Allegations Regarding the Termination

Powell was fired by Ameriprise Financial Services in June 2025 regarding allegations “for Firm policy violations, including those related to outside business activities and financial planning fees”.  When individuals are terminated by their brokerage firm for cause, the firm is required to file a form (called a Form U-5) with regulators that explains why the advisor was fired. 

Background on Cedric Joe Powell

Cedric Joe Powell was licensed with Ameriprise Financial Services from June 2021 to June 2025.  He previously worked with Northwestern Mutual from 2004 to June 2021.  He was the subject of four customer complaints regarding his time at Northwestern Mutual.  He now operates an investment advisory firm called Powell Wealth.

Is Ameriprise Financial Services Potentially Liable for Powell’s Conduct?

FINRA standards provide that brokerage firms like Ameriprise Financial Services must reasonably supervise the activities of their financial advisors.   Firms that fail to do so could be responsible for investor losses. 

We Help Investors in Florida

We represent investors throughout the United States including Florida, who have been victims of broker misconduct, unsuitable investment recommendations, and fraud. If you were a client of Cedric Powell and believe your financial advisor acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Powell’s BrokerCheck Report

Contact Our Attorneys for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798

According to allegations disclosed on FINRA’s BrokerCheck, Ejiro Okuma of Atlanta, Georgia, was permitted to resign by Equitable Advisors in June 2025.  Equitable Advisors disclosed that Okuma “resigned after the Firm suspended him due to allegations of misappropriation by a non-Equitable Advisors’ client”.

The resignation occurred just about two weeks after a customer complaint was filed.   In early June 2025, a customer filed a complaint in FINRA arbitration.  The complaint alleged that Okuma “misappropriated funds from him”.   No dollar amount of losses was listed, but the claim was alleged to be over $5,000.  If You lost money with this advisor, you may be eligible to file a claim for losses.

Who is Ejiro Okuma?

Ejiro Okuma worked in an Atlanta, Georgia office while registered with Equitable Advisors from May 2023 to June 2025.  He was also previously affiliated with Edward Jones from 2010 to May 2023.  Mr. Okuma also owned and operated Okuma Capital Management in Georgia.

Can I Recover My Investment Losses?

Yes—investors have the right to pursue claims through FINRA arbitration, a legal forum designed to help recover funds lost due to broker misconduct or unsuitable investment recommendations.

Ejiro Okuma may be individually liable for misrepresentation, unsuitable advice, or breach of fiduciary duty. However, Equitable Advisors may also bear responsibility if they failed to properly supervise Okuma or ignored warning signs.

We Represent Investors in Georgia and Across the Country

At Israels & Neuman, we have helped thousands of investors nationwide recover money lost to financial advisor misconduct and represent investors throughout Georgia.  Our attorneys have extensive experience handling claims involving investment schemes.

Free Case Review — Speak to a Securities Fraud Attorney Today

If you invested with Ejiro Okuma, contact us at 720-599-3505 or 206-795-5798 for a free case evaluation.

If we take your case, we do so on a contingency fee basis—which means there are no attorney fees unless we recover money for you!

(720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798

www.IsraelsNeuman.com

FINRA posts reportable events on a website called BrokerCheck, which discloses events like customer complaints, terminations, and regulatory investigations against licensed financial advisors.  According to BrokerCheck, Johnson was the subject of a customer complaint made in June 2025, alleging losses of $750,000.  The complaint alleged that he recommended purchases of Bed Bath and Beyond shares and energy stocks.

Background on Derek Johnson

Derek Johnson held his securities license through Morgan Stanley since June 2020.  He was assigned to a Brea, California office.  Johnson had been in the industry since 2005.  He was also the subject of a customer complaint made in 2021 that settled for $750,000.

Responsibility for Johnson’s Conduct

Morgan Stanley is a broker-dealer and is required to reasonably supervise the activities of its financial advisors, under FINRA Rule 3110.  Morgan Stanley also has to ensure that investment recommendations are suitable for its customers under Rule 2111.  Violations of these rules could lead to liability for a broker-dealer.

We Represent Investors in California

Our securities arbitration law firm represents investors throughout the country, including in California and the Los Angeles area.  If you were a client of Derek Johnson and believe he acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View his BrokerCheck Report

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

We always offer Free Consultations. If we take your case, we do so on a contingency fee basis—which means there are no attorney fees unless we recover money for you!

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798

www.israelsneuman.com

Pursuant to securities rules and regulations, Morgan Stanley is required to notify FINRA when an advisor is terminated, especially if it alleges potential violations of securities rules and regulations.   This very likely led to FINRA to begin its own investigation into the allegations surrounding Keigley.  After Keigley refused to cooperate with FINRA’s investigation, it led to him being barred from the securities industry.

Who is Advisor Tiffany Keigley?

From 2009 to October 2024, Tiffany Keigley had been a representative of Morgan Stanley.  She was assigned to an Tulsa, Oklahoma office.  Moreover, Keigley was the subject of a customer complaint made in November 2024, alleging that she transferred money out of the customer’s account.  This matter settled for $108,000.

Responsibility for Keigley’s Conduct

FINRA Rule 3110 provides that securities brokerage firms have to reasonably supervise their representatives.  If Morgan Stanley failed to do so, it could be responsible for any financial damages. 

We Help Investors in Oklahoma

Our securities arbitration law firm represents investors throughout the country, including in Oklahoma and the Tulsa area.  If you were a client of Tiffany Keigley and believe she acted improperly, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

• View Tiffany Keigley FINRA AWC
• View her BrokerCheck Report

Contact Us for a Free Case Evaluation

Call us today at (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798 or fill out our contact form to learn more about your rights and speak directly to an experienced attorney.