Ronald Appler Facing a BDC and REIT Dispute

Ronald Appler (CRD #: 2499039), a broker registered with Independent Financial Group, is the subject of an investor dispute. This disclosure appears on his BrokerCheck record, accessed on July 17, 2024. Keep reading if you have questions concerning his alleged conduct as a broker. 

Investor Allegations 

On June 7, 2024, an investor alleged that Ronald Appler misrepresented investments in business development companies (BDCs) and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The investor further alleged that these investments were unsuitable. 

The investor is seeking $300,000. 

Misrepresentation 

FINRA Rule 2020 forbids the use of deceptive, manipulative, and otherwise fraudulent methods to influence the purchase and sale of securities. The misrepresentation or omission of material facts violates this rule.

Unsuitable Investments 

FINRA Rule 2111 defines suitable investments as securities that fit an investor’s profile. Investor profiles have information on the investor’s age, risk tolerance, tax status, investing experience, and financial goals. Investments that do not take these factors into account may be unsuitable. 

BDCs

Business Development Companies (BDCs) extend loans to small and medium-sized companies, typically those that are distressed. While the high interest rates charged by BDCs can mean high returns for investors, the possibility of the company defaulting on the loan and other risks can make BDCs unsuitable for some investors.

What Are REITs?

Real estate investment trusts (REITs) allow investors to generate returns from a portfolio of real estate without being directly involved in property management. However, REITs tend to be illiquid, which makes them unsuitable for many investors. Non-traded REITs are especially risky because they are not traded on the public exchange, making them difficult or impossible to sell. 

Kurta Law Can Help 

If you have worked with Ronald Appler and have concerns about your investments, do not hesitate to contact us at 877-600-0098 or email info@kurtalawfirm.com for a free consultation. 

For nearly 20 years, Kurta Law has advocated for investors to recover their investment losses from brokers and brokerage firms. Kurta Law is a nationally recognized law firm that 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. Do not let securities fraud go unchecked. Start your recovery process today.