March 2025 – Lone Tree, CO
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What You Need to Know About Matthew Grant Gehring
- Full Name: Matthew Grant Gehring
- CRD Number: 4814336
- Current Location: Lone Tree, CO
- Current Employers: Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (since 09/03/2014) and Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. (since 12/01/2022)
- Office Address: 9800 Schwab Way, Lone Tree, CO 80124
- Registration Status: Currently registered with 2 SROs and in 34 U.S. states and territories
- State Licenses: Registered as both a broker and investment adviser representative
- Experience: In the industry since 2004
- FINRA BrokerCheck: Two customer disputes (both closed)
- Previous Employers: Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. (2010-2014), Janus Distributors LLC (2006-2010)
- Professional Designations: Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
Investigating Matthew Grant Gehring: Understanding the Allegations
Matthew Grant Gehring, a financial advisor currently employed with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. and Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. in Lone Tree, Colorado, has been the subject of two customer complaints according to his FINRA BrokerCheck report. While both complaints have been closed, they reveal patterns of alleged conduct that potential and current investors should be aware of. This article provides a detailed analysis of these complaints, Gehring’s professional history, and crucial information for investors who may have concerns about similar issues.
The complaints against Gehring highlight issues that securities fraud attorneys frequently encounter: allegations of unsuitable investment recommendations and failure to provide appropriate advice regarding concentrated positions. When financial advisors fail to act in their clients’ best interests, investors can suffer substantial financial harm that impacts their long-term financial security and retirement plans.
Case Overview: Previous Complaints Against Matthew Grant Gehring
According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, Gehring has been the subject of two customer complaints:
Complaint 1 (January 2025)
The most recent complaint was filed in January 2025 and alleged that beginning in May 2023, Gehring failed to provide any advice or recommendations regarding an over-concentrated position, which allegedly caused the client to lose money. The complaint claimed damages of approximately $424,000 related to equity listed securities. This complaint was denied by Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. on January 23, 2025, with the firm stating that their review “did not reveal any sales practice violations from the interactions and found no wrongdoing on the part of the representative.”
Complaint 2 (December 2016)
An earlier complaint was filed in December 2016, alleging that Gehring purchased six mutual funds without consultation, which the customer found too conservative to achieve tax-free gains in their account in 2015. This complaint claimed damages of $69,000. The complaint was closed with no action on June 30, 2017, with the firm again stating that their review did not reveal any sales practice violations or wrongdoing by Gehring.
While both complaints were ultimately closed without action against Gehring, they reveal potential concerns about his investment advice practices, particularly regarding:
- Communication with clients about investment recommendations
- Management of concentrated positions
- Alignment of investment selections with client objectives
These are serious allegations that merit attention, especially considering the significant amounts of claimed damages ($424,000 and $69,000 respectively).
Matthew Grant Gehring’s Professional Background and History
A thorough examination of Gehring’s professional history and qualifications provides important context for evaluating the complaints against him:
Education and Professional Designations
According to his BrokerCheck report, Gehring holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. This credential requires extensive education in financial planning, passing a comprehensive examination, and adherence to ethical standards. The CFP designation is generally respected in the industry and suggests a certain level of professional knowledge and commitment to ethical standards.
Employment Timeline
Gehring’s employment history in the securities industry includes:
- Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (September 2014 – Present)
- Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc. (December 2022 – Present)
- Schwab Private Client Investment Advisory, Inc. (August 2014 – September 2022)
- Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. (October 2010 – July 2014)
- Janus Distributors LLC (March 2006 – October 2010)
- Chase Investment Services Corp. (July 2005 – March 2006)
- Banc One Securities Corporation (August 2004 – July 2005)
Gehring has been in the financial services industry for approximately 21 years, which suggests substantial experience. The complaints against him occurred during his time at Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., where he has been employed since 2014.
Licensing and Registration
Gehring is currently registered with two Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs): FINRA and the Nasdaq Stock Market. He has passed several industry examinations, including:
- Series 7 (General Securities Representative Examination) – passed September 15, 2006
- Series 6 (Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination) – passed July 30, 2004
- Series 65 (Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination) – passed December 3, 2010
- Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination) – passed August 18, 2004
- Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination – passed October 1, 2018
He is currently licensed in 34 states and territories, allowing him to conduct securities business across much of the United States. Notably, Gehring has not passed any principal/supervisory exams, meaning he is not qualified to supervise other registered representatives.
Other Business Activities
According to the BrokerCheck report, Gehring has not reported any outside business activities. This is somewhat unusual, as many financial advisors engage in other business activities such as insurance sales, tax preparation, or consulting. The absence of outside business activities could be viewed positively, as it may indicate that Gehring is fully focused on his role at Charles Schwab without the potential conflicts of interest that can arise from other professional activities.
Red Flags in the Matthew Grant Gehring Investigation
While the complaints against Gehring were ultimately closed without action, they still raise several red flags that investors should be aware of:
Alleged Failure to Advise on Concentrated Positions
The 2025 complaint alleging that Gehring failed to provide advice regarding an over-concentrated position is particularly concerning. Concentrated positions (where a large percentage of a portfolio is invested in a single security) can create significant risk due to lack of diversification. Financial advisors have a duty to discuss these risks with clients and provide recommendations to manage them.
Questions About Communication and Consultation
Both complaints suggest potential issues with client communication. The 2016 complaint alleged that Gehring purchased mutual funds “without consultation,” while the 2025 complaint claimed he “failed to provide any advice or recommendations.” Effective communication is essential in the advisor-client relationship, particularly when discussing investment strategies and risks.
Potential Misalignment with Client Objectives
The 2016 complaint specifically alleged that the recommended investments were “too conservative to achieve tax-free gains,” suggesting a potential misalignment between the client’s investment objectives and the recommended strategy. This raises questions about Gehring’s process for understanding and implementing client goals.
Significant Alleged Damages
The substantial claimed damages in both complaints ($424,000 and $69,000 respectively) indicate that the alleged misconduct, if it occurred, had meaningful financial impact on the clients involved. This underscores the importance of appropriate investment advice and risk management.
Legal and Regulatory Framework: Understanding Your Rights
Financial advisors like Matthew Grant Gehring are subject to numerous regulations designed to protect investors. Understanding these rules can help you determine if your advisor may have violated their legal and ethical obligations:
FINRA Rule 2111: Suitability
This rule requires that a broker have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy is suitable for the customer based on the customer’s investment profile. This includes factors such as age, financial situation, tax status, investment objectives, and risk tolerance.
FINRA Rule 2010: Standards of Commercial Honor
This foundational rule requires brokers to “observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade” in their business dealings. It serves as a catch-all provision that covers a wide range of unethical conduct.
Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
Implemented in June 2020, this regulation requires broker-dealers and their associated persons to act in the best interest of retail customers when making recommendations concerning securities transactions or investment strategies. This includes obligations related to disclosure, care, conflict of interest, and compliance.
Fiduciary Duty for Investment Advisers
As a representative of Schwab Wealth Advisory, Inc., Gehring would be subject to the fiduciary standard under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, which requires him to act in the best interests of his clients, avoid conflicts of interest, and make full disclosure of all material facts.
FINRA Rule 3110: Supervision
This rule requires brokerage firms to establish and maintain a system to supervise the activities of their registered representatives. Firms must have written procedures reasonably designed to achieve compliance with applicable securities laws and regulations.
Guidance for Investors Working with Matthew Grant Gehring
If you are or were a client of Matthew Grant Gehring and have concerns about your investments, consider taking the following steps:
1. Review Your Account Statements and Investment Documents
Carefully examine your account statements, trade confirmations, and other investment documents. Look for:
- Concentrated positions (where a large percentage of your portfolio is in a single security)
- Transactions you don’t recall authorizing
- Investments that appear inconsistent with your stated investment objectives or risk tolerance
- Unusual patterns of trading or account activity
2. Assess the Suitability of Your Investments
Consider whether the investments recommended by Gehring are appropriate for your financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. Ask yourself:
- Were the risks of these investments fully explained to you?
- Do these investments align with your financial goals and time horizon?
- Were alternatives discussed that might better meet your objectives?
- Do you understand all the investments in your portfolio?
3. Document Your Communications
Gather and preserve all communications with Gehring, including emails, letters, text messages, and notes from in-person meetings or phone conversations. These records can be crucial evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
4. Understand the Statute of Limitations
Be aware that there are time limits for filing claims related to investment losses. FINRA arbitration claims generally must be filed within six years of the event giving rise to the dispute. However, state laws may provide different limitations periods for certain types of claims. Consulting with an attorney promptly can help ensure you don’t lose your rights due to missed deadlines.
5. Evaluate Portfolio Performance
Compare the performance of your investments against appropriate benchmarks for similar investment types and strategies. Significant underperformance may indicate unsuitable investment recommendations or other issues with the management of your portfolio.
6. Seek Independent Professional Advice
Consider consulting with an independent financial advisor who can provide an objective assessment of your investments and their suitability for your financial situation. Additionally, an experienced securities fraud attorney can evaluate your case and advise you on potential legal remedies.
How Our Securities Fraud Attorneys Can Help
Our law firm specializes in representing investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct, including unsuitable investment recommendations, failure to diversify portfolios, and breach of fiduciary duty. We offer:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Our attorneys will conduct a thorough review of your investment documents, account statements, and communications with your broker to identify potential violations and quantify your losses.
FINRA Arbitration Representation
Most disputes with brokers are resolved through FINRA arbitration rather than court litigation. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in FINRA arbitration proceedings and navigating this specialized forum.
Expert Financial Analysis
We work with financial experts who can analyze your portfolio to determine whether the investments recommended were suitable for your financial situation and objectives, and whether more appropriate alternatives were available.
Contingency Fee Structure
We typically handle investment fraud cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover money for you. This aligns our interests with yours and makes legal representation accessible regardless of your current financial situation.
Understanding of Complex Investment Products
Our attorneys have deep knowledge of various investment products and strategies, allowing us to effectively analyze and present cases involving a wide range of securities, from stocks and bonds to complex products like structured notes, options, and alternative investments.
Recovery from Multiple Sources
When appropriate, we can pursue claims not only against the individual advisor but also against the brokerage firm that employed them, potentially increasing your chances of financial recovery.
Don’t let potential investment misconduct go unchallenged. If you’ve suffered investment losses while working with Matthew Grant Gehring or any other financial advisor, reach out today to protect your rights and explore your options for recovery. Call 800-950-6553 or complete our online form to schedule your free, confidential consultation with an experienced securities fraud attorney.
