Investors in the Fort Lauderdale area may be able to recover losses involving Mario Martinez, a former financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. Our law firm, Israels & Neuman, is looking into allegations made against Martinez, who was recently barred from the securities industry by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority). Our Florida licensed investment fraud attorney, Dave Neuman, may be able to help you recoup your losses.

Allegations of Misappropriation Lead to $331,000 Settlement

In December 2024, a complaint was filed alleging that Martinez misappropriated customer funds through a personal loan—a major red flag under FINRA rules. That dispute settled for $331,000, prompting Merrill Lynch to terminate Martinez’s employment in January 2025.

FINRA Expels Mario Martinez for Failing to Cooperate

Following his termination, FINRA launched its own investigation into Martinez’s conduct. When he refused to provide requested documents and information, FINRA took disciplinary action by permanently barring him from working in the securities industry.

Martinez’s Employment History at Merrill Lynch

Mario Martinez worked at Merrill Lynch’s Fort Lauderdale office from October 2015 until January 2025. As a registered representative, he was required to follow strict industry regulations concerning client funds, loans, and firm supervision.

Can You Hold Merrill Lynch Accountable?

Financial professionals like Martinez may be held liable for violating securities laws or breaching fiduciary duties. In addition, brokerage firms like Merrill Lynch may also be responsible if they failed to properly supervise their advisors.

We Represent Investors Across Florida, Including Fort Lauderdale

Attorney David Neuman is licensed to practice law in Florida and has represented clients in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and across the state. If you were a client of Mario Martinez and suspect misconduct, we may be able to help you pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration.

• View Mario Martinez FINRA AWC
• View his BrokerCheck Report

📞 Free Case Review for Florida Investors

To learn more about your rights and whether you can recover losses, contact Israels & Neuman at:

📱 (720) 599-3505 or (206) 795-5798

📝 Or fill out our contact form for a free consultation.

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MIAMA, FLORIDA Have you invested with financial advisor Viqas Akhtar from Miami, Florida? Our law firm is looking into allegations made against Viqas Akhtar, who has been affiliated with B. Riley Wealth Management since July 2022, and was previously licensed with National Securities Corp.

Viqas Suk Akhtar has been the subject of nine customer complaints, two of which were made in 2023. According to a November 2023 complaint, he engaged in excessive trading (sometimes referred to as “churning”) and made unauthorized trades while he was affiliated with B. Riley Wealth Management. The customer alleges $192,995 in losses from this conduct.

B Riley Wealth Management is required by FINRA to have written supervisory and compliance procedures, under securities rules and regulations to supervise their advisors If the brokerage firm failed to reasonably supervise its advisor, it may be liable for customer losses.

Our firm has represented numerous investors throughout Florida. Attorney David Neuman is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida.

View BrokerCheck report here.

If you lost money with Viqas Akhtar or B. Riley Wealth Management, please Contact Us at 206-795-5798 for a free evaluation of your case.