• June 7, 2022
• Henley & Co

Barbaraann Bernatzky (CRD#: 2535421), also known as Barbara Ann Bernatzky, is a previously registered Broker.

Broker’s Background

She entered the securities industry in 1994 and previously worked for Henley & Company, LLC; Prime Capital Services, Inc.; Raymond James Financial Services, Inc.; and Robert Thomas Securities, Inc.

Current And Past Allegations Of Conduct Leading To Investment Loss

According to publicly available records released by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), in May 2022, FINRA sanctioned Barbaraann Bernatzky, permanently barring her from all capacities indefinitely, beginning May 23, 2022. The FINRA sanction states, “Without admitting or denying the findings, Bernatzky consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings that she refused to appear for on-the-record testimony requested by FINRA in connection with its investigation regarding potential misconduct that occurred at her member firm’s branch office.”

For a copy of the FINRA sanction, click here.

In addition, Barbaraann Bernatzky has been the subject of one customer complaints, including one that remains pending, including the following:

• December 2021 — “Customer alleges Firm failed to provide reasonable, adequate and meaningful supervision over Firm’s branch office, allowing its registered representative to carry out a Ponzi scheme to defraud and misappropriate approximately $1,000,000.00.” The customer dispute is pending.

For a copy of Barbaraann Bernatzky’s FINRA BrokerCheck, click here.

We Help Investors Recover Investment Losses

A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment scheme whereby the operator generates returns for older investors through revenue paid by new investors, rather than from legitimate business activities or profit of financial trading. Operators of Ponzi schemes can be either individuals or corporations, and grab the attention of new investors by offering short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent.

Companies that engage in Ponzi schemes focus all of their energy into attracting new clients to make investments. Ponzi schemes rely on a constant flow of new investments to continue to provide returns to older investors. When this flow runs out, the scheme falls apart.

Financial advisors have a legal and regulatory obligation to recommend only suitable investments that are appropriate for their clients’ needs and objectives. Their employing brokerage firm has a legal and regulatory obligation to supervise the Financial Advisors’ sales practices and dealings with clients.  To the extent any of these duties are breached, the customer may be entitled to a recovery of his or her investment losses.

The Wolper Law Firm, P.A. represents investors nationwide in securities litigation and arbitration on a contingency fee basis.  Matt Wolper, the Managing Principal of the Wolper Law Firm, P.A., is a trial lawyer who has handled hundreds of securities cases during his career involving a wide range of products, strategies and securities. Prior to representing investors, he was a partner with a national law firm, where he represented some of the largest banks and brokerage firms in the world in securities matters. We can be reached at (800) 931-8452 or by email at mwolper@wolperlawfirm.com.