Our firm is investigating Morgan Stanley financial advisor and registered representative Gabriel Adam Lavigne (CRD# 5571035) of Shrewsbury, New Jersey for potential investment-related misconduct.
Financial Advisor’s Career History
Based on his FINRA registration and employment history, Gabriel Adam Lavigne has been registered with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC since May 30, 2025 (Shrewsbury, New Jersey). Prior to Morgan Stanley, he was registered with UBS Financial Services Inc. from November 2013 to June 2025 (New Jersey); Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated from September 2011 to November 2013; David Lerner Associates, Inc. from September 2009 to October 2011; and MetLife Securities Inc. from August 2008 to October 2009.
Gabriel Adam Lavigne Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained
FINRA BrokerCheck reports one customer dispute disclosure for Gabriel Adam Lavigne.
Closed customer complaint (Denied) alleging unsuitable indexed annuity purchase — activity August 2025; complaint received December 22, 2025
According to the disclosure details, the client alleged, inter alia, that the purchase of an annuity did not align with her stated goals (referencing August 2025). The product type is identified as an indexed annuity. The complaint was received on December 22, 2025, and the matter was reported as Denied with a status date of January 23, 2026.
FINRA’s report lists alleged damages of $0.00, and separately notes the alleged damages amount as “UNSPECIFIED.” The event is described as a written complaint and is not listed as arbitration/civil litigation.
Disclosures (for context):
- Customer Dispute (Denied) — Allegation: indexed annuity purchase did not align with stated goals (referencing Aug. 2025); Date complaint received: 12/22/2025; Status date: 01/23/2026; Alleged damages: $0.00 / UNSPECIFIED; Forum: written complaint; Arbitration/Civil Litigation: No.
To obtain a copy of Gabriel Adam Lavigne’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link.
Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses
FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) is often implicated when a customer alleges an annuity recommendation did not align with their stated goals. In this context, the rule generally requires that the advisor have a reasonable basis to believe the recommendation is suitable based on the customer’s investment profile (including objectives, risk tolerance, time horizon, and liquidity needs). Where the complaint asserts the indexed annuity purchase did not match the customer’s goals (referencing August 2025), Rule 2111 is commonly analyzed against the product’s features (e.g., surrender charges/illiquidity) and the customer’s stated objectives and constraints.
FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer) can be relevant in “goals mismatch” disputes because it requires firms to use reasonable diligence to know and retain the essential facts concerning every customer. If a client later claims the indexed annuity did not fit her goals, Rule 2090 is often examined alongside suitability to determine whether the advisor and firm adequately understood and documented the customer’s objectives and circumstances before recommending and executing the transaction.
FINRA Rule 4511 (Books and Records / General Requirements) frequently matters because the outcome of indexed annuity disputes can hinge on documentation—what was explained, what was disclosed, what the customer requested, and what the advisor recorded as the basis for the recommendation. When a written complaint alleges the annuity purchase was inconsistent with stated goals, the availability and quality of contemporaneous records (applications, disclosures, notes, and communications) can be central to evaluating liability and damages.
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.