Last Updated: March 2025 | Naples, FL
Steve Lawler Investigation Summary
Here’s what you need to know about Naples, FL, stockbroker Stephen C. Lawler:
- Name: Mr. Stephen Curtis Lawler
- Current Employer:
- Cetera Investment Advisers LLC (Naples, FL) – Since 11/12/2020
- Cetera Advisors LLC (Naples, FL) – Since 09/08/2022
- Prior Employers:
- First Allied Securities, Inc. (Peoria, IL) (03/2015 – 09/2022)
- Lawler Financial Advisory Corporation (Peoria, IL) (11/1997 – 12/2021)
- First Allied Advisory Services, Inc. (San Diego, CA) (03/2015 – 11/2020)
- Investacorp, Inc. (Peoria, IL) (08/1989 – 03/2015)
- FSC Securities Corporation (04/1984 – 01/1989)
- Function: Stockbroker / Financial Advisor
- Aliases: Steve Lawler
- DBA: Lawler Financial, Steve Lawler and Associates
- Primary Location: Naples, FL
- CRD #: 1193477
- Can Stephen Lawler be sued in FINRA arbitration? Yes
- Sanctioned by FINRA? No
- Largest Settlement or Award : $425,000
If you’ve sustained damages from Mr. Lawler, discuss your case with experienced investment fraud lawyer Bob Rex at (877) 224-3199 for a free consultation.
Did You Lose Money With Stephen Lawler As Your Stockbroker?
Stephen Lawler has been named in multiple customer disputes and FINRA arbitration claims, alleging unsuitable investment recommendations, misrepresentation, overconcentration, and breach of fiduciary duty. The most significant claims include:
- Investment Products Involved:
- Direct Participation Programs (DPP) & Limited Partnership (LP) Interests
- Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
See this for more information on REITs and Other Alternative Investments
- Notable Cases:
- FINRA Arbitration No. 23-01920 – Client alleged unsuitable recommendations in real estate securities; settled for $90,000.
- FINRA Arbitration No. 21-01576 – Client alleged overconcentration, misrepresentation, and fraud in alternative investments; settled for $425,000.
- Customer Complaint (12/14/2021) – Alleged unsuitable REIT recommendations; settled for $30,000.
Allegations of Broker Misconduct Against Stephen Lawler
Customers and regulators have alleged the following misconduct by Stephen Lawler:
- Unsuitable Investment Recommendations – Several disputes allege that Lawler recommended high-risk alternative investments, such as non-traded REITs and direct participation programs, violating FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability Rule).
- Failure to Disclose Investment Risks – Complaints suggest that Lawler did not fully disclose the liquidity risks and high fees associated with REITs and alternative investments, leading to unexpected financial losses.
- Overconcentration in Illiquid Investments – Clients allege that Lawler overconcentrated their portfolios in high-risk, illiquid investment products, violating FINRA Rule 2010 (Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade).
- Breach of Fiduciary Duty & Misrepresentation –
These violations fall under FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability Rule), FINRA Rule 2010 (Ethical Standards), and SEC Rule 17a-3 (Recordkeeping Requirements), which require brokers to recommend suitable investments and provide full disclosures to clients.
Recover Your Investment Losses Now With Rex Securities Law
Investigation of Cetera Financial Brokers-Lawsuits, Arbitrations & Disputes
If you have suffered investment losses in an account handled by Steve Lawler, 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.