Pending investor complaint puts Rich Jirinec of PHX Financial under review

Financial Advisor Lost My Money
Haselkorn & Thibaut has initiated an investigation into Rich Jirinec (CRD# 2580370), a financial advisor based in Jupiter, Florida, currently registered with PHX Financial (also known as Phoenix Financial Group). As an investor, understanding the background, regulatory history, and disclosure record of any financial professional is essential before entrusting your finances. This in-depth research report offers a closer look at Rich Jirinec’s career, complaint history, industry standards, and what investors should be aware of when working with him and his broker-dealer.

Who Is Rich Jirinec?

Rich Jirinec has established a lengthy presence in the securities industry, spanning nearly three decades. Based in Jupiter, Florida, he is currently registered as a broker with PHX Financial (Phoenix Financial Group). According to regulatory sources, he began his securities career over twenty-nine years ago, holding numerous industry qualifications, including the Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, and Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exams. Over the years, he has maintained active licenses in 22 states.

His registration history includes:

  • PHX Financial (Phoenix Financial Group) – Jupiter, FL, since March 2015
  • Securities America
  • Dalton Strategic Investment Services
  • America’s Choice Equities
  • Gunnallen Financial
  • Harrison Securities
  • Whitehall Wellington Investments
  • Gaines Berland
  • HGI

Regulatory History and Disclosures

Investors should be aware that the regulatory disclosures and complaint history for an advisor can change over time. As of June 2024, a thorough review of FINRA’s BrokerCheck and major regulatory sources reveals the following for Rich Jirinec:

Customer Complaints 0
Customer Arbitrations 0
Regulatory Actions 0
Civil Judgments/Bankruptcies 0
Tax Liens 0

Available data from the SEC, PACER, Florida Office of Financial Regulation, and major legal news outlets similarly indicate no disclosed regulatory actions, lawsuits, or investigations involving Rich Jirinec personally. It’s important, however, to remember that these databases are routinely updated, and investors should always check directly for the latest information.

Recent Complaint and Pending Allegation

While the June 2024 public record shows no complaints, more recent updates point to an important disclosure. As of January 2026, Rich Jirinec’s BrokerCheck report reveals a pending investor complaint filed in December 2025. This complaint alleges that, as a representative of PHX Financial, he violated Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) in connection with a deceased client’s account. The claimant is seeking $1,180,000 in damages. This complaint is still listed as pending, meaning no final determination or settlement has been posted yet.

To summarize the main complaints on record:

  • 2025 (Pending): Violation of Regulation Best Interest in deceased client’s account; damages alleged: $1,180,000.
  • 2000 (Resolved): Unauthorized buying and selling of stocks as a representative of Whitehall Wellington Investments. Settled in 2001 for $7,500.

Beyond these, no other public complaints, litigation, or enforcement actions have been reported against Mr. Jirinec.

Key Regulations and Advisor Responsibilities

If you’re evaluating your investments with a financial advisor, it’s critical to know the standards financial professionals must uphold:

  • FINRA’s Suitability Rule (Rule 2111) and Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI): Advisors must have a reasonable basis to believe that any recommendation they make is suitable for the client, based on the client’s investment profile, experience, and risk tolerance. This means:

    • Conducting reasonable due diligence regarding the investment and the investor’s background
    • Ensuring recommendations do not exceed the client’s risk tolerance
    • Being prepared to justify why a given product or strategy is in the client’s best interest
  • Duty of care and loyalty: Advisors must prioritize the client’s interests and avoid conflicts of interest when recommending financial products or strategies.
  • Account activity oversight: Engaging in unauthorized trading, excessive transactions (churning), or misrepresentation can lead to significant liability for both the advisor and the brokerage firm.

Red Flags for Investors

When considering an advisor or reviewing your existing accounts, watch for these signs that could indicate issues:

  • Unexplained or unauthorized investment activity in your accounts
  • Recommendations inconsistent with your financial goals or risk profile
  • Difficulty obtaining documentation or answers to your questions
  • Pressure to trade or shift investments frequently
  • Significant or unusual losses not adequately explained
  • Pending regulatory complaints or legal actions

If you notice any of these, it’s wise to seek an independent review from a trusted law firm experienced in securities and investment fraud.

Why Choose Haselkorn & Thibaut?

Haselkorn & Thibaut is a national law firm with over 50 years of experience helping investors recover losses caused by financial advisors and broker-dealers. With a 98% success rate and no recovery, no fee promise, their attorneys have secured millions on behalf of clients in all 50 states. If you or a loved one have questions or concerns about your investments with Rich Jirinec of PHX Financial, or if you’ve experienced losses due to questionable recommendations or account handling, you are not alone.

Contact Haselkorn & Thibaut for a free, confidential consultation. Call 1-888-885-7162 or visit investmentfraudlawyers.com. There is no cost or obligation, and their experience can help you evaluate your options and next steps.

Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future

Monitoring your advisor’s record and understanding both visible and emerging red flags is crucial for protecting your investments. If you would like to review your account activity or discuss a potential claim related to Rich Jirinec (Jupiter, Florida) or PHX Financial, don’t hesitate to reach out. A proactive approach today can help preserve your financial security tomorrow.

For more details on the current regulatory history of Rich Jirinec, visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck and connect with Haselkorn & Thibaut to get the answers and support you deserve.

Disclaimer: The information contained in any post on this website is derived from publicly available sources and is not guaranteed as to accuracy and often involves allegations which may or may not be proven at some point in the future. All posts are believed to be accurate as of the time of original posting, but the accuracy and details are subject to and expected to change over time and which may contain opinions of the author at the time posted.
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