Investors Allege Mark Just Recommended Unsuitable Alternative Investments

Mark Just (CRD #:1138738), a broker formerly registered with Triad Advisors, is involved in two pending disputes, according to his BrokerCheck record, accessed on January 15, 2025. Keep reading to learn more about his alleged conduct as a broker.

Investor Disputes

On December 4, 2024, an investor filed a dispute alleging that Mark Just failed to make full disclosures with regard to certain direct investments, and that these investments were not suitable for the client’s investment objectives. The investor seeks $150,000 in damages.

A similar dispute filed on November 11, 2023, alleged that Mark Just recommended variable annuities and a real estate investment trust (REIT) that were unsuitable for the client’s investment objectives, and that he failed to make proper disclosures. This dispute was settled for $55,000.

On August 17, 2023, an investor alleged that Mark Just overconcentrated them in illiquid investments, gave unsuitable advice, and mismanaged their investments. The client received a settlement of $65,000.

On June 28, 2018, an investor alleged that Mark Just recommended unsuitable investments that led to the client’s portfolio underperforming from 2011-2017. This dispute was settled for $200,000.

Disputes Involving Alternative Investments

Two disputes filed on September 27, and November 20, 2023, respectively, alleged that Mark Just recommended unsuitable alternative investments. These disputes seek a collective $180,000.

On June 18, 2021, an investor alleged that Mark Just misrepresented alternative investments purchased in 2015. The client sought $117,727 in damages but the firm denied the dispute.

However, investors should be aware that firms can deny disputes without allowing an external review. Investors may be able to recoup their losses by pursuing FINRA arbitration after a denial.

In disputes filed on February 16, 2021, and August 26, 2020, investors alleged that Mark Just gave unsuitable recommendations of alternative investments. These disputes were settled for a total of $130,000.

FINRA Rule 2111

FINRA Rule 2111 defines suitable investments as securities that fit an investor’s profile. These profiles describe an investor’s tax status, age, and other characteristics.

Investors who rely on brokers for recommendations may be able to recover their losses by seeking out FINRA arbitration.

FINRA Rule 2020

FINRA Rule 2020 prohibits the use of deception, manipulation, and other fraudulent means of influencing investors’ decisions. Misrepresenting and omitting information related to an investment’s potential risks, requirements, or limitations violates this rule.

FINRA Suspension

On May 18, 2021, Mark Just consented to the entry of findings that he allegedly willfully failed to amend his Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4) in a timely manner to disclose state tax liens.

According to a Letter of Acceptance, Waiver & Consent (AWC), the State of Indiana allegedly filed state tax warrants against Mark Just on January 31, 2017, and February 13, 2018, totaling $37,333.80.

FINRA allegedly notified Triad Advisors on December 11, 2018, and the firm allegedly requested that Mark Just update his Form U4 the following day. He allegedly failed to do so until April 2, 2019.

The AWC concludes that these allegations constitute violations of Article V, Section 2(c) of FINRA’s By-Laws and FINRA Rules 1122 and 2010.

Article V of FINRA’s By-Laws

Article V, Section 2(c) of FINRA’s By-Laws requires brokers to keep their application for registration up-to-date and to amend their application within 30 days of learning information requiring an amendment.

FINRA Rule 1122

FINRA Rule 1122 requires brokers to keep their membership and registration documentation up-to-date and to correct any inaccuracies or misleading information in a timely manner.

FINRA Rule 2010

FINRA Rule 2010 holds brokers to high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.

Sanctions

Mark Just consented to the following sanctions:

• $5,000 fine
• 3-month suspension

His suspension ran from June 21 to September 20, 2021.

You can read the full AWC here.

Background Information

Mark Just has passed the following exams:

• Series 66 – Uniform Combined State Law Examination
• Series 63 – Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination
• Series 99TO – Operations Professional Examination
• SIE – Securities Industry Essentials Examination
• Series 7 – General Securities Representative Examination
• Series 22 – Direct Participation Programs Representative Examination
• Series 6 – Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination
• Series 24 – General Securities Principal Examination

He previously worked for the following firms:

• Triad Advisors (CRD#:25803)
• Royal Alliance Associates (CRD#:23131)
• Delta Equity Services Corporation (CRD#:15650)
• Foundation Investors Securities Corporation (CRD#:35541)
• Linsco/Private Ledger Corporation (CRD#:6413)
• ManEquity (CRD#:5249)

Kurta Law Can Help

If you worked with Mark Just and you have concerns about your investments, please contact us today at 877-600-0098 or info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation.

For over 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated on behalf of investors who want to recover their investment losses from brokers and brokerage firms. Kurta Law is a nationally recognized law firm and exclusively represents investors against brokers and brokerage firms on a contingency basis. This means that the firm only earns a fee if our securities attorneys recover money on your behalf.