John Alex (CRD: 2020710) settled customer disputes at Morgan Stanley and UBS Financial Services between 2011 and 2025, according to BrokerCheck, which lists him as John L. Alex.
One or more investors apparently complained about securities broker Cynthia S. Smith (also known as Cynthia Stein) [CRD: 2386038, Fort Myers, Florida], based on disclosures through FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Smith has been registered with Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner Smith Incorporated in Fort Myers, Florida, since April 2, 2002. She has worked continuously with this firm in both broker and investment adviser capacities. See the following information to learn more about the disclosures involving Cynthia Smith and the concerns raised by clients.
Particularly, on October 21, 2024, a Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner Smith client filed FINRA Arbitration No. 24-02245 about Cynthia Smith. The client alleged that Smith used an unsuitable investment strategy and engaged in unauthorized trading. Because of this, the client allegedly sustained damages. Therefore, the client requested damages from Merrill Lynch or Smith. Evidently, this arbitration is pending a resolution.
When a broker or financial advisor engages in unauthorized trading, it means they executed transactions in a client’s account without the client’s prior knowledge or permission. This is a breach of trust and violates securities industry rules that require advisors to get client consent before making trades—unless the account is specifically designated as “discretionary,” which allows the advisor to trade without advance approval. Unauthorized trading can lead to significant financial harm for investors and is often cited in arbitration claims and regulatory investigations.
Did you experience losses because of Cynthia Smith? Feel free to contact Soreide Law Group online or at (888) 760-6552 to speak with a securities attorney about a potential recovery of investment-related losses. Soreide Law Group is experienced with recovering losses for clients located throughout the US, takes cases on a contingency fee basis, and advances all costs. Smith and brokerage firms Smith worked for deny any allegations of sales practice violations.
John Alex (CRD: 2020710) settled customer disputes at Morgan Stanley and UBS Financial Services between 2011 and 2025, according to BrokerCheck, which lists him as John L. Alex.
Sam Bhushan (CRD: 4884717) is named in several pending customer complaints and one settled dispute, according to his BrokerCheck report.
Sterling Louviere (CRD: 2021328), listed on BrokerCheck as Sterling Vaughn Louviere, is named in a pending customer claim over Reg D private placements, with Cabin Securities as the firm named.
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