Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national law firm dedicated to helping investors recover losses due to advisor misconduct, has opened an investigation regarding financial advisor Rick Brown (CRD# 2541545), who is currently registered with Arete Wealth Management in Nashville, Tennessee. Investors who have worked with Rick Brown or Arete Wealth Management are strongly encouraged to review this report and consider reaching out for a free, confidential consultation. Call 1-888-885-7162 today. There is no obligation, and there are no fees unless there is a recovery.
Who is Rick Brown of Arete Wealth Management, Nashville, TN?
Table of Contents
Rick Brown has over 31 years of experience in the securities industry. As of 2026, he is registered both as a broker and as an investment advisor with Arete Wealth Management. Brown’s previous affiliations include Lincoln Financial Advisors, The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, and Cigna Financial Advisors. His professional credentials include passing several key qualifying exams, such as the Securities Industry Essentials Exam (SIE), Series 7, Series 6, Series 2, and Series 63. He is licensed in the states of Arizona, California, and Illinois.
Given his background and tenure in the financial sector, many clients have placed their trust in Rick Brown’s expertise for their investment and insurance needs. However, it’s essential for investors to be aware of both his professional background and any disclosure events.
Recent Developments and Haselkorn & Thibaut’s Investigation
With recent activity involving investor complaints, Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into the advisory activities of Rick Brown. If you believe your investments have been mishandled or you’ve suffered losses, do not hesitate to reach out to Haselkorn & Thibaut to discuss your situations. Their experienced attorneys are available to help you understand your options and potential for recovery with a “no recovery, no fee” approach.
Disclosure Events and Investor Complaints
It is critical for investors to have access to transparent information on any complaints or regulatory disclosures tied to their financial advisor. The following is a comprehensive review based on current publicly available records as of April 2026:
| Complaint Date | Allegations | Status | Alleged Damages | Firm/Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 2026 | Provided misleading and incomplete information regarding an insurance investment | Pending | $1.5 million | Arete Wealth Management |
| 2010 | Made an unsuitable investment recommendation | Settled | $2.25 million | Lincoln Financial Advisors |
- Pending Complaint (March 2026): An investor claimed that Rick Brown provided misleading and incomplete information related to an insurance investment. The complaint seeks $1.5 million in damages and is currently in the pre-litigation demand stage. According to Brown’s statement, the related policies remain active, and no commissions were shared with the firm. No actual lawsuit has been filed as of the latest public reporting.
- Previous Complaint (2010): This matter involved an allegation of unsuitable investment recommendations by Rick Brown while associated with Lincoln Financial Advisors. The case was resolved via settlement for $2.25 million.
What Do Regulatory Records Reveal?
The regulatory check on FINRA BrokerCheck (link) and the Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC) databases, as reviewed as of April and June 2024, show the following for Rick Brown:
- No currently reported customer complaints, arbitrations, or regulatory proceedings listed in the main disclosure section on BrokerCheck.
- No history of employment terminations, regulatory sanctions, or disciplinary measures reported.
- No court records (federal or state) involving lawsuits or liens connected to Rick Brown.
- No SEC enforcement actions or administrative proceedings against him or Arete Wealth Management.
- No negative news media or industry press coverage regarding professional misconduct or regulatory breaches.
However, it is important to note that new complaints can sometimes take time to appear in public regulatory systems. Complaints may also be resolved before reaching official arbitration or court filings, especially if settled privately. This makes firm-led investigations, such as those by Haselkorn & Thibaut, vital for thorough guidance and investor recovery.
What Should Investors Watch For?
Red flags for investors can include:
- Complaints of misleading information or incomplete investment disclosures
- History of large settlements related to alleged unsuitable investment advice
- Pending investor claims for substantial damages, especially related to complex products like insurance-based investments
- Advisor involvement in outside business activities, especially if not fully transparent to clients or the primary firm
While a long tenure in the industry is often a positive, it is crucial to remain vigilant about advisor conduct, especially when there are substantial settlements or complaints in the background, as is the case here.
Your Next Steps and How Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
If you have worked with Rick Brown of Arete Wealth Management in Nashville, or if you notice unusual activity or losses in your investment accounts, it’s in your best interest to take action now. Even if your specific circumstances are not listed here, you are entitled to clarity and confidence in your financial advisory relationship.
Haselkorn & Thibaut’s team of securities attorneys brings over 50 years of combined experience, an industry-leading 98% success rate, and a national footprint. With millions already recovered for clients and a no recovery, no fee policy, they offer guidance for concerned investors. You can reach them at 1-888-885-7162.
Remember: Delaying action could impact your rights and recovery options. It’s completely confidential, and initial consultations are free. Protect your financial future and ensure you are making informed investment decisions. Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut today for a no-cost case review.
