Haselkorn & Thibaut Opens Investigation: Charles Garrido Jr., A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners, New York
Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national securities fraud law firm with a 98% success rate, has opened an investigation into Charles Garrido Jr. (CRD# 1191231), a financial advisor based in New York with A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners. Investors who have worked with Charles Garrido Jr. or A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners should carefully review his professional background, regulatory disclosures, and history of client complaints before making critical decisions about their portfolios. Our goal is to provide transparency and empower investors to safeguard their assets and investment future.
Who is Charles Garrido Jr.?
Charles Garrido Jr. is an experienced broker and financial advisor currently registered with A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners in New York. With more than 40 years in the financial industry, he has held licenses including the Series 7 and 66, serving clients in several states such as Illinois, Texas, New York, and California. His prior employment history includes well-known firms like Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Inc., McDonald Investments Inc., and Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc.
Recent FINRA Disciplinary Action and Regulatory Concerns
One of the key responsibilities for investors is to be fully informed about their advisor’s background and any regulatory actions that may impact the security of their investments. In December 2025, FINRA sanctioned Charles Garrido Jr. for several compliance violations:
– Approximately 2,500 trades executed in over 200 customer accounts without documented written authorization.
– Failure to have accounts properly approved as discretionary by his firm.
– Inaccurate compliance certifications regarding the exercise of discretion in client accounts.
– Use of business-related text messages on channels not monitored or retained by his firm.
These actions were classified as violations of federal securities laws, specifically relating to record-keeping requirements.
Sanctions Imposed by FINRA
– $10,000 fine
– Three-month suspension (January 20, 2026 – April 19, 2026) in all registered capacities
Garrido accepted FINRA’s findings via an Acceptance, Waiver & Consent (AWC), agreeing to sanctions without admitting or denying the allegations.
Why Does Unauthorized Discretionary Trading Matter?
Discretionary trading allows a broker to make trades on behalf of clients without prior consent for each transaction. However, FINRA rules require that clients provide written authorization, and that the firm formally approves the account as discretionary. When these safeguards are not followed:
– Investors may face trades they didn’t authorize.
– Risks within the account may not align with investors’ intentions or tolerance.
– Transparency and oversight are reduced, which can impact investor trust.
Additionally, using unapproved communication methods like personal text messaging further weakens transparency and the firm’s ability to supervise broker conduct.
Complaints, Arbitrations, and Customer Dispute History
Comprehensive research on Charles Garrido Jr.’s record reveals multiple customer disputes and significant settlements or awards involving allegations of misconduct. Here is a complete list of reported complaints:
Year: 2024
Type: Settlement
Allegations: Lack of due diligence in recommending a debt security
Outcome: Settled for $70,000
Year: 2004
Type: FINRA Arbitration Award
Allegations: Breach of fiduciary duty, securities law violations
Outcome: Over $777,000 awarded to client
Year: 2001
Type: Settlement
Allegations: Unsuitable investment recommendations, failure to follow instructions
Outcome: Settled for $32,500
Year: 1996
Type: Settlement
Allegations: Annuity disclosure-related customer complaint
Outcome: Undisclosed terms
While brokers may deny allegations, a pattern of customer complaints and arbitration awards can be considered important red flags for investors.
Potential Red Flags for Investors
If you have worked with Charles Garrido Jr. or A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners, you should review your account for potential warning signs:
– Trades executed without your written authorization
– Frequent or excessive trading that seems inconsistent with your risk profile
– Investment recommendations that do not match your stated objectives
– Business communications via personal text or channels outside official firm records
How to Review Your Broker’s Background
For current regulatory disclosures and background, investors may visit FINRA BrokerCheck at https://brokercheck.finra.org/. This tool provides up-to-date information on employment history, licenses, and any formal disclosures.
What Investors Can Do Next
If any of these issues match your experience, or if you have suffered unexplained losses in your accounts managed by Charles Garrido Jr. or A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners, you may have the right to pursue a claim for compensation. Haselkorn & Thibaut is currently investigating these matters and offering free consultations to investors nationwide.
– No recovery, no fee – You do not pay unless you recover compensation
– Discrete, confidential case review at no cost
– National reach with over 50 years of combined experience in securities fraud litigation
Frequently Asked Questions
What did FINRA find regarding Charles Garrido Jr.?
FINRA found he allegedly exercised unapproved discretion in client accounts, submitted inaccurate compliance disclosures, and used unapproved text messaging for business-related communication.
Where is Charles Garrido Jr. currently employed?
He is currently registered as a broker with A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners, a broker-dealer headquartered in New York with additional offices nationwide.
Can I seek compensation if I experienced losses with Charles Garrido Jr.?
Yes. You may be able to recover investment losses related to unauthorized trading, unsuitable investment recommendations, or other broker misconduct through FINRA arbitration or legal action with the help of experienced investment fraud attorneys.
Call For a Free Consultation
If you have concerns about your accounts or suspect possible issues with Charles Garrido Jr. or A.G.P. / Alliance Global Partners, contact Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1 888-885-7162 today for a free, confidential consultation. With our “No Recovery, No Fee” commitment, there is no risk to investigating your options. Protect your financial future and reclaim your confidence as an informed investor.
