Haselkorn & Thibaut, a national investment fraud law firm, has opened an investigation into Kenneth Wayne Finnell, a former financial advisor and stockbroker in Temecula, CA, regarding potential investment losses and customer concerns connected with his time at several major broker-dealers, including Centaurus Financial, Inc. If you invested with Ken Finnell, this report is essential reading for understanding your rights and possible next steps.
Kenneth Wayne Finnell: Professional Background & Registration Status
Table of Contents
Kenneth Wayne Finnell (CRD #1184110) has been involved in the securities industry since 1986, previously registered with a variety of notable firms:
- Centaurus Financial, Inc. (2012 – 2018)
- John P. Dubots Capital Management, LLC (2018 – 2021)
- Newport Coast Securities, Inc. (2009 – 2012)
- LPL Financial Corporation (2007 – 2009)
- Raymond James Financial Services (2006 – 2007)
- Securities America (2002 – 2006)
- The Advisors Group (1995 – 2002)
- John Hancock entities (1991 – 1995)
- Penn Mutual Equity Services (1986 – 1991)
As of the most recent update, Kenneth Finnell is not currently registered as a broker with FINRA. His years in the industry spanned multiple product types and regulatory periods, giving him a significant tenure in both brokerage and investment advisory roles, including holding the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation.
Summary Table: Kenneth Wayne Finnell & Centaurus Financial, Inc.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Advisor Name | Kenneth Wayne Finnell |
| Advisor CRD | 1184110 |
| Broker-Dealer | Centaurus Financial, Inc. (most recent; 2012–2018) |
| Location | Temecula, California |
Customer Complaints, Claim Settlements & Red Flags
Over his career, investor complaints and regulatory filings have raised several red flags about Ken Finnell’s conduct, especially related to his years at Centaurus Financial, Inc. and prior broker-dealers. Investors should be aware of the following specific, reported settlements and allegations:
-
Centaurus Financial, Inc. — FINRA Case No. 22-02373
Allegation: Unsuitable and unsuccessful investments (real-estate security).
Timeline: Filed October 2022, Settled June 2024 for $37,500. -
Centaurus Financial, Inc. — FINRA Case No. 21-01714
Allegation: Over-concentration in unsuitable investments (equipment leasing, oil & gas, real-estate securities).
Timeline: Filed July 2021, Settled December 2023 for $2,000,000. -
LPL Financial / Newport Coast Securities — FINRA Case No. 13-01721
Allegation: Breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, poor advice, failure to supervise, violations of California Corporations Code (linked to REITs; period: July 2007–April 2012).
Timeline: Filed July 2013, Settled January 2015 for $11,000.
Summary of Allegations
- Unsuitability / Over-Concentration
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Failure to Supervise
- Misrepresentation or Omission of Material Facts
These patterns indicate persistent concerns about whether investors’ portfolios were appropriately diversified, whether the advisor acted in clients’ best interests, and whether all key risks were disclosed at the point of sale.
Tax Liens and Personal Financial Disclosures
Kenneth Finnell has disclosed multiple outstanding tax liens, which may be considered additional risk factors when evaluating a financial professional’s ethics or stability:
- State of California tax lien: $22,255 (filed 12/23/2003)
- IRS tax liens: $52,780 and $41,971 (filed 5/1/2013, Riverside County)
- IRS tax lien: $46,274 (filed 1/12/2015, Riverside, CA Recorder)
While tax liens are not always indicative of professional misconduct, they are a key disclosure item—especially for investors assessing risk and accountability.
How to Check FINRA BrokerCheck for Updates
For the most accurate, up-to-date disclosure information, visit FINRA BrokerCheck and search for “Kenneth Wayne Finnell” or CRD# 1184110. There you’ll find registration history, disclosures, and additional details on any customer complaints, arbitrations, or regulatory actions.
What Should Investors Do Now?
If you invested with Kenneth Wayne Finnell—especially during his time at Centaurus Financial, Inc. or affiliated broker-dealers—and have questions about your account or believe you may have suffered investment losses, it’s essential to take prompt action. Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an independent investigation into customer claims relating to Ken Finnell and can provide a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to help you understand your options.
Why Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut?
- 98% client success rate and millions recovered for investors nationwide
- Over 50 years of experience handling investment fraud, negligence, unsuitable investment, and failure-to-supervise matters
- All cases are handled on a contingency basis—no recovery, no fee
- Personal consultation directly with a skilled attorney
- Nationwide reach and in-depth knowledge of the securities arbitration process
You are not alone. If your portfolio suffered or you have concerns about how your investments were managed by Ken Finnell, Haselkorn & Thibaut can help. Take advantage of their offer for a free, confidential consultation: Call 1-888-885-7162 today.
