John Dougherty Barred by FINRA and CFP Board Revokes Certification
The White Law Group is investigating potential securities claims involving former financial advisor John A. Dougherty (CRD#: 3018615), a previously registered broker and investment adviser in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
According to public records, Dougherty has been barred by FINRA from acting as a broker or associating with any FINRA member firm. Additionally, in May 2025, the CFP® Board permanently revoked his Certified Financial Planner designation following allegations connected to a lawsuit.
FINRA Bar Against John Dougherty
FINRA records indicate that on December 1, 2023, Dougherty consented to a permanent bar after failing to provide requested information and documents in connection with an investigation into possible undisclosed outside business activities and private securities transactions.
In July 2023, his former employer, LPL Financial LLC, discharged him for allegedly engaging in outside business activity and participating in private investments without firm approval.
Customer Dispute
In January 2023, a customer filed a pending dispute alleging that Dougherty recommended an unsuitable wealth management strategy that was inconsistent with their investment objectives and risk tolerance. The client claims losses occurred between April 2013 and October 2021. Dougherty has denied wrongdoing.
CFP Board Revocation
The CFP Board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission issued an order on May 30, 2025, revoking Dougherty’s certification and permanently barring him from future certification.
The action stemmed from allegations in a South Carolina state court lawsuit that Dougherty breached his fiduciary duty, failed to disclose conflicts of interest, and recommended that a client invest in a highly speculative business venture. After Dougherty declined to participate in the CFP Board’s investigation, the Commission determined revocation was appropriate given the seriousness of the alleged misconduct.
John Dougherty’s Broker History
According to FINRA’s BrokerCheck, Dougherty was in the securities industry for over 23 years and registered with multiple firms, including:
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LPL Financial LLC (Blue Bell, PA) – 2021 to 2023
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Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC (Collegeville, PA) – 2013 to 2021
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Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith (Philadelphia, PA) – 2010 to 2013
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New England Securities (Newtown Square, PA) – 2008 to 2010
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Wachovia Securities, LLC – 2003 to 2005
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Morgan Stanley DW Inc. – 1998 to 2003
Recovering Investment Losses
Financial advisors and broker-dealers have a duty to act in the best interest of their clients and to supervise their representatives. When advisors recommend unsuitable investments, engage in undisclosed outside business activities, or place clients in high-risk ventures, investors may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration.
If you suffered losses with John Dougherty, you may have claims against his former employers, such as LPL Financial, Wells Fargo, or Merrill Lynch. The White Law Group represents investors in securities fraud claims nationwide and is currently investigating allegations involving Dougherty.
Free Consultation
If you invested with John A. Dougherty and believe you may have suffered losses, contact The White Law Group at (888) 637-5510 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was John Dougherty barred by FINRA?
FINRA barred Dougherty after he failed to provide information and documents in connection with an investigation into undisclosed outside business activities and private securities transactions.
2. What happened to John Dougherty’s CFP certification?
The CFP Board revoked his certification in May 2025 after he declined to participate in its investigation into allegations that he breached fiduciary duty and recommended speculative investments.
3. Can I sue John Dougherty to recover my investment losses?
While you may not be able to sue him directly, investors may pursue claims against his former broker-dealer firms—such as LPL Financial or Wells Fargo—through FINRA arbitration, which often provides a path for recovery.
