David McQuade: High Bluff Advisor Faces Investor Complaint

San Diego, California financial advisor David McQuade (CRD# 3118389) allegedly failed to follow a customer’s instructions, according to a recent investor complaint. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker and an investment advisor with LPL Financial, doing business as High Bluff Private Wealth.

Mr. McQuade’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in May 2025, it alleges that as a representative of LPL Financial, he failed to follow instructions and recommended investments that were not in the customer’s best interests. The pending complaint alleges unspecified damages.

FINRA Rule 2010 requires FINRA-associated persons to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” Many types of unethical conduct, including the failure to follow a customer’s instructions, may be found to constitute violations of FINRA Rule 2010, provided the alleged activities occur “in the conduct of [the member’s] business.” Brokers who fail to uphold FINRA Rule 2010 may be held liable in the event of losses.

High Bluff Private Wealth’s website includes a profile of Mr. McQuade that describes his background and services. “With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, David has developed a niche in working with the legal community, in addition to all business owners, to address their complex corporate and financial planning needs,” it explains, “including [n]on-qualified deferred compensation place installation and administration, [c]omplex life insurance planning strategies, [i]nvestment and portfolio management.”

Elsewhere on the website, the firm describes its core values. “We believe in serving both our clients and our communities through strong personal relationships, honest and open financial advice, and community engagement,” it explains. “Our team supports a number of causes as a whole, and through individual volunteer efforts.”

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, David McQuade holds 26 years of securities industry experience. Based in San Diego, California, he has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with LPL Financial since 2020, doing business as High Bluff Private Wealth. His past registrations include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services and Robert W. Baird & Company. His credentials include the passage of five securities industry qualifying exams: TKTK. He holds 20 state licenses. (Information current as of July 6, 2025.)

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