Our firm is investigating Merrill Lynch financial advisor Jason R. Griffin (CRD# 2725523) of Monterey, California for potential investment-related misconduct.
Financial Advisor’s Career History
Based on the BrokerCheck report, Griffin’s securities industry registration history includes:
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (registered since July 2019) — branch locations shown in Monterey, CA and Newport Beach, CA
- J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (10/2012 – 07/2019)
- Chase Investment Services Corp. (06/2010 – 10/2012)
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (06/1997 – 02/1999)
- Prudential Securities Incorporated (05/1996 – 06/1997)
The report also reflects investment-related employment entries showing Griffin as a Financial Advisor (AGP) with Bank of America, N.A. (08/2019–Present) and Merrill Lynch (07/2019–Present).
Jason R. Griffin Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained
FINRA BrokerCheck reflects one (1) pending customer dispute reported for Griffin.
Disclosure snapshot (for quick context)
- Customer Dispute (Pending) — Allegations of unauthorized and excessive trading; complaint received 12/23/2025; alleged activity in October–November 2025; product noted as Managed/Wrap Accounts (In House Money Manager); alleged damages listed as $0.00 with “damages not specified.”
What the pending complaint alleges
According to the disclosure details, the customer’s attorney alleges unauthorized and excessive trading in the account during October and November 2025. The matter is shown as a written complaint and is marked pending as of the report.
To obtain a copy of Jason R. Griffin’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link.
Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses
FINRA Rule 3260 (Discretionary Accounts) generally requires that a broker obtain proper written authorization (and account acceptance by the firm) before exercising discretion—i.e., placing trades without the customer’s prior approval for each transaction. In a complaint alleging unauthorized trading, a core question is whether the account was treated as discretionary (in practice or on paper) without the required approvals, and whether trades were executed contrary to the customer’s instructions or consent.
FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) requires that recommendations (and, in many cases, strategy-level decisions) be suitable based on the customer’s investment profile (objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, liquidity needs, etc.). Where a customer alleges excessive trading, suitability concerns often overlap with whether the trading strategy and frequency made sense for the investor’s profile and whether the activity primarily benefited the account (or instead generated unnecessary costs/turnover).
FINRA Rule 4511 (Books and Records) requires broker-dealers to make and preserve required books and records in conformity with applicable rules. In disputes involving unauthorized trading or excessive trading, accurate records of client instructions, account documentation (including any discretionary authority paperwork), and supervisory documentation can be critical in determining what was authorized, what was recommended, and what oversight occurred.
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.