Ian McElreath (CRD# 4754189) – Emerson Equity – Portland, Maine & Tampa, Florida
Haselkorn & Thibaut, a leading national investor law firm, has launched an investigation into Ian McElreath, a former financial advisor associated with Emerson Equity, following recent investor complaints and questions regarding his conduct. If you have suffered investment losses involving Ian McElreath, now is the time to educate yourself and protect your interests.
Who Is Ian McElreath?
Table of Contents
Ian McElreath is a former registered broker and investment advisor with a career spanning over 21 years in the securities industry. Mr. McElreath has been based in both Portland, Maine and Tampa, Florida. His most recent registration was with Foreside Fund Services (2023–2025), but the actions in question stemmed from his time at Emerson Equity.
During his career, Mr. McElreath also held roles at Ameritas Investment Company, Cantor Fitzgerald, Realty Capital Securities, KBS Capital Markets Group, and Pacific Select Distributors. He successfully passed several major securities exams, including the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE), Series 65, Series 63, Series 7, and Series 6.
He is no longer licensed as a broker or investment advisor as of November 8, 2025.
Summary Table – Disclosures & Employment History
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name / CRD# | Ian McElreath / 4754189 |
| Most Recent Broker-Dealer | Foreside Fund Services (2023–2025) |
| Broker-Dealer at Time of Complaint | Emerson Equity |
| Primary Locations | Portland, ME; Tampa, FL |
| Licensure Status | Not currently licensed |
Red Flags, Complaints & Disclosures
BrokerCheck and other regulatory databases are essential tools to verify a financial advisor’s background. Here are the key findings regarding Ian McElreath:
- Current Investigations: Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Ian McElreath and Emerson Equity due to recent investor complaints.
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Customer Complaints:
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October 2025 – Pending Complaint:
- Allegations: As a representative of Emerson Equity, Mr. McElreath allegedly violated federal securities laws and the California Securities Act, breached contract, acted negligently, committed fraud, and breached his fiduciary duty to the client.
- Status: The complaint is pending.
- Requested Damages: Not specified.
- Mr. McElreath’s Statement: He denies all allegations and asserts that his investment recommendations were consistent with the client’s stated investment objectives and risk tolerance.
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2018 – Closed Complaint:
- Allegations: “Improper recommendations / unsuitable investments.”
- Outcome: Emerson Equity paid $4,500 to resolve the claim. No further regulatory discipline for Mr. McElreath.
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October 2025 – Pending Complaint:
- Regulatory Actions: No open or pending regulatory actions were found through FINRA or the SEC against Ian McElreath.
- Civil Litigation: No federal or state lawsuits (investor-initiated) involving Ian McElreath or Emerson Equity appear in available major court dockets.
What Are the Key Standards and Why Do They Matter?
When working with a financial advisor or broker such as Ian McElreath, two important standards apply:
- Fiduciary Standard: Advisors must act in the client’s best interest, disclose all conflicts of interest, and remain loyal and transparent. Any breach of fiduciary duty is a significant concern.
- Suitability Standard: Brokers must only recommend investments suitable for each client’s financial circumstances and objectives, but not necessarily put the client’s interests above their own.
The pending allegations against Ian McElreath center around violations of these very standards, including claims of negligence, fraud, and unsuitability. For investors, these are critical red flags that demand close attention and action.
How You Can Protect Yourself
Regardless of whether you are a current or former client of Ian McElreath or Emerson Equity, you deserve peace of mind about your investments. Here’s how you can take action:
- Monitor for updates by saving his BrokerCheck profile.
- Record all investment summaries, contract documents, and statements.
- If you suspect losses or improper advice, connect with experienced securities attorneys for a confidential, no-obligation review.
Free Consultation—Haselkorn & Thibaut
Haselkorn & Thibaut is a national law firm with over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for investors just like you. There are no fees unless there is a recovery (no recovery, no fee). Our attorneys are committed to guiding and protecting investors facing losses tied to advisor misconduct.
Ready to learn about your options or have questions about your account with Ian McElreath or Emerson Equity? Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-994-8066 for your free and confidential case evaluation. There is no cost or obligation to see if you’re eligible for compensation.
This report reflects available public data as of November 2025. For ongoing updates, you can check his status directly on FINRA BrokerCheck using CRD# 4754189.
