Paul Drueke: $136K Suitability Complaint Against Stifel Advisor

Grand Rapids, Michigan financial advisor Paul Drueke (CRD# 814408) allegedly made an unsuitable investment recommendation, according to a recent investor complaint. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Stifel Nicolaus & Company.

Mr. Drueke’s BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in January 2026, it alleges that as a representative of Stifel Nicolaus & Company, he recommended an unsuitable over-the-counter equity investment. The pending complaint alleges damages of $136,328.15.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority maintains numerous rules and standards that brokers must follow. One such rule is the suitability rule, which holds that brokers must “have a reasonable basis to believe” their investment recommendations are appropriate for their customers. As outlined in FINRA Rule 2111, and later Regulation Best Interest, brokers determine an investment’s suitability by evaluating “information obtained through reasonable diligence of the firm or associated person to ascertain the customer’s investment profile.” An investor’s profile includes such information as their age, income, net worth, and risk tolerance. The recommendation of unsuitable investments can lead to potentially significant losses for the customer.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Paul Drueke holds 49 years of securities industry experience. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he has been registered as a broker and an investment advisor with Stifel Nicolaus & Company since 1989 and 2010, respectively. His past registrations include Primus Financial Services, Buys-Macgregor MacNaughton-Greenawalt & Company, and Buys MacGregor and Company. 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 Sales Supervisor Exam – Options Module & General Module, or Series 8; the General Securities Principal Examination, or Series 24; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, or Series 65; and the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, or Series 63. He holds 35 state licenses. (Information current as of February 14, 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.