Douglas McCauley: Complaints and Lawsuit Investigation After FINRA Bar

Broker Douglas McCauley Complaints and Lawsuit Investigation After Allegations

Douglas John McCauley (CRD #1257811), also known as Doug McCauley, a formerly registered broker and investment adviser, has reportedly been permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The bar followed a disciplinary action resolved through an Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) agreement effective December 8, 2025.

Investors researching Douglas McCauley complaints or potential lawsuits should be aware that FINRA barred McCauley after finding that he failed to cooperate with a regulatory investigation into his outside business activities (OBAs).

McCauley consented to the sanction without admitting or denying the findings.

FINRA Allegations Against Douglas McCauley

According to FINRA, the investigation reportedly focused on McCauley’s outside business activities and related financial matters. FINRA sought, among other items:

• Information regarding McCauley’s outside business activities

• Bank records and other financial documentation tied to those activities

FINRA found that McCauley initially provided a response that was incomplete and did not include all requested documents. The regulator further alleged that McCauley ultimately refused to provide the remaining information and records requested.

Under FINRA Rule 8210, registered representatives are required to provide information and documents requested during investigations. Failure to comply is considered a serious violation and frequently results in the most severe sanctions available.

Permanent FINRA Bar and Disciplinary Outcome

As a result of the alleged misconduct, FINRA imposed the following sanction:

• Permanent bar from associating with any FINRA member firm

• All registration capacities affected

• Indefinite duration, effective December 8, 2025

McCauley is no longer registered with FINRA and holds no active securities licenses.

Douglas McCauley Registration and Firm History

BrokerCheck records show that McCauley had approximately 28 years of experience in the securities industry and was associated with several brokerage firms, including:

• Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (2009–2024)

• A. CH. Securities, Inc. (1999–2000)

• Jefferson Pilot Securities Corporation (1986–1998)

He was previously registered both as a broker and as an investment adviser.

Prior Regulatory Issues and Disclosures

Investors evaluating Douglas McCauley complaints or lawsuit claims should also consider his prior regulatory history, which includes multiple state-level actions and financial disclosures.

Vermont Securities Action (2006)

In 2006, the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Healthcare Administration issued a final order alleging:

• Unregistered investment adviser activity, and

• False statements to the Vermont Securities Division

That matter resulted in:

• A $13,000 monetary penalty

• A six-month bar from association with a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser

• Special supervisory requirements should McCauley seek future registration

Florida and New York Regulatory Matters

McCauley’s disclosure history also reflects:

• A Florida Department of Financial Services order denying certain nonresident insurance licenses, citing adverse regulatory history

• Related issues involving a failure to timely disclose a final regulatory order on a renewal application, as referenced in firm comments tied to New York insurance regulators

Judgments and Liens

BrokerCheck further lists multiple judgments and liens over several years, adding to McCauley’s overall disclosure record.

Why Outside Business Activities Are a Common Source of Investor Complaints

Outside business activities are closely monitored by regulators because they can involve:

• Conflicts of interest

• Undisclosed compensation

• Private securities transactions conducted outside firm supervision

When OBAs are not properly disclosed or supervised, investors may be exposed to risks they do not fully understand. FINRA views a broker’s refusal to cooperate with an investigation into such activities as a serious threat to investor protection.

FINRA Arbitration and Investor Recovery Options

Investors researching a Douglas McCauley lawsuit or complaints should know that most claims against brokers and brokerage firms are resolved through FINRA arbitration, rather than in court.

FINRA arbitration allows investors to pursue claims against a broker, the supervising brokerage firm, or both. Even when a broker has been barred, firms may still be held responsible for failure to supervise, inadequate compliance systems, or permitting undisclosed outside business activities.

Common FINRA arbitration claims include unsuitable investment recommendations, failure to disclose conflicts of interest, unauthorized trading, negligent supervision, and the sale of unapproved or off-book investments.

Contact The White Law Group

If you suffered investment losses while working with Douglas McCauley or believe your brokerage firm failed to properly supervise his activities, The White Law Group may be able to help. With offices in Seattle and Chicago, we represent investors in all 50 states. Please call 888-637-5510 for a free consultation or visit whitesecuritieslaw.com.

Our firm represents investors nationwide in FINRA arbitration and focuses exclusively on securities fraud and investment misconduct. Consultations are confidential, and there is no obligation.

FAQs

Are there Douglas McCauley complaints or lawsuits?

Public records reflect regulatory actions and disclosures involving Douglas McCauley, including a permanent FINRA bar. While not every investor dispute becomes a lawsuit, investors who suffered losses may be able to pursue claims through FINRA arbitration depending on the circumstances.

Why did FINRA bar Douglas McCauley?

FINRA barred McCauley after alleging that he failed to provide requested information and documents related to an investigation into his outside business activities. According to FINRA, after submitting an incomplete response, McCauley ultimately refused to comply with further requests.

Can investors still file claims after a broker is barred?

Yes. A broker’s bar does not prevent investors from pursuing claims. In many cases, arbitration claims focus on the brokerage firm’s supervision and compliance obligations rather than the broker’s current registration status.