Brett Ewing: First Franklin Financial Advisor Denies Complaint

A recent investor complaint against Tallahassee financial advisor Brett Ewing (CRD# 2904608) alleges that he provided unsuitable advice. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is a broker and an investment advisor with Centaurus Financial, doing business as First Franklin Financial Services.

Mr. Ewing’s BrokerCheck report discloses two investor complaints. The most recent, filed in December 2023, alleges that as a representative of Centaurus Financial, he recommended an unsuitable investment and strategy involving an “illiquid alternative investment.” The pending complaint alleges unspecified damages.

In a statement included with the complaint’s disclosure, Mr. Ewing wrote that he “vehemently” denies the allegations, describing them as meritless and the investments as suitable. “The customer confirmed in writing that they not only received the requisite investment documentation/disclosures, but that she fully understood the characteristics and risks of the investments,” he wrote further. “At all times, I put the customer’s interest first and I will vigorously defend this matter to the fullest extent of the law.”

An earlier investor complaint, filed in 2010, alleged that he recommended an unsuitable variable annuity. The complaint alleged damages of $58,446 and was denied.

First Franklin Financial Services’ website includes a profile of Mr. Ewing that describes him as the firm’s owner and Chief Market Strategist. “Brett has a range of investment strategy responsibilities, from market and economic analysis to financial planning, all focused on the individual investor,” it states. “In 2000, he joined First Franklin Financial Services, which now manages more than $425 million in client assets and specializes in fee-based investment management.”

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Brett Ewing holds 25 years of securities industry experience. Based in Tallahassee, Florida, he has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Centaurus Financial since 2007 and 2008, respectively. His past registrations include ING Financial Partners (Tallahassee, Florida; 2002-2007), Metropolitan Investment Strategies (Spokane, Washington; 2000-2002), Interfirst Capital Corporation (Los Angeles, California; 2000), San Clemente Securities (San Clemente, California; 1999-2000); and Princor Financial Services (Des Moines, Iowa; 1997-1999). His credentials include the passage of six securities industry qualifying exams: the General Securities Principal Examination, or Series 24; the Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination, or Series 6; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, or Series 63; and the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66. He holds 51 state licenses. (Information current as of January 21, 2024.)

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