Financial Advisor Lost My Money

Kestra Investment Services Discharges John J. Perillo Over Client Funds Policy Issues

Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A., operating as Investment Fraud Lawyers, has opened an independent investigation into John J. Perillo (CRD #2544845), a former registered representative last associated with Kestra Investment Services, LLC. Our attorneys are leveraging over 95+ years of combined securities law experience and their background as former Wall Street defense lawyers to empower investors like you to recover losses—using the full weight of our insider knowledge and record of success.

Our investigation focuses on recent disclosures tied to Mr. Perillo’s departure from his broker-dealer and whether any investors may have suffered financial harm or improper handling of their funds as a result.

Background: Who Is John J. Perillo?

John J. Perillo is a financial advisor whose most recent registration was with Kestra Investment Services, LLC. His past affiliations also include UBS Financial Services Inc. and Mercer Allied Company, L.P. According to BrokerCheck, Mr. Perillo is not currently registered as a broker or investment adviser.

Advisor Name CRD Number Most Recent Broker-Dealer Previous Registrations
John J. Perillo 2544845 Kestra Investment Services, LLC UBS Financial Services Inc.
Mercer Allied Company, L.P.

Red Flags: Why Haselkorn & Thibaut Is Investigating John Perillo

On August 5, 2026, Kestra Investment Services, LLC discharged John Perillo for violations of firm policy. According to his public FINRA BrokerCheck report as of September 13, 2026, the cited reason was borrowing funds from multiple clients and taking custody of client assets for a bill-pay service.

These alleged actions represent serious compliance and ethical concerns for any registered representative, raising fundamental questions regarding fiduciary obligations and the prohibition of personal financial transactions between advisors and their clients.

  • Borrowing Funds from Clients: The act of borrowing money from clients is a clear red flag within the industry. FINRA Rule 3240 establishes that brokers may not borrow from clients except in extremely limited circumstances, and even then, only with firm approval.
  • Custody of Client Funds: Holding custody of client assets or using them for bill-pay or any personal service is strictly regulated. FINRA Rule 2150 prohibits the improper use of customer securities or funds under any circumstances.

FINRA Rules at Issue: Investor Protection Standards

  • FINRA Rule 3240 (Prohibition on Borrowing): Brokers may not borrow from or lend money to customers except under rare, well-documented exceptions. These arrangements must be disclosed and approved in writing by the firm.
  • FINRA Rule 2150 (Improper Use of Funds): This rule prohibits any use of client funds or securities outside the ordinary scope of the customer’s investments. It protects retail investors from undisclosed risks and unauthorized access.

Any violation of these standards may violate both firm policy and industry rules. These rules are in place to build trust and maintain clear boundaries between advisors and their clients.

Why This Matters to Investors: Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)

Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) went into effect nationwide in June 2020, raising the conduct standard for broker-dealers and financial advisors. Under Reg BI, advisors must:

  • Put the investor’s financial interest ahead of their own
  • Disclose all material relationships, fees, and conflicts of interest
  • Evaluate costs, risks, and alternatives before making recommendations
  • Maintain strong internal compliance and review procedures

Any potential conflict, especially involving the handling of clients’ own money, must be handled with the utmost transparency and integrity.

Complete List of Public Disclosures and Complaints Against John J. Perillo

As of the most recent public disclosures reviewed by our attorneys, we have found:

  • Employment Separation Disclosure: John J. Perillo was terminated by Kestra Investment Services, LLC for alleged violations of firm policy related to borrowing from clients and taking custody of client funds.
  • Customer Complaints/Arbitration Filings: None reported
  • Regulatory Actions (SEC, FINRA, State): None reported
  • Criminal/Civil Litigation: None reported
  • Bankruptcy Filings: None reported
  • Industry Press or News Investigations: None reported

The only negative disclosure presently identified is the policy-violation termination by Kestra Investment Services, LLC involving issues related to client funds. There are currently no customer-initiated disputes, regulatory enforcement actions, SEC proceedings, or civil cases listed in major federal or state court databases based on our review. However, concerns involving unauthorized borrowing or custody of client assets often come to light only after a more detailed investigation or when harmed investors step forward.

If You Invested with John J. Perillo—You Have Rights

If you worked with John J. Perillo through Kestra Investment Services, LLC, UBS Financial Services Inc., or Mercer Allied Company, L.P., and have experienced:

  • Difficulties accessing your funds
  • Unexplained withdrawals
  • Requests for personal loans by your advisor
  • Concerns about how your money was being handled

We encourage you to act promptly. Our attorneys can review your account statements in detail, identify possible violations, evaluate your options for recovering losses, and recommend next steps. We have a 98% success rate, operate on a “No recovery, no fee” basis, and have been recognized among the Top 2% of securities attorneys nationwide, including Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent and Super Lawyers honors.

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Take Action: Free Case Consultation with Investment Fraud Lawyers

Every investor deserves answers and the opportunity to pursue recovery. If you suspect losses or misconduct associated with John J. Perillo—whether or not you received a formal disclosure—contact our firm for a confidential, no-obligation case review. In many matters, early action can be important to preserving claims and maximizing potential recovery.

Schedule your free consultation now:

  • Call our attorneys directly at 1-888-885-7162
  • Or use our secure online contact form at InvestmentFraudLawyers.com

Your recovery starts with the right advocate. Rely on our knowledge, experience, and record of results to help protect your rights as an investor.

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