understand the significant distress caused by investment losses and are committed to helping clients understand their rights and avenues for potential recovery of funds. If you worked with Bryon Martinsen or Centaurus Financial and believe your investments were mishandled, this resource provides an in-depth look at what has transpired and how you can fight for your losses.

Background: Who Is Bryon C. Martinsen?

Bryon C. Martinsen was registered as a broker with Centaurus Financial in Kings Park, New York, beginning in 1999. Prior to Centaurus, his employment history included AXA Advisors, where he was reportedly terminated for prohibited outside business activities. A review of his professional record, especially through FINRA BrokerCheck, reveals a troubling pattern of customer complaints and regulatory findings spanning many years.

Haselkorn & Thibaut Investigation Notice

Our attorneys have launched an active inquiry into all allegations, customer disputes, and regulatory actions concerning Martinsen and Centaurus Financial. We leverage over 95 years of combined securities law experience as former Wall Street defense counsel to protect and advocate for investors. If you were affected, call us for a free, confidential consultation: 1-888-885-7162.

Key Proof Points:

  • 98% success rate across hundreds of investor claims
  • Over $520 million in securities matters handled
  • Top 2% peer-reviewed (Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent)
  • Super Lawyers-designated attorneys
  • 5.0-star client reviews
  • No recovery, no fee — you pay nothing unless we recover funds for you

Red Flags: Regulatory History and Serious Allegations

Bryon Martinsen’s record includes:

  • 11 customer complaints alleging unsuitable, high-risk, and illiquid investments
  • 15-month FINRA suspension and monetary penalties for violations related to so-called “selling away” activities
  • Permanent bar from the securities industry (effective May 15, 2026) for refusing to cooperate with a FINRA investigation
  • Falsifying compliance documents by denying private transactions in firm questionnaires
  • Undisclosed payments to customers totaling at least $400,000, allegedly meant to compensate losses without reporting those payments to Centaurus Financial

A Complete, Specific List of Complaints and Actions Against Bryon Martinsen

Type of Action Description and Details Status
Regulatory Action: FINRA Suspension (2022)
  • Engaged in private securities transactions (“selling away”) by facilitating the sale of $1.1 million in alternative investments
  • Did not notify Centaurus Financial or obtain authorization
  • Made false statements on three compliance questionnaires
15-month suspension, monetary fine, completed
Regulatory Action: Permanent Bar (effective 2026)
  • Refused to provide documents, information, or testimony to FINRA relating to a Form U5 investigation
  • The investigation was initiated after the firm disclosed potential actionable conduct
Permanent bar effective May 15, 2026
Customer Complaints
  • 11 separate client disputes documented in public records
  • Allegations include unsuitable recommendations, high-risk investment products, and illiquid alternatives
  • At least 150 undisclosed payments to customers totaling $400,000
A mixture of settled, pending, and closed claims; detailed disclosures are viewable on BrokerCheck
Employment History Issue
  • Terminated from AXA Advisors over unapproved outside business activities
  • Recruited by Centaurus Financial in 1999 and remained there until regulatory actions commenced
Employment ended

Understanding “Selling Away” and Firm Responsibility

“Selling away” is when a broker facilitates investment products outside the boundaries and supervision of their firm. Although prohibited, this type of misconduct can expose not just the advisor but also the broker-dealer to liability, especially if the firm fails to properly supervise its representatives. If you suffered losses as a result of selling away or similar violations, you may have grounds to pursue recovery of your funds from Centaurus Financial through FINRA arbitration.

How to Research Complaints and Actions Yourself

  • Access FINRA BrokerCheck and search for “Bryon C. Martinsen” or CRD #1621649 for complete disclosures
  • Consult the SEC’s EDGAR database for any potential enforcement releases or orders involving Martinsen or Centaurus Financial
  • Review federal dockets via PACER for civil litigation naming Martinsen as a defendant
  • Check state securities regulator websites for any additional administrative actions
  • Use news databases for coverage of arbitration claims, settlements, or disciplinary notices

We recommend collecting documentation such as disclosure summaries, settlement records, and regulatory filings to better understand and support your claim.

What Should You Do If You Suffered Losses?

Our attorneys meticulously investigate every documented complaint and regulatory breach involving Martinsen and Centaurus Financial. We represent investors nationwide in FINRA arbitration and litigation, fighting to help clients recover funds lost due to broker misconduct. With our insider knowledge as former defense counsel, we understand brokerage operations and how firms may fail in their supervision duties.

  • If you worked with Bryon C. Martinsen in Kings Park, NY, or through Centaurus Financial anywhere in the United States, you may be entitled to recover your losses.
  • Even if the misconduct was not explicitly authorized, Centaurus Financial can be held responsible for supervisory failures and lack of investor protection.
  • We work on a no recovery, no fee basis because justice for investors is our mission.

Free, Confidential Consultation — Take Action Today

You deserve answers, hope, and the opportunity to recover your losses. Contact our firm at 1-888-885-7162 for a free, in-depth consultation. Our Super Lawyers-designated attorneys and 5.0-star reviewed team will review your records and explain your options. There is no risk and absolutely no fee unless we recover funds on your behalf. Take the first step to restore what you’ve lost. Let us be your advocate.

Disclaimer: The information contained in any post on this website is derived from publicly available sources and is not guaranteed as to accuracy and often involves allegations which may or may not be proven at some point in the future. All posts are believed to be accurate as of the time of original posting, but the accuracy and details are subject to and expected to change over time and which may contain opinions of the author at the time posted.
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