Abebi Stafford, Former Ameriprise Broker, Accused By Client Of Unauthorized Trading

A client accused former securities broker Abebi Bayo Stafford (CRD: 6550592) of unauthorized trading that may have caused investment losses, according to Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) BrokerCheck disclosures. Stafford worked as a broker with Ameriprise Financial Services LLC in New Brighton, Minnesota, from May 2016 to October 2026, and has worked for the firm as a financial advisor since September 2020. Here’s what the complaint about the broker entailed.

Ameriprise Investor Accused Abebi Stafford Of Unauthorized Trading

Ameriprise received a client complaint about Abebi Stafford on June 16, 2026. The client alleged that Stafford sold SEZL shares from the client's SPS Advantage IRA without authorization in June 2026. The client claimed $569,637.62 in damages involving over-the-counter equities. Ameriprise Financial Services LLC settled the complaint on July 24, 2026, for $569,637.62, with Stafford’s individual contribution to the settlement also reported as $569,637.62.

What Does Unauthorized Trading Generally Mean?

Unauthorized trading generally means that a securities broker or financial advisor buys or sells a security in a client’s account without receiving permission for that transaction. If a client has granted valid discretionary authority, however, the broker or advisor may not need approval for each trade. When a trade is disputed, the key questions include whether the client consented, what trading authority the broker had, and what the transaction records show. Clients may review confirmations, statements, and communications to determine authorization of trades.

Concerned About Investment Losses Involving Abebi Stafford?

If you believe you lost money because of Abebi Stafford, you can contact Soreide Law Group online or at (888) 760-6552 to speak with a securities attorney about the possibility of recovering your investment losses. The firm has recovered losses for investors throughout the United States, works on a contingency fee basis, and advances all costs. Stafford and the brokerage firms where Stafford has worked deny allegations of sales practice violations.