Rex Securities Law Investment Fraud Attorney Investigates Michael J. Collins (Former Broker; now Investment Adviser with Kingsbury Capital Investment Advisors, LLC)

Last Updated: October 2025 — Evanston, IL

Here’s what you need to know about Evanston, IL stockbroker Michael J. Collins:

• Name: Michael Jason Collins.
• Current Employer: Kingsbury Capital Investment Advisors, LLC — Financial Advisor/Investment Adviser Representative (employment reported “11/2017–Present”). Primary office: 1560 Sherman Ave., Suite 510, Evanston, IL 60201.
• Prior Firms: Kingsbury Capital, Inc. (11/2017–11/2019, Evanston, IL); Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated (10/2010–10/2017, Chicago, IL); Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (06/2009–10/2010, Chicago, IL); Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (04/2007–06/2009, Chicago, IL); Morgan Stanley DW Inc. (04/2004–04/2007, Chicago, IL); Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (11/1999–04/2004, New York, NY).
• Other Business Affiliations: Valence Partners LLC (member-managed LLC; Chicago, IL).
• CRD number: 2915653.
• Stockbroker / Financial Advisor: Former FINRA-registered broker; currently active as an investment adviser representative.
• Can Broker be Sued in FINRA: Yes. Customer disputes tied to brokerage conduct are brought through FINRA arbitration; Mr. Collins also has a FINRA regulatory action on record.
• Sanctioned by Securities Regulators: Yes. FINRA AWC (11/18/2019) — five-month suspension (all capacities) and $10,000 fine for participating in private securities transactions (~$200,000) without prior firm notice/approval (selling away) while at Robert W. Baird & Co. (Dkt./Case No. 2017056104801).
• Discharged by a Prior Employer: Yes. Discharged by Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated on 10/23/2017 — “Introduced client to a private investment without Firm approval.”
• Highest Award of Settlement: $80,000 (6/03/2025 settlement of a 2/18/2025 written complaint alleging over-concentration; individual contribution reported as $80,000).
• Current Customer Dispute Seeks Total Damages of: None reported as pending in the materials provided; most recent written complaint alleged $100,000 and was settled for $80,000 on 6/03/2025.

If you’ve sustained damages from Mr. Collins, discuss your case with experienced investment fraud lawyer Bob Rex at (877) 224-3199 for a free consultation.

Did You Lose Money With Michael J. Collins as Your Stockbroker?

• Regulatory Action (FINRA AWC): On November 18, 2019, FINRA accepted a settlement (AWC) in Case/Docket No. 2017056104801 finding that Mr. Collins participated in private securities transactions totaling ~$200,000** without providing prior notice to his member firm**. The activity involved soliciting investments in a limited-liability company formed to operate a Chicago, Illinois restaurant. Sanctions: five-month suspension (11/18/2019–04/17/2020) in all capacities and $10,000 fine. Relevant rule: FINRA Rule 3280 (Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person).
• Customer Dispute — Settled (Kingsbury Capital Investment Advisors, LLC): Written complaint received 02/18/2025, alleging over-concentration of an equity position (Nov. 2024); alleged damages $100,000. Settled 06/03/2025 for $80,000 (reported individual contribution: $80,000).
• Customer Dispute — Settled (Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated): Complaint received 03/05/2018, alleging excessive fees in Unit Investment Trusts; settlement $18,538 (no individual contribution).

Allegations of Broker Misconduct Against Michael J. Collins

• Unsuitability / Over-concentration. Recommendations that are inconsistent with a customer’s profile may violate FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) and, for retail recommendations after June 30, 2020, SEC Regulation Best Interest (Exchange Act Rule 15l-1).
• Breach of Fiduciary Duty / Best-Interest Obligations. Retail recommendations must satisfy Reg BI’s Care and Disclosure obligations; failures are commonly alleged in customer disputes.
• Fraud / Misrepresentation or Omission of Material Facts. Deceptive practices are prohibited under FINRA Rule 2020 and FINRA Rule 2010.
• Unauthorized Trading. Executing trades without proper written authorization can violate FINRA Rule 3260 (Discretionary Accounts) and Rule 2010. (Note: the provided report does not allege unauthorized trading against Collins; this is a general category often implicated in customer disputes.)
• Selling Away / Private Securities Transactions. The 2019 AWC specifically concerns Rule 3280 violations for participating in private securities transactions without firm approval.

Recover Your Investment Losses Now With Rex Securities Law

If you have suffered investment losses in an account handled by Michael J. Collins, contact us for a complimentary consultation with an experienced securities lawyer to learn how you may be able to recover damages through FINRA arbitration.

What is FINRA Arbitration?

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With offices in Boca Raton, FL, and Austin, TX, stockbroker fraud attorney Bob Rex provides representation to investors nationwide who are seeking recovery of investment losses due to the negligence or fraud of stockbrokers, financial advisors, and broker-dealers.

If you have questions about how your account has been handled, call (877) 224-3199 to speak with an experienced securities attorney at no cost to you.

Most cases are handled on a contingent fee basis, meaning that you do not pay legal fees unless we are successful.