Who is Steve Wilkinson of LPL Financial and Wilkinson Wealth Management?
Table of Contents
- Location: Oakland, California
- Current Firm: LPL Financial (d/b/a Wilkinson Wealth Management) – since March 2026
- CRD Number: 1180321
- Industry Experience: Over 30 years in the securities industry
- Previous Firms:
- Western International Securities, Inc. (terminated September 2023)
- ePlanning Securities, LLC (terminated April 2022)
- GBS Advisors, GBS Financial, Securities America, Ameritas Investment Corporation, The Advisors Group
- Licenses: California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas
Wilkinson holds multiple security licenses, including the SIE, Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, and Series 66 exams. He is active as both a broker and investment advisor and currently offers services through LPL Financial.
Detailed Complaint and Dispute History
Thoroughly reviewing your advisor’s disclosure record is a key step in protecting your portfolio. Below are the publicly reported customer complaints and disputes for Steve Wilkinson as of March 2026:
| Date | Allegation | Firm At Time | Claim Amount | Status/Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2023 | Unsuitable recommendations of variable annuities and concentrated sector funds | Western International Securities, Inc. | $325,000 | Settled for $325,000 (no admission of wrongdoing) |
- Key Details:
- Nature of Complaint: Customers alleged unsuitable recommendations regarding variable annuities and sector funds.
- Wilkinson’s Response: He denied wrongdoing, asserting all recommendations were suitable and based on clients’ financial objectives and risk tolerance.
- Settlement: The matter was settled for the full claimed amount ($325,000), with no admission of fault.
Historical Complaint of Note
- 2011: A much earlier class action complaint alleged misrepresentation and fraudulent non-disclosure related to an investment during Wilkinson’s tenure at ePlanning Securities. The entire class action was settled for $2 million. Wilkinson stated only one of his clients was involved, with a $60,000 stake, and attributed the situation to the firm and a failed real estate project during the financial crisis.
Aside from the April 2023 case, there are no other customer-initiated complaints, arbitrations, or settlements currently disclosed on Steve Wilkinson’s BrokerCheck report.
No Regulatory Actions or Civil Litigation
- No FINRA, SEC, or state regulatory disciplinary actions are reported against Steve Wilkinson.
- There are no reported civil lawsuits, court judgments, or regulatory investigations involving him individually.
- Routine firm-level exams (which are standard) did not specifically name Wilkinson.
Red Flags Investors Should Review
If you are considering working with or have invested with Steve Wilkinson, there are important “red flags” to consider:
- Settled Complaint for Unsuitable Investment Recommendations: A $325,000 customer claim was settled in full regarding suitability concerns with annuities and sector funds. While a settlement does not imply guilt, it may indicate challenges in suitability or risk approach.
- Class Action Settlement (2011): Participation in a multi-million dollar settlement related to alleged investment misrepresentation, although only one of Wilkinson’s clients was involved.
- High Turnover of Firms: Frequent transitions between broker-dealers, including Western International Securities and ePlanning Securities, which can be notable for some investors concerned about consistency and accountability.
Why Is This Important?
Complaints involving suitability and concentration are critical to any investor’s due diligence review. Suitability accusations mean clients believe investments may not have matched their risk tolerance, goals, or needs. Even in the absence of regulatory discipline, significant financial settlements should always prompt extra scrutiny.
What to Do Next?
- Always check the most current public report for Steve Wilkinson on FINRA BrokerCheck before making investment decisions.
- Gather your account documents and statements for review if you believe you were recommended unsuitable investments or suffered losses.
- Seek guidance from independent legal counsel with specific experience in securities misconduct and investor rights.
Haselkorn & Thibaut Can Help
Haselkorn & Thibaut is a nationally recognized investment fraud law firm that represents investors across the United States. With over 50 years of experience, a 98% success rate, and millions recovered for clients, we provide a confidential and risk-free consultation to help you understand your rights and options. If you suffered losses with Steve Wilkinson in Oakland, CA, or any financial advisor at LPL Financial (Wilkinson Wealth Management), our team is available to review your matter—no recovery, no fee.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut now for a free case consultation: 1-888-885-7162
Your financial future deserves a comprehensive and thorough review. If you have any concerns about your investments or advisor, take the first step today.
