Justin Bender: Merrill Advisor Received $100K Complaint

A recent, closed investor complaint against Jacksonville, Florida financial advisor Justin Bender (CRD# 5949569) alleged that he stole funds. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Merrill Lynch.

Mr. Bender’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in January 2026, it alleged that as a Merrill Lynch representative, he stole funds from a client’s variable annuity. The complaint alleged damages of $100,000 and was closed with no action taken.

The misappropriation of a client’s funds by their broker may violate FINRA Rule 2150, under which FINRA-associated person may not “make improper use of a customer’s securities or funds.” It may also run afoul of FINRA Rule 2010, which stipulates that brokers like Mr. Bender are required to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade” in the conduct of their business. Brokers who violate these rules may be found liable for damages in the event of losses and/or subject to disciplinary action by FINRA, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or other regulatory authorities.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Justin Bender holds 14 years of securities industry experience. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, he has been registered as a broker and a investment advisor with Merrill Lynch since 2012 and 2013, respectively. He was previously registered with MetLife Securities in Jacksonville, Florida from 2011 until 2012. His credentials include the passage of four securities industry qualifying exams: the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; and the Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination, or Series 6. He holds 55 state licenses. (Information current as of March 7, 2026.)

Carlson Law represents investors throughout the United States in claims against financial advisors and investment firms. If you or a loved one have suffered investment losses, please call us at 888-976-6111 or complete our contact form for a free and confidential consultation.