Fariba Z Madison of VANDERBILT SECURITIES, formerly of WESTERN INTERNATIONAL

Fariba Z Madison (Fariba Zehtabian Madison, Fariba Zehtabian) is currently registered as an investment advisor and as a broker with VANDERBILT SECURITIES, LLC of Los Alamitos, California since June of 2025. Madison was previously registered both as a broker and investment advisor with WESTERN INTERNATIONAL of Los Alamitos, California from November of 2012 – June of 2025.

According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck, available to the public on FINRA’s website, Fariba Z Madison, has been in the securities industry for 39 years and has been listed with 11 firms. Madison has 6 disclosures on his FINRA CRD report, all 6 are “Customer Disputes.” Four disputes have settled, one was denied and one is pending. The significance of Madison’s disclosures is underscored in FINRA NOTICE to MEMBERS 03-49. FINRA conducted a review of the CRD’s of all registered representatives, only .41% had been the subject of 3 or more customer complaints. In other words, Fariba Z Madison’s customer complaints rank him in the top one-hundredth percent of all registered representatives for customer complaints. 

There is a pending customer dispute that has been filed against Fariba Z Madison dated 9/26/2025, alleging, “Unsuitable recommendation of corporate bonds between February 2018 and March 2021.” The damage amount requested is $500,000.00.

Four “Customer Disputes” were filed against Fariba Z Madison in 2022, all have settled. On 6/1/2022 a dispute was filed alleging, “Negligence” with a settlement amount of $150,000.00.  Some of the allegations listed with the other disputes were “Negligent Misrepresentation, Unsuitability, Negligence; Unjust Enrichment.” Madison denies the allegations.

Soreide Law Group has received calls from investors alleging Fariba Zehtabian Madison may have sold GWG L bonds to clients at WESTERN INTERNATIONAL. GWG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in April, 2022.  GWG Bonds carry significant risks to investors.  They are not suitable for all investors, particularly retirees or those investors with moderate to conservative portfolios.  GWG Holdings stated in their prospectus that: "Investing in our L Bonds may be considered speculative and involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of losing your entire investment."

Soreide Law Group, has filed many claims against various broker/dealers who sold GWG Investments. Investors should pursue all avenues to attempt to recover their GWG Bond losses.

To discuss this article or any other securities issues, contact Soreide Law Group and speak to an experienced securities lawyer at no cost at:  888-760-6552.

Soreide Law Group represents our clients nationwide before FINRA on a contingency fee basis, no fee if no recovery.