John Noonan: Merrill Advisor Receives Misappropriation Complaint

Virginia Beach, Virginia financial advisor John Noonan (CRD# 4425914) allegedly misappropriated funds, according to a recent investor complaint. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Merrill Lynch.

Mr. Noonan’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in March 2026, it alleges that as a representative of Merrill Lynch, he misappropriated funds from joint and individual accounts. The pending complaint alleges unspecified damages of at least $5,000.

Investors should be aware that the misappropriation of client funds may be considered a violation of FINRA Rule 2150, under which no FINRA-associated person “shall make improper use of a customer’s securities or funds.” It may also be considered a violation of FINRA Rule 2010, which stipulates that brokers like Mr. Noonan must “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade” in the conduct of their business. Similarly, unauthorized transactions may be found to violate FINRA Rule 3260, which describes specific conditions under which brokers like Mr. Noonan are permitted to make transactions without first consulting the investor. FINRA Rule 2010, finally, states that FINRA-associated brokers must “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” Various forms of unethical conduct, including the failure to follow a customer’s directions, constitute violations of FINRA Rule 2010, provided the activities occur “in the conduct of [the member’s] business.” Brokers who violate these rules may be held liable for damages.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, John Noonan holds 22 years of securities industry experience. Based in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Merrill Lynch since 2004. His credentials include the passage of eight securities industry qualifying exams: the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the General Securities Sales Supervisor – General Module Examination, or Series 10; the General Securities Sales Supervisor – Options Module Examination, or Series 9; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66; and the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7. He holds 39 state licenses. (Information current as of May 9, 2026.)

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