Haselkorn & Thibaut has opened an investigation into Ronkonkoma, New York financial advisor Antonio Molinos following recent regulatory actions by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The investigation focuses on allegations of excessive trading and unsuitable investment recommendations that resulted in significant client losses.
Understanding the Recent FINRA Action Against Antonio Molinos
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In August 2025, FINRA issued a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) against Antonio Molinos (CRD# 2764977), currently registered with Spartan Capital Securities. The regulatory action centers on allegations of excessive and unsuitable trading in client accounts between April 2020 and April 2022.
The case involves a 56-year-old retiree who relied heavily on Molinos’s investment advice. According to FINRA’s findings, Molinos exercised de facto control over the client’s accounts, making numerous trades that were deemed inappropriate for the customer’s financial situation.
Key Details of the Excessive Trading Allegations
The regulatory findings paint a concerning picture of the trading activity in question:
| Account Type | Number of Trades | Commissions Generated | Realized Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual Brokerage | 99 trades | $72,182 | $86,204 |
| IRA Account | 41 trades | $15,435 | $1,716 |
| Total | 140 trades | $87,617 | $87,920 |
These numbers reveal a troubling pattern. The client experienced total losses of $87,920 while generating $87,617 in commissions – meaning nearly every dollar lost by the client translated into commission income.
Red Flags Investors Should Watch For
This case highlights several warning signs that investors should monitor in their own accounts:
- Excessive trading frequency: 140 trades over a two-year period in retirement accounts may indicate churning
- High commission-to-loss ratio: When commissions nearly equal client losses, it suggests the trading primarily benefited the broker
- De facto control: Advisors who make all trading decisions without meaningful client input may not act in your best interest
- Unsuitable recommendations: Even aggressive investors deserve strategies aligned with their overall financial situation
Antonio Molinos’s Professional Background
Understanding an advisor’s history can provide valuable context. Molinos brings 23 years of securities industry experience, having worked with numerous firms throughout his career:
His recent registrations include:
- Spartan Capital Securities (2024-present)
- KC Ward Financial
- PHX Financial
- Joseph Stone Capital
- Joseph Gunnar & Company
Molinos has passed four securities qualifying examinations, including the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law). However, he is not currently licensed in any state, which may limit his ability to conduct business in certain jurisdictions.
Understanding Your Rights as an Investor
If you’ve experienced similar issues with your financial advisor, you have important rights and options:
You may be entitled to recover losses if your advisor:
- Engaged in excessive trading in your account
- Made unsuitable investment recommendations
- Generated excessive commissions at your expense
- Failed to act in your best interest
The Importance of Account Monitoring
This case underscores why investors must regularly review their account statements. Look for unusual trading patterns, unexpected losses, or commission charges that seem excessive relative to your account’s performance.
Consider these protective measures:
- Review monthly statements carefully
- Question trades you don’t understand
- Calculate your commission-to-gain ratio
- Ensure your advisor explains their strategy clearly
FINRA’s Regulatory Response
As a result of their investigation, FINRA imposed a three-month suspension on Molinos, prohibiting him from associating with any member firm in any capacity. This regulatory action demonstrates FINRA’s commitment to protecting investors from potentially harmful trading practices.
The suspension serves as both a punishment and a warning to other financial professionals about the consequences of unsuitable trading recommendations.
What This Means for Current and Former Clients
If you’ve worked with Antonio Molinos or Spartan Capital Securities, now is the time to review your account history carefully. Look for patterns similar to those identified in the FINRA action:
- Frequent trading that generated significant commissions
- Investment losses that seem disproportionate to market conditions
- Recommendations that didn’t align with your stated investment goals
- Pressure to make trades you didn’t fully understand
Taking Action to Protect Your Interests
Investment losses due to advisor misconduct can devastate retirement plans and financial security. The good news is that investors have recourse through FINRA arbitration, which provides a forum for recovering losses caused by unsuitable recommendations or excessive trading.
Time limits apply to filing claims, so prompt action is essential. The sooner you address potential issues, the better positioned you’ll be to recover your losses.
Get Help Understanding Your Options
Haselkorn & Thibaut specializes in helping investors recover losses from advisor misconduct. With over 50 years of experience and a 98% success rate, the firm has recovered millions for clients nationwide. They work on a contingency basis – no recovery, no fee.
If you’ve experienced investment losses or suspect your advisor engaged in excessive trading, don’t wait. Call Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-888-885-7162 for a free consultation. Their experienced team can review your situation, explain your options, and help you understand whether you have a viable claim.
Investment fraud and unsuitable trading practices affect thousands of investors each year. By taking action, you not only protect your own interests but also help ensure advisors are held accountable for their actions. Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 to discuss your situation with a knowledgeable professional who understands the complexities of securities law and investor protection.
