Ronald Bucher of Fort Myers, Florida, a stockbroker registered with Pinnacle Investments LLC, has been barred from associating with any Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) member in any capacity because Bucher refused to cooperate in an investigation concerning his interactions with customers. Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent No. 2022073421201 (December 17, 2023).
According to the AWC, Pinnacle Investments filed a Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration (Form U5) confirming Bucher’s July 2023 discharge as a stockbroker due to policy violations concerning text messaging, creating incomplete records and books, and providing false information concerning his activities.
FINRA’s investigation into Bucher originated from its review of the Form U5 filed by the firm. Bucher violated FINRA Rule 8210 and 2010 by refusing to provide requested information and documents, including communications with customers via personal email and text messages. Although some information was provided, Bucher refused to provide the remaining customer communications and documents, as stated in his email to FINRA on November 14, 2023.
FINRA Public Disclosure shows that Bucher is referenced in six customer initiated investment related dispute concerning Bucher’s conduct while associated with securities broker dealers. On December 12, 2003, a customer initiated investment related NASD securities arbitration claim involving Bucher’s conduct resulted in the customer being awarded $10,000.00 in compensatory damages because Bucher and Josephthal were held liable on the customer’s claims which included that Bucher engaged in unauthorized trading, made misrepresentations and omissions, was negligent, breached a contract, and committed fraud. NASD Arbitration No. 02-05978.
On June 7, 2023, another customer filed an investment related complaint involving Bucher’s conduct in which the customer requested compensatory damages for alleged poor performance and lack of communication by the stockbroker at Pinnacle Investments LLC.
On August 1, 2023, another customer filed an investment related complaint in which the customer alleged unauthorized and unsuitable trading. The complaint states that the customer’s account was not managed according to their stated objectives.
Bucher is also referenced in a customer initiated investment related complaint filed on August 9, 2023, in which the customer requested $77,772.32 in damages based upon allegations that Bucher engaged in unauthorized trading and made unsuitable recommendations in stocks during the time that Bucher was associated with Pinnacle Investments LLC.
Bucher was associated with San Blas Securities LLC in Atlanta, Georgia, from August 23, 2023, to August 31, 2023. He was associated with Pinnacle Investments LLC in Fort Myers, Florida, from November 4, 2019, to July 13, 2023.
