Derek Johnson: $750K Complaint Against Morgan Stanley Advisor

A recent investor complaint against Brea, California financial advisor Derek Johnson (CRD# 2922680) alleges that his advice resulted in six-figure damages. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Morgan Stanley.

Mr. Johnson’s BrokerCheck report discloses two investor complaints. The most recent, filed in June 2025, alleges that as a representative of Morgan Stanley, he recommended unsuitable equity investments. The pending complaint alleges damages of $750,000.

An earlier investor complaint, filed in 2021, alleges that as a representative of JP Morgan Securities, he recommended an unsuitable investment strategy. In 2023 the complaint reached a settlement of $750,000.

Morgan Stanley’s website includes a profile of Mr. Johnson that describes his background and services as a “second-generation” financial advisor. “Over the years, Derek has developed a holistic approach to help clients better understand and manage their total financial picture,” it explains. “He believes investing should be based on a strategy that is easy to understand and easy to implement. He works meticulously to provide clients with clarity and confidence about their finances, so they can invest their time on the people and passions that bring their lives joy.”

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Derek Johnson holds 19 years of securities industry experience. Based in Brea, California, he has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Morgan Stanley since 2020. His past registrations include JP Morgan Securities, Merrill Lynch, and Citigroup Global Markets. His credentials include the passage of four securities industry qualifying exams: the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination, or Series 6; and the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66. He holds 23 state licenses. (Information current as of July 13, 2025.)

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.