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Read MoreGayle Hawkins: LPL Denies Complaint Against Advisor
A recent, denied investor complaint against Paramus, New Jersey financial advisor Gayle Hawkins (CRD# 6150475) alleged that she omitted material information. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that she is registered as a broker with LPL Enterprise, having previously been registered with Pruco Securities.
Ms. Hawkins’ BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in February 2026, it alleged that as a representative of LPL Enterprise, she “did not discuss multiple options while recommending [an] annuity.” The complaint alleged unspecified damages and was denied by the firm. “I discussed the available options with the client in accordance with his best interest,” she wrote in a statement included with the disclosure. “At the time of purchase, he understood and signed the appropriate (EDoc) documents.”
When a complaint is denied by the firm that receives it, for reference, this denial does not necessarily mean the complaint was groundless. Investors can still pursue recovery through other actions, like FINRA arbitration claims.
Investors should be aware that Rule 15l-1(a)(1) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, also known as Regulation Best Interest, requires advisors like Ms. Hawkins to recommend only investments and strategies that are in their clients’ best interests. The rule states specifically that firms and their representatives must “act in the best interest of the retail customer at the time the recommendation is made, without placing the financial or other interest of the broker, dealer, or natural person who is an associated person of a broker or dealer making the recommendation ahead of the interest of the retail customer.” This rule is similar to FINRA’s suitability rule, which requires brokers to recommend investments that are in line with their customers’ background and objectives.
Investors should be aware that FINRA rules forbid brokers from misrepresenting or omitting material facts relating to the investments and strategies they recommend to their clients. FINRA Rule 2020 states specifically that no broker shall “effect any transaction in, or induce the purchase or sale of, any security by means of any manipulative, deceptive or other fraudulent device or contrivance.” Brokers who fail to accurately represent investments may be held liable for damages.
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Gayle Hawkins holds 13 years of securities industry experience. Based in Paramus, New Jersey, she has been registered as a broker with LPL Enterprise since 2024. She was previously registered with Pruco Securities from 2013 until 2024. Her credentials include the passage of two securities industry qualifying exams: the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE, and the Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination, or Series 6. She is licensed in Florida and New Jersey. (Information current as of June 4, 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.
