John Joseph Birkhauser of Lake Forest Illinois a stockstockbroker currently employed by Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner Smith Incorporated is referenced in a customer initiated investment related arbitration claim which was settled for $10,000.00 in damages founded on allegations that (1) misrepresentations had been made concerning the terms or risks of the limited partnership interests sold to the customer and (2) investment recommendations were not suitable for the customer given the customer’s objectives for investing or risk tolerance. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Arbitration No. 18-02975 (Nov. 5, 2018).
FINRA Public Disclosure additionally reveals that another customer initiated investment related arbitration claim involving Birkhauser’s conduct was resolved for $666,666.00 in damages based upon accusations that while Birkhauser was associated with Merrill Lynch, the customer was provided inappropriate investment recommendations concerning over-the-counter equities; the investments selected for the customer’s account had been misrepresented; and trades were executed in the customer’s account without the customer’s permission.
Birkhauser has been associated with Merrill Lynch since April 2, 1979.
