Brian Nelson Involved in Elder Abuse Dispute

Brian Nelson (CRD# 5065593[1]), a broker registered with Emerson Equity, committed elder abuse, according to a recent investor dispute. MDF Law is investigating the Mission Viejo, California-based financial professional for similar conduct. If you are a current or former client with concerns about your investments, contact us for a free consultation.

To learn more about the allegations against Mr. Nelson, continue reading this post. The information below is based on an October 3, 2024 review of his BrokerCheck profile, a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) record. 

Pending Disputes Allege Elder Abuse, Unjust Enrichment

In 2024, two parties of investors filed disputes involving Mr. Nelson. These disputes included allegations of elder abuse[2], breach of fiduciary duty, violation of FINRA rules, unjust enrichment, breach of contract, negligence, and fraudulent business practices. While one dispute seeks unspecified damages, the other seeks at least $500,000 plus interest and fees.

Past Dispute Alleged Negligence 

The above-described disputes are not the only ones in Mr. Nelson’s professional record. In 2010, another investor lodged a dispute alleging that he made misrepresentations regarding an investment, engaged in negligence, breached contract, and breached his fiduciary duty. His former member firm settled the dispute for $45,000. A comment appended to the disclosure notes that while Mr. Nelson “was named in the claim,” he was also “dismissed from the claim prior” to its settlement.

FINRA Rules Protect Investors

Various securities industry rules and standards safeguard investors against fraudulent conduct by their brokers. FINRA Rule 2010[3], for instance, requires registered representatives to uphold high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. Then there’s FINRA Rule 2020[4], which clearly states that brokers may not use “manipulative, deceptive, or other fraudulent device[s] or contrivance[s]” when they solicit or conduct transactions. This rule generally forbids brokers from providing misleading information regarding the investments they recommend, which may lead investors to make unsuitable investment decisions. FINRA also has a number of rules concerning the exploitation of seniors[5], including Rule 2165[6] and Rule 4512[7]. In short, these rules require firms to take steps to prevent the financial exploitation of seniors, and to undertake certain actions if they suspect such conduct.

FINRA: Brian Nelson Based in Mission Viejo, California

Brian Nelson launched his career as a broker in 2005, when he registered with White Pacific Securities’ branch office in San Francisco. Over the subsequent years he worked at a variety of firms, including Steven L. Falk & Associates, Dimirak Securities Corporation, and ARI Financial Services. He joined his Emerson Equity’s office in Mission Viejo, California in 2013 and has remained there since. As his BrokerCheck profile notes, he is also associated with Versity Investments, formerly known as NB Capital, and 1031 Strategy Inc. With 17 years of experience as a broker, he has completed three industry exams.

Investment Losses? Call for a Free Consultation

If you have lost money working with Brian Nelson, you may have grounds to file a FINRA arbitration claim to pursue the recovery of damages. Call MDF Law to discuss your case with one of our attorneys. We accept cases on a contingency basis, meaning our clients only pay a fee if they recover lost funds. Call 800-767-8040 for a free consultation today.