Our firm is investigating Signature Estate Securities, LLC financial advisor and stockbroker Christopher Michael Gardner (CRD# 6399817) of Los Angeles, California for potential investment-related misconduct.
Financial Advisor’s Career History
Based on his publicly reported registration and employment history, Gardner’s securities industry experience includes roles with the following firms:
- Towneley Capital Management, Inc. (Investment Adviser Representative) — 09/2015 to 09/2019 (Laguna Hills, CA)
- SEIA (Investment Adviser Representative) — 01/24/2020 to Present (Los Angeles, CA)
- Osaic Wealth, Inc. (Registered Representative) — 01/2020 to 08/2023 (Los Angeles, CA)
- Signature Estate Securities, LLC (Registered Representative) — 08/21/2023 to Present (Los Angeles, CA)
Christopher Michael Gardner Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained
Pending customer complaint alleging unsuitable options trading (Options)
FINRA BrokerCheck reflects one pending customer dispute involving Gardner. The complaint alleges unsuitability regarding option trading and seeks $465,000 in alleged damages. The complaint was received on 10/14/2025, and the matter is marked pending (status date 11/07/2025). No settlement amount or individual contribution amount is reported.
Disclosures reported on BrokerCheck (for context):
- Customer Dispute (Pending) — Complaint received 10/14/2025 — Allegations: unsuitability regarding option trading — Product: options — Alleged damages: $465,000 — Status date: 11/07/2025 — Disposition: pending
To obtain a copy of Christopher Michael Gardner’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link.
Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses
FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) requires brokers to have a reasonable basis to believe a recommendation is suitable for a customer based on the customer’s investment profile (including factors like risk tolerance, investment objectives, financial situation, and experience). In an options-related complaint alleging unsuitability, the core issue is often whether the recommended options strategy was appropriate given the customer’s profile and whether the broker had an adequate basis for the recommendation.
FINRA Rule 2090 (Know Your Customer) requires member firms and associated persons to use reasonable diligence to know the essential facts concerning every customer. In the context of options trading, allegations may arise when an advisor fails to adequately understand (or document) the customer’s financial circumstances, investment goals, time horizon, and ability to bear loss before recommending complex or leveraged strategies.
FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade) broadly requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. When a customer alleges unsuitable options trading, Rule 2010 may be implicated if the conduct reflects unfair sales practices—such as placing a customer into excessive risk, recommending strategies inconsistent with the customer’s stated goals, or failing to deal fairly in the recommendation process.
Losing your savings to a dishonest broker or advisor can be devastating, but you do not have to face it alone. Robert Wayne Pearce and his team have spent over four decades helping investors who were misled or defrauded by Wall Street firms. The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A. takes cases nationwide on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover your losses. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com today for a free and confidential consultation.