Jason Griffin: Unauthorized Trading Complaint Against Merrill Advisor

A recent investor complaint against Newport Beach, California financial advisor Jason Griffin (CRD# 2725523) made unauthorized transactions. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Merrill Lynch.

Mr. Griffin’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in December 2025, it alleges that as a representative of Merrill Lynch, he made unauthorized and excessive trading in the customer’s account. The pending complaint alleges damages of an unspecified amount.

FINRA rules forbid brokers like Mr. Griffin from effecting securities trades without a customer’s authorization. FINRA Rule 3260, for example, describes specific circumstances in which brokers can make discretionary transactions—that is, in which they can execute trades without first consulting the customer. The rule stipulates that they may not exercise discretionary authority without first obtaining the client’s written authorization, as well as the firm’s written approval of the account for discretionary trading. In addition, FINRA Rule 2020 stipulates that brokers may not “effect any transaction in, or induce the purchase or sale of, any security by means of any manipulative, deceptive or other fraudulent device or contrivance.” Finally, FINRA Rule 2010 states that brokers must “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” Brokers who engage in unauthorized trading may be held liable for damages.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Jason Griffin holds 18 years of securities industry experience. Based in Newport Beach, California, he has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Merrill Lynch since 2019. His past registrations include JP Morgan Securities, Chase Investment Services, Merrill Lynch, and Prudential Securities. His credentials include the passage of six securities industry qualifying exams: the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66; the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, or Series 65; the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, or Series 63; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; and the Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination, or Series 6. He is licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. (Information current as of January 17, 2026.)

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