Bryce Hamilton Allegedly Sold Unsuitable Private Placements

Bryce Hamilton (CRD# 4296113[1]), a broker registered with LPL Financial, recommended unsuitable investments, according to a recent investor dispute. MDF Law is investigating the Cornelius, North Carolina-based financial professional, who does business as Highly Appreciated Capital, for similar conduct. If you suffered losses on investments he recommended, contact us for a free consultation.

To learn more about Mr. Hamilton’s professional history, 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) resource.

Pending Dispute Seeks 6-Figure Damages

On July 30, 2024, an investor lodged a dispute alleging that Mr. Hamilton recommended unsuitable private placements in 2021. While the dispute, which is still pending, does not specify the private placements in question, it seeks $300,000 in damages.

Statement Defends Against Dispute

In a “Broker Statement” appended to the pending dispute’s disclosure, Mr. Hamilton wrote that he denies “all allegations of wrongdoing.” He also described the claim as meritless. “All recommendations and investment strategies made for the customer were suitable and consistent with the customer’s investment objectives and risk tolerance,” the statement reads. “The customer fully understood all risks involved in investing in all products after speaking with the advisor and reviewing documentation.” 

Understanding FINRA’s Suitability Rule

FINRA, a private corporation self-governing its member broker-dealer firms, requires brokers to recommend suitable investments. Generally speaking, this means that they must ensure their recommendations are tailored to a client’s background and goals. As FINRA Rule 2111[2] makes clear, brokers “must have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy involving a security or securities is suitable for the customer.” To assess a recommendations’ suitability, they must weight it against the client’s investment profile, which includes their age, income, investment experience, objectives, and risk tolerance.

What Is Highly Appreciated Capital?

As Mr. Hamilton’s BrokerCheck profile notes, he does business under the brand Highly Appreciated Capital. The firm’s website includes[3] a profile that unpacks his professional background, including his roles at Lincoln Financial and AXA, and his work as a corporate keynote speaker. “With a diverse background in asset gathering, financial planning and wealth advisory, Bryce has raised over $1 billion in assets over the last two decades,” his bio reads. “His expertise spans real estate, insurance, private equity, and financial consulting, particularly within the high net worth and accredited investor markets.”

FINRA: Bryce Hamilton Based in Cornelius, North Carolina

Bryce Hamilton launched his career as a broker in 2001, when he registered with AXA Distributors. Over the subsequent decades, he worked at a variety of firms, including Select Capital Corporation, J.P. Turner & Company, Centaurus Financial, and Forta Financial Group. He joined his current member firm, LPL Financial, in July 2024, and currently works out of its office in Cornelius, North Carolina. With 22 years of experience as a broker, he has completed five industry exams, including the Series 65 and the Series 6.

Investment Complaints? Call MDF Law Today

MDF Law’s experienced investment fraud attorneys[4] have recovered more than $100 million in losses for the victims of broker fraud. We take cases on a contingency basis, meaning clients only pay a fee if they win their case; no hourly fees. We provide free, confidential consultations to investors across the country. If you suffered losses working with Bryce Hamilton, call us at 800-767-8040 to speak with an attorney.