July 29, 2026

JOSEPH KELLY Formerly of Spartan Capital NY

lawyer signing a digital contract while checking investments on phone

JOSEPH KELLY (JOE KELLY) has been registered as a broker with VCS VENTURE SECURITIES of New York, NY since 6/17/2026. He was previously registered with SPARTAN CAPITAL SECURITIES LLC of New York, NY from 01/13/2017 - 12/18/2024.

According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck, available to the public on FINRA’s website, JOSEPH KELLY has 21 years of experience in the securities industry and has been listed with 9 firms.  Currently, JOSEPH KELLY has 6 disclosures on his FINRA CRD report.  Of the 6 disclosures, 2 are “Regulatory” and 4 are "Customer Disputes.”  The significance of Kelly’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, JOSEPH KELLY’s customer complaints rank him in the top one-hundredth percent of all registered representatives for customer complaints. 

There is a “Regulatory” disclosure filed against Joe Kelly dated 8/22/2025 initiated by FINRA with the allegations of, “Without admitting or denying the findings, Kelly consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that he willfully violated the Best Interest Obligation under Rule 15l-l(a)(l) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Reg BI) by recommending to customers a series of trades that were excessive, quantitatively unsuitable, and not in the customers' best interests. The findings stated that some of the customers relied on Kelly's advice and routinely followed his recommendations, and as a result, Kelly exercised de facto control over the accounts.

Kelly's recommendations to the customers generated $365,344 in total commissions and caused $262,683 in total realized losses. The amount of restitution is equal to the total commissions charged to two of the customers as the remaining affected customers previously settled claims with Kelly's member firm.”  JOSEPH KELLY was fined $10,000.00, ordered to pay restitution of $69,830.00, and suspended for 9 months.

On 10/9/2025 there is a “Regulatory” complaint filed against JOSEPH KELLY initiated by  Maryland. The allegations are, “On August 22, 2025, without admitting or denying the findings, Respondent entered into an Acceptance, Waiver and Consent ("AWC") with FINRA wherein Respondent consented to the entry of findings that between May 2017 and February 2023, he recommended a series of excessive trades to four retail customers who relied on Respondent's advice and routinely followed his recommendation. Respondent's trading resulted in turnover rates and cost-to-equity ratios that exceeded the traditional guideposts of six and 20 percent, respectively, as well as significant losses.

Respondent's recommendations to the customers resulted in turnover rates of 10 to 35 and cost-to-equity ratios of 42% to 171% while generating $365,344 in total commissions and causing $262,683 in total realized losses. Respondent agreed to a nine-month suspension from associating with any FINRA member in all capacities, a fine in the amount of $10,000, and payment of restitution of $69,830 plus interest.”

This disclosure also included the sanction against Kelly stating, “Respondent's agent registration with the State of Maryland is terminated as of the date of this Consent Order. Respondent agrees not to apply or reapply for registration as a broker-dealer, agent, investment adviser or investment adviser representative with the State of Maryland. Respondent shall comply with the Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.”

There is a pending “Customer Dispute” filed against JOSEPH KELLY dated 1/13/2026.  The allegations are, “UNSUITABLE INVESTMENTS AND EXCESSIVE TRADING.”  The damage amount requested is $958,000.00.

Soreide Law Group posted the following to our blog in 2020:

Joe Kelly Allegedly Gave Bad Advice - Securities Lawyer

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

Soreide Law Group represents clients nationwide before FINRA on a contingency fee basis.

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