Last Updated: April 2025 — Chicago, IL
Here’s what you need to know about Chicago, IL stockbroker Helen Grace Caldwell:
- Name: Helen Grace Caldwell
- Current Employer: Barred from acting as a broker by FINRA
- CRD Number: 1957501
- Primary Location: Chicago, IL
- Function: Stockbroker / Financial Advisor
- Prior Employers: Wells Fargo Clearing Services , Citigroup Global Markets Inc., Chase Investment Services Corp., Banc One Securities Corp., Signator Investors Inc.
- Sanctioned by FINRA: Yes
- Criminal Charges: Yes, sentenced for felony wire fraud/ elder abuse.
- Highest Award or Settlement: $300,000
- Discharged by a Prior Employer: Yes
- Pending Customer Dispute Seeks Damages of: $500,000
If you’ve sustained damages from Ms. Caldwell, discuss your case with experienced investment fraud lawyer Bob Rex at (877) 224-3199 for a free consultation.
Did You Lose Money with Helen Caldwell as Your Stockbroker?
In a pending FINRA arbitration, filed on 4/ 2024 (Case No. 24-00732), a customer of Citigroup Global Markets alleges that Helen Caldwell made an unsuitable and fraudulent recommendation for a private investment not authorized by Citigroup Global Markets. The claimant is seeking compensatory damages of $500,000.
Prior customer dispute cases:
- In 2008, a customer of Chase Investment Services received a $150,000 settlement over claims involving misrepresentation and unsuitable recommendations of auction rate securities in 10/2008.
- Another Chase Investment Services customer dispute was settled for $300,000 in 5/2008. The allegations included unauthorized transactions and unsuitable recommendations.
In 7/2023 FINRA permanently barred Caldwell from the industry after Caldwell refused to provide on the record testimony to FINRA in connection with a regulatory investigation.
In 4/2024 Caldwell was sentenced to serve two and one half years in prison for swindling $1.5 million from her elderly clients. The sentencing Judge Matthew F. Kennelly said “The only difference between Ms. Caldwell and a bank robber is that she didn’t have a mask and a gun. And actually in some ways it was worse because they trusted her, and she knew they trusted her.”
Investigations involving Theft and Misappropriation of Customer Funds
Allegations of Broker Misconduct Against Helen Caldwell
Helen Caldwell has been the subject of multiple regulatory and legal proceedings, including:
Regulatory Sanctions
- July 6, 2023: FINRA permanently barred Caldwell from the industry for refusing to provide on-the-record testimony in an investigation regarding outside business activity (OBA). FINRA alleged Caldwell solicited firm clients to invest in her private film production business (Canal Productions, LLC) without proper disclosure—violating FINRA Rule 3270, which governs outside business activities.
- August 16, 2024: FINRA issued a suspension under Rule 9554 for failure to comply with an arbitration award or provide documentation on the status of compliance.
Criminal Charges
- January 23, 2024: Charged with felony wire fraud in U.S. District Court (Northern District of Illinois, Case No. 24-CR-00022). Sentenced to 30 months in 4/2024.
Customer Disputes
- 2008: Two customer disputes were settled for $150,000 and $300,000, respectively, related to unsuitable and misrepresented auction rate securities.
- 2009: A third complaint alleged failure to follow client directions for managed accounts. The claim was denied with no action taken.
- 2024: Ongoing arbitration claims Caldwell fraudulently induced a client into a private investment. The dispute is still pending.
Employment Termination
- 1992: Discharged from Hamilton Investments following customer allegations of account discrepancies involving cash and securities. Caldwell’s statement attributes the dispute to retaliation from personal relationships and denies wrongdoing.
These incidents collectively indicate a concerning pattern of alleged misconduct including fraud, failure to disclose outside activities, and unsuitable investment recommendations—violations that fall under multiple FINRA regulations including FINRA Rules 2111 (Suitability), 3270 (Outside Business Activities), and 8210 (Provision of Information and Testimony).
Recover Your Investment Losses Now With Rex Securities Law
Investigations involving other Wells Fargo brokers
Our Investigations of other Citigroup Brokers
If you have suffered investment losses in an account handled by Helen Grace Caldwell, 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.