Christopher Warren Polimeni (CRD# 1643121) is a financial advisor and stockbroker who has been registered in the securities industry since 1987, most recently serving as a branch manager and registered representative with Western International Securities, Inc. in Pasadena and Irvine, California.
Financial Advisor’s Career History
Christopher Warren Polimeni has spent nearly four decades in the brokerage industry with multiple national and regional firms. According to FINRA BrokerCheck, his registration history includes:
- Western International Securities, Inc. (CRD# 39262) – Irvine and Pasadena, California (approximately August 2017–June 2025), where he worked as a branch manager and registered representative.
- Financial West Group (CRD# 16668) – Irvine, California (2002–2017), serving as a branch manager and registered representative and later as an investment adviser representative.
- First Allied Securities, Inc. (CRD# 32444) – San Diego, California (2002).
- Interfirst Capital Corporation (CRD# 7659) – Los Angeles, California (1999–2002).
- Financial Consultant Group, LLC (CRD# 25644) – Chatham, New Jersey (1997–1999).
- Paulson Investment Company, Inc. (CRD# 5670) – Portland, Oregon (1990–1997).
- Blinder, Robinson & Co., Inc. (CRD# 5096) – early-career employment from 1987–1990.
Throughout this period, Polimeni has held multiple principal and representative licenses, including the Series 24 and Series 7, along with state law examinations qualifying him to recommend securities and provide investment advice in numerous U.S. states and territories.
Christopher Warren Polimeni Fraud Allegations and Investor Complaints Explained
Public records show one pending customer dispute disclosed on Christopher Polimeni’s FINRA BrokerCheck report. This allegation arises from his time at Western International Securities, Inc. and focuses on the alleged misuse and conversion of customer assets.
In April 2025, a customer filed a FINRA arbitration claim against Polimeni and Western International Securities, Inc. The statement of claim alleges that Polimeni converted the customer’s assets by transferring them to a foundation, rather than handling the funds in the client’s best interest or in accordance with the client’s instructions. The claimant seeks $1,600,000 in compensatory damages. FINRA categorizes the matter as a “Customer Dispute – Pending” with “No Product” listed, indicating that the core issue is the handling and transfer of customer funds rather than a specific security, account type, or investment product.
As with any pending arbitration, these remain unproven allegations. The case could ultimately be dismissed, denied, or resolved through a settlement or award, and there has been no final finding of liability or admission of wrongdoing reported as of the most recent BrokerCheck update.
Summary of the Pending Customer Dispute
- Type of disclosure: Customer Dispute – Pending FINRA arbitration.
- Forum and case number: FINRA Arbitration, Case No. 25-00773.
- Date filed: April 15, 2025 (complaint received April 16, 2025).
- Employing firm when activity occurred: Western International Securities, Inc.
- Core allegation: Customer alleges that Polimeni converted customer assets by transferring them to a foundation.
- Alleged damages: $1,600,000 in compensatory damages.
- Current status: Complaint remains pending; no settlement, award, or final disposition reported.
Investors who believe their broker has improperly transferred or converted funds—whether into a foundation, outside account, or other vehicle—often pursue claims for conversion of funds, misappropriation, breach of fiduciary duty, and failure to supervise, among other causes of action.
To obtain a copy of Christopher Warren Polimeni’s FINRA BrokerCheck report, visit this link
Robert Wayne Pearce Is Committed to Recovering Your Investment Losses
FINRA Rule 2150 – Improper Use of Customers’ Securities or Funds
FINRA Rule 2150 (Improper Use of Customers’ Securities or Funds; Prohibition Against Guarantees and Sharing in Accounts) prohibits brokers and member firms from making improper use of customer funds or securities. At its core, the rule forbids brokers from treating client assets as if they were their own or from using those assets for any purpose not authorized by the customer.
In the arbitration involving Christopher Warren Polimeni, the claimant alleges that he “converted customer’s assets by transferring them to a foundation.” If a FINRA panel ultimately finds that customer funds were moved to a foundation without clear authorization, documentation, or a legitimate investment purpose, that conduct could be viewed as an improper use of customer assets in violation of Rule 2150.
Allegations of conversion of customer funds frequently appear alongside accusations of theft and forgery, particularly where account paperwork, signatures, or instructions are allegedly altered or misrepresented to facilitate unauthorized transfers. While there is no finding of such conduct here as of the latest report, Rule 2150 is one of the primary standards arbitrators consider when evaluating whether an advisor misused client assets.
FINRA Rule 2010 – Standards of Commercial Honor and Just and Equitable Principles of Trade
FINRA Rule 2010 requires all associated persons to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” This broad ethical rule is often charged in tandem with more specific rules, such as Rule 2150, whenever alleged misconduct fundamentally undermines investor trust or the integrity of the markets.
Even if a particular transfer does not involve a traditional securities transaction, arbitrators and regulators frequently evaluate alleged conversion or misappropriation of client funds under Rule 2010. In Polimeni’s case, the customer’s claim that assets were transferred to a foundation—if proven without proper authority or disclosure—could be characterized as inconsistent with “just and equitable principles of trade,” because it would reflect self-interested or reckless handling of client assets rather than the careful stewardship expected of a registered financial professional.
Rule 2010 thus serves as a catch-all standard that may apply whenever a broker’s conduct is deceptive, dishonest, or otherwise inconsistent with the high ethical duties owed to customers, even outside the context of buying or selling specific securities.
FINRA Rule 3110 – Supervision
FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision) requires brokerage firms to establish and maintain a supervisory system reasonably designed to achieve compliance with securities laws and FINRA rules. This includes written supervisory procedures (WSPs) for monitoring customer accounts, reviewing fund transfers, and detecting red flags associated with potential conversion or misuse of assets.
In matters like the pending claim against Polimeni, arbitrators often scrutinize whether the employing firm—in this instance, Western International Securities, Inc.—had adequate systems in place to:
- Review and approve transfers from customer accounts to outside entities, such as foundations or charities.
- Flag unusually large or repetitive withdrawals for closer review.
- Require additional documentation or customer confirmation when funds were being directed to a destination that did not clearly benefit the client.
If a firm fails to design or enforce appropriate supervision around such transfers, arbitrators may find a violation of Rule 3110 and hold the firm liable for failure to supervise, even where the broker is alleged to have acted independently. Investors pursuing claims related to conversion or misappropriation will often name both the broker and the brokerage firm, seeking to recover losses from the broker’s employer based on supervisory failures.
Losing savings to alleged conversion or misuse of funds can be devastating, particularly when the conduct involves a trusted financial professional. Investors who suspect that an advisor transferred assets to a foundation, outside account, or other destination without proper authority should seek immediate legal advice to evaluate potential claims and preserve key evidence.
For over 45 years, Robert Wayne Pearce has helped investors recover losses caused by broker fraud, negligence, and unsuitable recommendations. His firm, The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., represents clients nationwide on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. Call (800) 732-2889 or email pearce@rwpearce.com for a free case review with an experienced securities attorney.