Chuck Roberts Stifel Lawsuits & Complaints: Structured Notes Losses and FINRA Bar
Chuck Roberts (CRD#: 2064602), a former financial advisor with Stifel Nicolaus & Co., is facing dozens of customer complaints and multimillion-dollar lawsuits tied to structured note investments. In July 2025, Roberts was barred by FINRA after failing to cooperate with regulators. Investors claim that Roberts and Stifel misrepresented the risks of structured notes, resulting in substantial financial losses.
The White Law Group continues to investigate potential FINRA arbitration claims involving Chuck Roberts and Stifel lawsuits.
FINRA Bar & Investor Complaints Against Chuck Roberts
On July 9, 2025, FINRA permanently barred Roberts from the securities industry after he stopped cooperating with its investigation. While he had initially provided testimony and documents, Roberts later informed regulators that he would no longer participate. He consented to the bar without admitting or denying the findings.
Roberts’ BrokerCheck record lists 30 customer complaints since April 2023, with 27 alleging fraud or breach of fiduciary duty. These cases involve claims of unsuitable recommendations, misrepresentation, and portfolio overconcentration in structured notes.
Record-Breaking Arbitration Award Against Stifel
In March 2025, FINRA ordered Stifel to pay $133 million in damages—the largest retail arbitration award in FINRA’s history. The case involved allegations that Stifel and Roberts overconcentrated client portfolios in risky structured notes and failed to supervise his activities. The award included $80 million in punitive damages.
Stifel is currently appealing the decision, arguing arbitrator bias, but legal experts suggest it will be difficult to overturn.
Other arbitration awards against Stifel connected to Roberts include $14.3 million and $2.3 million, with at least 18 additional cases still pending.
Stifel’s Earnings Hit by Lawsuits
Stifel Financial’s Global Wealth Management earnings dropped nearly 57% in the first quarter of 2025, driven largely by legal expenses tied to Roberts’ structured note strategy. The firm reported that profits fell to $126 million, down from $291 million a year earlier. Stifel disclosed setting aside $180 million for arbitration awards and related claims.
Chuck Roberts Resigns from Stifel
Roberts resigned from Stifel Nicolaus & Co. on June 30, 2025, after nearly a decade with the firm. He has not re-registered with another brokerage.
Roberts’ career also includes a 2010 suspension and $40,000 fine while registered with Morgan Stanley for alleged violations in client account handling.
Structured Notes: Complex and Risky Investments
Structured notes are illiquid hybrid investments combining features of bonds and derivatives. While marketed as offering income or downside protection, they often expose investors to significant risks, including loss of principal.
Claims against Roberts and Stifel allege that clients were not adequately informed of these risks, and that structured notes were unsuitable for many retail investors.
How to Recover Investment Losses with Chuck Roberts & Stifel
When brokers make unsuitable recommendations or misrepresent risks, the brokerage firm may be held liable for damages through FINRA arbitration. Firms like Stifel can face liability for failure to supervise their advisors.
If you suffered losses in Stifel lawsuits involving Chuck Roberts, you may be able to pursue a FINRA claim for recovery.
Class Action Lawsuit vs. FINRA Arbitration
For investors with significant losses (typically over $100,000), an individual FINRA arbitration claim is usually the most effective recovery option. Class actions may be better suited to groups of investors with smaller claims that would be difficult to pursue individually.
Free Consultation
The White Law Group is a national securities fraud and investor protection law firm with offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle, Washington. We have handled more than 800 FINRA arbitration claims on behalf of investors.
If you are concerned about your investments with Chuck Roberts or Stifel Nicolaus, please call 888-637-5510 for a free consultation with our securities attorneys.
FAQs
How can investors file a complaint against Chuck Roberts or Stifel?
Investors can file complaints through FINRA, which reviews allegations of fraud, negligence, or unsuitable recommendations. Many investors pursue recovery through FINRA arbitration rather than traditional court litigation.
What are the risks of structured notes?
Structured notes are often illiquid, difficult to value, and carry the risk of total loss of principal. Investors also face issuer credit risk and may not be able to sell before maturity.
What kinds of disputes lead to Stifel lawsuits?
Common disputes include misrepresentation of investment risks, unsuitable recommendations, and failure to supervise advisors. Many of the complaints against Chuck Roberts involve these issues.
