Kelley Slaught: California Wealth Advisor Lands $100K Bond Complaint

A recent investor complaint against Santa Barbara, California financial advisor Kelley Slaught (CRD# 1126586) alleges that she made an unsuitable investment recommendation. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that she is registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Centaurus Financial, doing business as California Wealth Advisors.

Ms. Slaught’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in March 2024, it alleges that as a representative of Centaurus Financial, she breached her fiduciary duty and “recommended an unsuitable, high-risk, illiquid investment” in a corporate bond. The pending complaint alleges damages of $100,000.

In a statement included with the pending complaint’s disclosure, Ms. Slaught “vehemently” denied the allegations against her, describing them as “completely” meritless. “The investments about which the customer complained were suitable and were recommended based on the customer’s objectives, goals and financial circumstances and were offered only after his review of all material documentation related to the investment,” she wrote, adding that the customer confirmed in writing that they understood the product’s risks and features. “At all times, I put the customer’s interest first and I will vigorously defend this matter to the fullest extent of the law.”

California Wealth Advisors’ website includes a profile of Ms. Slaught that describes her background and experiences. “She helps clients make wise investment and financial decisions based on uncompromising trust, integrity and customized service,” it explains. “Partnering with her clients, she establishes a financial map preparing them to retire with ease. She accomplishes this by providing complete and diligent advisory services to help clients prioritize and attain their goals.”

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Kelley Slaught holds 11 years of securities industry experience. Based in Santa Barbara, California, she has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Centaurus Financial since 2012 and 2013, respectively, doing business as California Wealth Advisors. Her credentials include the passage of four securities industry qualifying exams: the General Securities Principal Examination, or Series 24; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; and the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66. She is licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Oregon, and Washington. (Information current as of April 14, 2024.)

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