Kenneth Bonal: Arete Advisor Faces $100K-500K Complaint

A recent investor complaint against Melville, New York financial advisor Kenneth Bonal (CRD# 3125844) alleges that his advice resulted in six-figure damages. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker with Arete Wealth Management and an investment advisor with Arete Wealth Advisors.

Mr. Bonal’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in September 2026, it alleges that as a representative of Arete Wealth Management, he sold unsuitable alternative investments. The pending complaint alleges damages between $100,000 and $500,000.

FINRA rules stipulate that brokers like Mr. Bonal can only recommend investments and strategies that are suitable for a given customer. Under FINRA Rule 2111, a broker must “have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy” is appropriate for the customer’s objectives, a basis reached through reasonable diligence into the customer’s investment profile. FINRA Rule 2010 requires representatives to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” Brokers who recommend unsuitable investments may be held liable in the event of losses.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Kenneth Bonal holds 24 years of securities industry experience. Based in Melville, New York, he has been registered as a broker with Arete Wealth Management and an investment advisor with Arete Wealth Advisors since 2022. His past registrations include National Asset Management, National Securities, Securities America, Dalton Strategic Investment, CBG Financial Group, Avalon Partners, Liberty Partners Financial Services, JW Cole Financial, JP Turner, Raike Financial Group, and Seaboard Securities. His credentials include the passage of five securities industry qualifying exams: the General Securities Principal Examination, or Series 24; the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, or Series 65; and the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, or Series 63. He holds 18 state licenses. (Information current as of October 17, 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.