Christopher Fernan, Formerly of Salomon Whitney Financial, Barred by FINRA Over Failure to Provide Testimony

FINRA claimed to be investigating Fernan after reviewing a customer complaint filed against him.

The Sonn Law Group is investigating allegations that Christopher Fernan committed misconduct. If you or a family member has suffered losses investing, we want to discuss your case. Please contact us today for a free review of your case.

Christopher Fernan (CRD#: 5896584) was previously registered as a broker with Salomon Whitney Financial from 2015 until 2017 and with Rockwell Global Capital from 2014 until 2015.

On October 19, 2020, Fernan was barred from associating with any FINRA member firm after he refused to appear for on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA as part of an investigation. FINRA indicated that the matter originated from their review of a customer dispute filed against Fernan. 

Fernan has twelve other disclosures on his BrokerCheck report.

December 2019 Customer Dispute

• Status: Award / Judgment
• Allegations: Fernan was a subject of the customer’s complaint against Salomon Whitney Financial that asserted the following causes of action: unsuitable investments and investment strategy; breach of duty to provide information; failure to supervise; vicarious liability; breach of contract; violation of securities regulatory rules; common law claims; and breach of fiduciary duty. The causes of action relate to claimant’s trading in various unspecified options.
• Damage Amount Requested: $50,000.00

November 2018 Customer Dispute

• Status: Denied
• Allegations: Client alleges the broker guaranteed the account against losses and would pay her back if the account incurred any losses.
• Damage Amount Requested: $10,000.00

June 2018 Customer Dispute

• Status: Settled
• Allegations: Fraud, deceptive practices, breach of fiduciary duty, unsuitability, breach of contract, negligence
• Damage Amount Requested: $154,000.00
• Settlement Amount: $65,000.00

March 2018 Customer Dispute

• Status: Settled
• Allegations: Fraud, excessive trading, churning, unauthorized trading, breach of fiduciary duty, unsuitability, breach of contract
• Damage Amount Requested: $100,000.00
• Settlement Amount: $20,000.00

May 2017 Regulatory Judgment

• Status: Final
• Initiated By: FINRA
• Allegations: Respondent Fernan failed to respond to FINRA request for information.
• Resolution: Letter
• Sanctions: Suspension
• Registration Capacities Affected: All Capacities
• Duration: N/A
• Start Date: 6/23/2017
• End Date: 9/20/2017
• Regulator Statement: Pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552 and in accordance with FINRA’s Notice of Suspension letter dated May 22, 2017, Fernan is suspended on June 23, 2017 from associating with any FINRA member firm in all capacities. If Fernan fails to request termination of the suspension within three months of the date of the Notice of Suspension, he will automatically be barred on September 11, 2017 from association with any FINRA member in all capacities pursuant to FINRA Rule 9552(h). Suspension lifted on September 20, 2017.

April 2017 Customer Dispute

• Status: Denied
• Allegations: Client claims to have loaned Mr. Fernan money in the amount of 11500. Mr. Fernan paid back 4000.
• Damage Amount Requested: $7,500.00
• Damages Granted: $1,625.50

February 2017 Employment Separation After Allegations

• Firm Name: Salomon Whitney
• Termination Type: Discharged
• Allegations: Client contacted firm and informed us that Chris borrowed $11,500 dollars from him and produced a signed receipt from Chris.

May 2015 Customer Dispute

• Status: Pending
• Allegations: Statement of Claim alleges violations of 2110, 2120, 2111 and 3010 from 01/2014 – 09/2014
• Damage Amount Requested: $90,680.00

February 2015 Customer Dispute

• Status: Dismissed
• Allegations: One suitable trade
• Damage Amount Requested: $72,000.00

January 2010 Judgment / Lien

• Judgment / Lien Amount: $31,875.03
• Judgment / Lien Type: Civil
• Broker Comment: I was never aware of this judgment until informed by FINRA. They were serving me at an address where I did not live. I am now in possession of the documents and am submitting to have the judgment dismissed, vacated and a show for cause.

September 2008 Judgment / Lien

• Judgment / Lien Amount: $10,000.00
• Judgment / Lien Type: Civil

August 1982 Criminal Disposition

• Status: Final Disposition
• Charges: Article 128/134-UCMJ, Simple Assault/Assault W/Intent to Rob
• Disposition: Convicted

Contact Us Today

The Sonn Law Group is currently investigating allegations that Christopher Fernan committed misconduct. If you or your loved one experienced investment losses, we are here to help. For a free consultation, please call us now at 866-827-3202 or complete our contact form.