Peter Lawrence Of American Portfolios Financial Services Barred By FINRA After Investigation

Investors apparently complained about securities broker Peter Thomas Lawrence [CRD: 2695687, Hauppauge, New York], given the publicly available information found on Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) BrokerCheck. Lawrence worked for American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. from January 8, 2019, to November 21, 2023. Read on to learn more about disclosures involving Lawrence and allegations concerning his securities-related activities.

FINRA Barred Lawrence Following Investigation Into Possible Unsuitable Recommendations And Forgery

FINRA initiated Case: 2023079905502 against Peter Lawrence on February 19, 2026, while Lawrence was formerly associated with American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. According to FINRA, an investigation into Lawrence stemmed from allegations involving unsuitable recommendations, inaccurate portfolio summaries, and concerns that client signatures were allegedly forged on a variable annuity transaction.

FINRA alleged that Lawrence failed to provide documents and information requested during its investigation. Specifically, FINRA stated that Lawrence did not comply with multiple requests issued under FINRA Rule 8210 during June and July 2025. FINRA also alleged that Lawrence failed to appear for testimony requested in September 2025.

According to the regulator, Lawrence’s conduct violated FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010. FINRA Rule 8210 requires securities brokers to provide testimony, documents, and information during investigations, while FINRA Rule 2010 requires securities professionals to uphold high ethical standards.

FINRA further stated that American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. terminated Lawrence in November 2023 after concerns involving allegedly inaccurate client reporting statements. As a result of the regulatory proceeding, Lawrence consented to sanctions, including a permanent bar from associating with any FINRA member firm in all capacities.

Peter Lawrence Disclosed Unsuitable Advice And Breach Of Fiduciary Duty Allegations By American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. Client

Particularly, a client of American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. contested Peter Lawrence’s sales practices by filing FINRA Arbitration No. 23-02596 on September 25, 2023. Allegedly, Lawrence made unsuitable recommendations and breached his fiduciary duty by allegedly providing inaccurate portfolio summaries to the client. It appears that Lawrence allegedly caused the client to sustain damages on variable annuities and fixed annuities. Consequently, the client seeks compensation from American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. or Lawrence in an amount alleged to be no less than $100,000 and no more than $500,000 in this ongoing matter.

American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. Investor Accused Lawrence Of Forgery And Unauthorized Trading

Also, an American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. client filed a written complaint about Peter Lawrence on May 11, 2024. Primarily, the client alleged that Lawrence committed forgery and executed unauthorized trades and transfers. Because of this, the client allegedly incurred damages on variable annuities. Therefore, on June 10, 2024, American Portfolios Financial Services Inc. settled this matter by paying the client $70,000.

Did You Invest Through Securities Broker / Financial Advisor Peter Lawrence?

Did you suffer any investment-related losses because of Peter Lawrence? Get in touch with Soreide Law Group at (888) 760-6552 or online and consult with a securities attorney regarding a possible recovery of your investment losses. Soreide Law Group has recovered losses for hundreds of individuals throughout the United States. Also, our securities lawyers handle cases on a contingency fee basis and advance all costs. Lawrence and brokerage firms Lawrence worked for deny accusations of sales practice violations.