Last Updated: May 2025 – Doylestown, PA
Here’s what you need to know about Doylestown, PA, stockbroker Austin R. Dutton Jr.:
- Name: Mr. Austin Richard Dutton Jr.
- CRD #: 2739167
- Function: Stockbroker / Financial Advisor
- Current Status: Barred by FINRA from acting as a broker
- Prior Employers:
- American Trust Investment Services, Inc. (2020–2022)
- Primex (2019–2020)
- Newbridge Securities Corporation (2007–2017)
- Highest Settlements or Award: $95,000
- Sanctioned by FINRA: Yes
- Three Pending Customer Disputes Seek Cumulative Damages of $700,000
If you’ve sustained damages from Mr. Dutton, discuss your case with experienced investment fraud lawyer Bob Rex at (877) 224-3199 for a free consultation.
Did You Lose Money With Austin Dutton as Your Stockbroker?
Austin Dutton was permanently barred from associating with any FINRA member firm on June 24, 2024 (FINRA Case No. 2018059178401), following a disciplinary proceeding in which he was found to have:
- Recommended unsuitable, illiquid alternative investments to mostly retired clients
- Falsified documents and client information to justify these recommendations
- Failed to respond in a timely manner—or at all—to multiple FINRA information requests
As sanctions, in addition to being barred from the industry, Dutton was ordered by FINRA to pay $65,509 in disgorgement, plus interest. The transactions in question generated $72,789 in commissions for Dutton and involved $1.2 million in alternative investments sold to clients.
In a FINRA arbitration brought by a customer of Primex, an arbitration panel issued an award of $43,644 against Dutton in May 2023. Dutton failed to pay this award, resulting in a regulatory suspension.
Dutton discloses 29 prior customer disputes, brought by customers of Newbridge, that have been resolved. Total settlement payments exceed $500,000. Many of these disputes involve recommendations by Dutton to invest in real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other alternative investments.
There are three pending customer disputes, two filed by customers of Newbridge and one by a customer of Dutton’s most recent employer, American Trust Investment Services. All three involve alternative investments (REITs, etc.) Total damages sought for Dutton’s alleged wrongdoing are $700,000.
See this for more information on REITs and Other Alternative Investments
Allegations of Broker Misconduct Against Austin R. Dutton Jr.
Austin Dutton’s regulatory and customer complaint history is extensive. Key allegations include:
- Unsuitable Recommendations: Dutton recommended high-commission, illiquid alternative investments (such as REITs and structured products) to investors with low risk tolerance, in violation of FINRA Rule 2111.
- Falsification of Documents: Dutton falsified investor documents to make clients appear more suitable for alternative investments than they actually were, affecting Suitability Forms, Accredited Investor Forms, and more.
- Failure to Respond to FINRA: Dutton ignored multiple FINRA requests for documents, resulting in suspensions and his eventual bar from the securities industry (violating FINRA Rule 8210).
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty
- Failure to perform due diligence
- Fraudulent inducement to purchase REIT
Recover Your Investment Losses Now With Rex Securities Law
Investigations of other Newbridge Securities brokers
If you have suffered investment losses in an account handled by Austin R. Dutton Jr., contact us for a complimentary consultation with an experienced securities lawyer to learn how you may be able to recover damages through FINRA arbitration.
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.