Chuck A. Roberts Disbarred from Securities Industry After Mounting Customer Complaints

Former Stifel, Nicolaus & Company investment advisor Chuck A. Roberts (CRD#: 2064602) has been officially barred from the securities industry, following a string of customer complaints and regulatory scrutiny over his sales practices—particularly regarding structured notes.

Regulatory and Bar Status

Roberts entered into a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent with FINRA in July 2025. He initially cooperated with FINRA but later declined further testimony. As a result, he was barred from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity.

BrokerCheck Disclosure Summary

According to his FINRA BrokerCheck report (as of mid‑July 2025):

• Roberts is not currently registered in the securities industry.
• His record includes 32 customer disputes and 3 regulatory events, all of which are final events (no pending regulatory events remain).
• A total of 20 customer complaints are still pending, while 12 have been resolved.

Structured Notes Under Fire

Roberts and his former employer, Stifel Nicolaus, are facing a wave of investor claims centered on the sale of structured notes—complex, high-risk financial products unsuitable for many retail investors.

Structured notes are notorious for their complexity and potential for substantial losses. These products are often marketed as income-generating alternatives with downside protection, but they can be highly volatile and opaque. Regulators require firms like Stifel to implement strict suitability standards and supervisory practices before allowing brokers to recommend such investments.

Stifel Nicolaus, as the supervising firm, had a duty to monitor Roberts’ activities and ensure client portfolios remained suitable. Whether the firm adequately fulfilled that duty is now the subject of multiple pending arbitration claims.

Most Recent Customer Disputes (June 2025–January 2025)

BrokerCheck details several recent customer disputes filed in 2025, all connected to structured notes and other complex investment products:

• June 4, 2025: Non‑arbitration written complaint alleging breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, fraud, breach of contract on Direct Investment (DPP/LP interests); damages claimed $110,000. Complaint denied as of June 11, 2025.
• June 12, 2025 (FINRA case 25‑01214): Allegations including breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, breach of contract, violation of Section 10(b), Rule 10b‑5, and Florida securities law. Claimed damages: $500,000–$1,000,000; arbitration pending.
• April 25, 2025 (25‑00837): Alleged violations including breach of fiduciary duty, federal securities law, Regulation Best Interest; product types: structured notes and listed equity; damages $100,000–$500,000; pending.
• April 18, 2025 (25‑00793): Alleged breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, fraud, breach of contract, violations under multiple acts including NJ and federal law; product types: structured notes, hedge fund, equities; damages $1,000,000–$5,000,000; pending.
• March 27, 2025 (25‑00595) & March 24, 2025 (25‑00596): Nearly identical allegations related to structured notes; claimed damages in both proceedings between $500,000–$1,000,000; both pending.
• January 16, 2025 (25‑00095): Allegations include breach of fiduciary duty, violations of Section 10(b), Reg BI, and recommendation of structured notes and alternative investments; damages alleged in excess of $5,000,000; pending.
• January 10, 2025 (25‑00061): Associated claims of breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, fraud, breach of contract in structured note sales; damages $1,000,000–$5,000,000; pending.

Legal Options for Affected Investors

Roberts’ case history shows a consistent pattern of disputes involving structured products, hedge fund interests, and direct investment vehicles. Many newly filed claims are from 2025, alleging serious misconduct and seeking damages ranging from tens of thousands up to several million dollars.

Stifel Nicolaus, as his former employer, had supervisory responsibilities over Roberts’ recommendations. Investors now allege many of those supervisory duties were breached.

Levin Papantonio is actively investigating claims involving Chuck A. Roberts and Stifel Nicolaus. If you or someone you know invested with Roberts and suffered financial losses, you may be eligible to file a claim for compensation.

Call Levin Papantonio at (800) 277-1193 for a free consultation or submit a form so we can contact you about your case. Our attorneys have extensive experience in representing investors harmed by unsuitable investment recommendations and broker misconduct.

Sources:

BrokerCheck