Rich Jirinec: $1.1mm Complaint Against Phoenix Advisor

A recent investor complaint against Jupiter, FLorida financial Rich Jirinec (CRD# 2580370) alleges that his advice resulted in damages. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker with PHX Financial, also known as Phoenix Financial Group.

Mr. Jirinec’s BrokerCheck report discloses two investor complaints. The most recent, filed in December 2025, alleges that as a representative of PHX Financial, he violated Regulation Best Interest in connection with a deceased client’s account. The pending complaint alleges damages of $1,180,000.

An earlier investor complaint, filed in 2000, alleged that as a representative of Whitehall Wellington Investments, he bought and sold stock investments without authorization. In 2001 the complaint reached a settlement of $7,500.

FINRA rules establish certain standards that financial advisors must follow. Perhaps one of the most important standards is the suitability rule, as outlined in FINRA Rule 2111 and later Regulation Best Interest, which states that stockbrokers must “have a reasonable basis to believe” the investments and/or strategies they recommend to their clients are appropriate for the client’s background and needs—including their risk tolerance. The rule stipulates that they must evaluate an investment’s suitability based on “information obtained through reasonable diligence of the firm or associated person to ascertain the customer’s investment profile.” A broker who recommends investments that exceed the customer’s risk tolerance may be liable in the event of losses.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Rich Jirinec holds 29 years of securities industry experience. Based in Jupiter, Florida, he has been registered as a broker with PHX Financial since March 2015. His past registrations include Securities America, Dalton Strategic Investment Services, America’s Choice Equities, Gunnallen Financial, Harrison Securities, Whitehall Wellington Investments, Gaines Berland, and HGI. His credentials include the passage of four securities industry qualifying exams: the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination, or Series 65; the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, or Series 63; and the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7. He holds 22 state licenses. (Information current as of January 24, 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.