Bryon Martinsen Investor Lawsuits

Broker Bryon Martinsen Allegedly Sold Securities Away from His Firm

The White Law Group is investigating potential securities claims involving former Centaurus Financial broker Bryon C. Martinsen (CRD #1621649).

On August 19, 2022, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) reportedly suspended Martinsen for 15 months and imposed a fine after findings that he engaged in private securities transactions without notifying his firm.

According to FINRA, Martinsen allegedly facilitated the sale of approximately $1.1 million in alternative investments without providing prior written notice to Centaurus Financial. He reportedly introduced customers who wanted to sell illiquid investments to other customers interested in buying them, or in some cases, he purchased the investments himself.

FINRA Findings Against Bryon Martinsen

• Martinsen allegedly failed to disclose these transactions in writing to his firm.
• He falsely denied participation in such transactions on three compliance questionnaires.
• He reportedly made at least 150 payments, totaling $400,000, to compensate customers for prior investment losses—without disclosing these payments to his firm.

These actions violated FINRA rules regarding private securities transactions and outside business activities.

Bryon Martinsen – History of Misconduct

According to his FINRA BrokerCheck report:

• Martinsen has 11 customer complaints alleging unsuitable, high-risk, and illiquid investment recommendations.
• He has been affiliated with Centaurus Financial (CRD#: 30833) in Kings Park, NY since 1999.
• He was previously registered with AXA Advisors, where he was reportedly terminated for involvement in prohibited outside business activities.

What is “Selling Away”?

“Selling away” occurs when a broker conducts securities business outside the scope of their firm without authorization. While this practice is prohibited, brokerage firms may still be held liable for failure to supervise if their representative engages in selling away and clients suffer investment losses.

Filing a Complaint Against Your Brokerage Firm

When brokers engage in misconduct—such as unauthorized transactions, unsuitable recommendations, or selling away—their firms may be liable for investor losses. Brokerage firms that fail to properly supervise their employees can be held responsible through a FINRA arbitration claim.

If you invested with Bryon Martinsen or Centaurus Financial and suffered losses, you may be able to recover damages through a FINRA arbitration case.

Free Consultation with Securities Fraud Attorneys

If you are concerned about investment losses involving Bryon Martinsen or Centaurus Financial, The White Law Group may be able to help.

Call 888-637-5510 for a free consultation with a securities attorney.

The White Law Group, LLC is a national securities fraud, securities arbitration, and investor protection law firm with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington.

FAQs About Bryon Martinsen Investor Lawsuits

1. What allegations were made against Bryon Martinsen?

Martinsen was suspended by FINRA for engaging in private securities transactions (“selling away”), failing to notify his firm, and allegedly making undisclosed payments to clients to cover prior investment losses.

2. How many customer complaints does Bryon Martinsen have?

According to FINRA, Martinsen has 11 customer complaints alleging unsuitable and high-risk investment recommendations, including illiquid alternative investments.

3. Can investors recover losses from Centaurus Financial?

Yes. Even if Martinsen acted without authorization, Centaurus Financial may be held liable for failing to properly supervise him. Investors may pursue recovery of losses through a FINRA arbitration claim.