Investor Files Complaint Against Karen March, Coastal Equities Advisor

A recent investor complaint against Roswell, Georgia financial advisor Karen March (CRD# 4021533) alleges she provided misleading information about the investments she recommended. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that she is a broker and an investment advisor with Coastal Equities.

Pending Complaint Seeks 6-Figure Damages

Ms. March’s BrokerCheck report, a record maintained by FINRA, discloses one investor complaint against her. Filed in October 2022, it alleges that as a representative of Coastal Equities, she mishandled the customer’s assets when she misrepresented “high risk and illiquid investments.”

What Is Misrepresentation?

FINRA rules stipulate that brokers like Ms. March can only recommend that their clients invest in what are known as suitable investments and/or strategies. What this means, according to FINRA Rule 2111, is that brokers must “have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy” is appropriate for a customer’s background and objectives. They must arrive at this basis through reasonable diligence into the customer’s investment profile. They are similarly required by FINRA Rule 2150 to make their recommendations without using “manipulative, deceptive or other fraudulent device[s] or contrivance[s],” while FINRA Rule 2010 requires them to “shall observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.” In other words, brokers may not make misrepresentations of material facts relating to the investments they recommend, as these misrepresentations may lead investors to purchase unsuitable products. FINRA-registered persons who advise their clients to invest unsuitably be found liable in the event of losses.

FINRA: March Based in Roswell, Georgia

According to records provided by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Karen March has spent 22 years in the securities industry. Based in Roswell, Georgia, she has been registered with Coastal Equities since 2014 and with Roka Wealth Strategists since 2020. Her registration history includes stints at Triad Advisors and H&R Block Financial Advisors. More information about her history in the securities industry can be found at her BrokerCheck report. (Information current as of November 17, 2022.)

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.