Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Kansas financial advisor Amber Stoll, following a significant investor complaint alleging damages of $2 million. This comprehensive report examines the details surrounding Ms. Stoll’s professional background, the pending complaint, and what investors should know when evaluating their financial relationships.
Understanding the Recent Investor Complaint
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Financial advisor Amber Stoll (CRD# 6937254), currently registered with Cetera Investment Services and Cetera Investment Advisers, faces a serious investor complaint filed in July 2025. The complaint alleges that during her time at Merrill Lynch, she failed to act in the customer’s best interest regarding the liquidation of a pension plan in August 2021.
The substantial nature of this complaint – seeking $2 million in damages – warrants careful consideration by current and prospective clients. When pension plan liquidations are mishandled, the financial consequences can significantly impact retirement security and long-term financial stability.
Professional Background and Current Registration
Ms. Stoll brings six years of securities industry experience to her current role. Based in Overland Park, Kansas, she has maintained her registration with Cetera Investment Services as a broker and Cetera Investment Advisers as an investment advisor since June 2025.
| Registration Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Current Firms | Cetera Investment Services & Cetera Investment Advisers |
| Registration Date | June 2025 |
| Previous Firms | Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones |
| Licensed States | Kansas, Missouri, Washington |
Professional Qualifications and Licenses
Ms. Stoll has demonstrated her commitment to professional development by passing several important securities examinations:
- Series 66 – Uniform Combined State Law Examination
- SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination
- Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination
These qualifications enable her to provide investment advice and execute securities transactions across multiple states. However, professional licenses alone don’t guarantee suitable investment recommendations or adherence to fiduciary standards.
Understanding Your Rights as an Investor
Financial advisors operate under strict regulatory requirements designed to protect investors. The suitability standard, outlined by FINRA Rule 2111 and the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest, mandates that advisors must have reasonable grounds to believe their recommendations serve their clients’ best interests.
This responsibility includes conducting thorough due diligence on several critical factors:
- Age and retirement timeline
- Current financial situation
- Tax implications
- Risk tolerance levels
- Liquidity requirements
When advisors fail to properly assess these factors or recommend unsuitable investments, they may be held liable for resulting losses.
Red Flags Investors Should Monitor
While a single complaint doesn’t necessarily indicate ongoing misconduct, investors should remain vigilant about their financial relationships. Consider these important warning signs:
- Recommendations that seem inconsistent with your stated goals
- Pressure to make quick decisions about major financial moves
- Lack of clear explanation about risks and potential consequences
- Significant changes to your portfolio without thorough discussion
- Difficulty obtaining account statements or transaction records
The Importance of Pension Plan Decisions
Pension plan liquidations represent critical financial decisions that can affect decades of retirement planning. These transactions require careful analysis of tax consequences, alternative investment options, and long-term financial impacts. Mistakes in handling pension assets can result in:
- Unnecessary tax penalties
- Loss of guaranteed retirement income
- Exposure to unsuitable investment risks
- Significant reduction in retirement security
Steps to Protect Your Investments
Whether you’re currently working with Ms. Stoll at Cetera Investment Services or any other financial advisor, taking proactive steps can help safeguard your investments:
- Review all account statements regularly and question any transactions you don’t understand
- Document all conversations with your advisor about investment recommendations
- Request written explanations for significant portfolio changes
- Seek second opinions before making major financial decisions
- Understand all fees and commissions associated with recommended products
When to Seek Legal Assistance
If you’ve experienced investment losses or believe your advisor hasn’t acted in your best interest, time is of the essence. Securities arbitration claims have strict filing deadlines, and gathering necessary documentation takes time.
Consider seeking legal counsel if you’ve experienced:
- Unexplained losses in your investment accounts
- Recommendations that clearly contradicted your stated investment objectives
- Unauthorized trading or excessive transactions
- Misrepresentation of investment risks
- Failure to disclose important information about recommended investments
Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future
Investment losses can devastate retirement plans and financial security. If you’ve worked with Amber Stoll at Cetera Investment Services or experienced similar concerns with another financial advisor, you don’t have to navigate this challenging situation alone.
Haselkorn & Thibaut brings over 50 years of experience in securities fraud law, with a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients nationwide. Our team understands the complexities of investment fraud cases and works on a no recovery, no fee basis, ensuring you can pursue justice without upfront costs.
Don’t wait to explore your options. Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced attorneys can review your situation, explain your rights, and help you understand the best path forward to potentially recover your investment losses.
Information current as of August 8, 2025. This report is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Each investor’s situation is unique, and consulting with qualified legal counsel is recommended for specific guidance.
