Our firm is investigating Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC financial advisor and broker Sam T. Su (CRD# 4232029) of San Francisco, California for potential investment-related misconduct tied to a pending FINRA arbitration.
Financial Advisor’s Career History
Sam T. Su entered the securities industry in 2000. His BrokerCheck report reflects registrations with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated from 2000 to 2002, Morgan Stanley DW Inc. / Morgan Stanley from 2002 to 2005, Merrill Lynch again from 2005 to 2008, UBS Financial Services Inc. from 2008 to 2023, Morgan Stanley from 2023 to 2025, and Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC beginning on February 25, 2025.
The report shows Su is currently registered as both a broker and an investment adviser representative through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, with a listed San Francisco branch location at 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 3100, San Francisco, California 94104.
Sam T. Su Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained
FINRA BrokerCheck reflects one pending customer dispute for Sam T. Su. The dispute is identified as FINRA Arbitration docket number 25-00831, with notice served on April 25, 2025.
Pending FINRA Arbitration Alleging Unsuitable Strategy
In one version of the disclosure reported by a firm, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney is listed as the employing firm when the alleged conduct occurred. That disclosure states that the claimant alleged, among other things, that the investment strategy executed in the client’s account was unsuitable during the period from September 2023 through December 2024. The products identified include listed equities and a non-broker-dealer affiliate product. That version shows damages as unspecified, while the form also displays $0.00 in the damages field.
UBS-Related Allegations of Concentration and Risk-Tolerance Mismatch
A second version of the same pending arbitration, reported by UBS Financial Services Inc., alleges that from 2011 through 2023 the client’s account was not invested in accordance with her investment objectives and risk tolerance. It further alleges that the account was concentrated in speculative and volatile investments, including an alleged 80% position in a single stock, and also alleges inappropriate behavior and conduct toward the client. That version lists claimed damages of $50,000,000.00.
Broker-Reported Version of the Same Arbitration
The broker-reported version of the same case lists UBS Financial Services Inc. and Morgan Stanley as the employing firms. It repeats allegations that the account was not managed consistent with the client’s objectives and risk tolerance, was concentrated in speculative and volatile equities, and included an alleged 80% concentration in one stock. It also repeats the allegation of inappropriate behavior and conduct, and it likewise lists claimed damages of $50,000,000.00. Because the matter is pending, the allegations have not been adjudicated in the BrokerCheck report.
Disclosure Summary
- Customer Dispute / FINRA Arbitration No. 25-00831 — Pending; notice served 04/25/2025; one firm-reported version alleges an unsuitable investment strategy from September 2023 to December 2024 involving listed equities and a non-broker-dealer affiliate product; damages listed as unspecified.
- Customer Dispute / FINRA Arbitration No. 25-00831 — Pending; UBS-reported version alleges the account was not invested per the client’s objectives and risk tolerance during 2011–2023, was concentrated in speculative and volatile investments, and at one point held 80% in a single stock; alleged damages $50,000,000.00.
- Customer Dispute / FINRA Arbitration No. 25-00831 — Pending; broker-reported version names UBS Financial Services Inc. and Morgan Stanley and repeats the concentration, risk-tolerance, and conduct allegations; alleged damages $50,000,000.00.
The BrokerCheck report currently reflects a pending customer dispute and does not show a final resolution on the merits. To obtain a copy of Sam T. Su’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link.
Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses
FINRA Rule 2111 and Allegations of Unsuitable Recommendations
FINRA Rule 2111 is the suitability rule. It requires a broker to have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy involving securities is suitable for the customer based on the customer’s investment profile. Allegations that an account was placed into an unsuitable strategy, concentrated in speculative and volatile investments, or loaded heavily into a single stock are the kinds of allegations that commonly trigger scrutiny under Rule 2111.
FINRA Rule 2090 and Customer Investment Objectives
FINRA Rule 2090 is the know-your-customer rule. It requires member firms to use reasonable diligence to know the essential facts concerning each customer and the authority of persons acting on the customer’s behalf. Where a complaint alleges that an account was not invested consistently with the client’s stated objectives and risk tolerance over an extended period, that kind of fact pattern can raise questions about whether the broker adequately understood and maintained the essential facts needed to service the account properly.
FINRA Rule 2010 and Standards of Commercial Honor
FINRA Rule 2010 requires brokers and firms to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. If allegations such as unsuitable recommendations, extreme concentration, or inappropriate conduct toward a client were proven, FINRA could evaluate that conduct under Rule 2010 as part of its broader ethical standards framework.
The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. is a nationally recognized securities law firm representing investors in FINRA arbitration and securities fraud cases on a contingency fee basis. Robert Wayne Pearce, the founding attorney, has more than 45 years of experience recovering millions for victims of broker misconduct and investment fraud. He previously defended major brokerage firms and now uses that insight to protect investors nationwide. To discuss your case directly with Mr. Pearce, call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free consultation.