Winter Park, FL — December 11, 2025 — Derek Amron Grimm (CRD# 3000890), a financial advisor currently registered with RBC Capital Markets, LLC, is facing a pending FINRA arbitration claim alleging unsuitable investments, overconcentration, and failure to act in the client’s best interest. According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, the complaint was filed in September 2025 and seeks $100,000 in damages. Grimm has been in the securities industry for approximately 26 years and holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation. This article reviews the publicly available disclosure information and outlines options for investors who may have suffered losses.
BrokerCheck Snapshot
Name: Derek Amron Grimm
CRD #: 3000890
Firm: RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Location: Winter Park, FL
Years in Industry: 26
Number of Disclosures: 1
Pending Customer Complaint Against Derek Grimm
FINRA Arbitration Case (2025)
According to FINRA records, a customer filed an arbitration claim against Grimm in September 2025 (FINRA Case No. 25-01996). The claimant alleges that Grimm recommended unsuitable investments, overconcentrated the client’s accounts, made misrepresentations and omissions, and failed to act in the customer’s best interest. The complaint involves various securities including equity stocks, mutual funds, and Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). The customer is seeking $100,000 in damages.
The case remains pending as of the date of this report. Grimm worked at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated from February 2010 through August 2022 before joining RBC Capital Markets in August 2022.
Understanding the Allegations
The allegations against Grimm involve several common types of broker misconduct:
Unsuitable Investments: Brokers have a duty to recommend investments that align with their clients’ financial objectives, risk tolerance, investment timeline, and overall financial situation. Recommending investments that do not fit these criteria may constitute unsuitability.
Overconcentration: Concentrating too much of a client’s portfolio in a single security, sector, or asset class can expose investors to excessive risk. Proper diversification is a fundamental principle of sound investment management.
Failure to Act in Client’s Best Interest: Financial advisors are required to put their clients’ interests ahead of their own and to disclose conflicts of interest. Failing to act in the client’s best interest may constitute a breach of fiduciary duty.
Misrepresentations and Omissions: Making false or misleading statements, or failing to disclose material facts about investment risks, can constitute securities fraud.
Derek Grimm’s Employment History
Grimm has worked for several major brokerage firms during his 26-year career in the securities industry:
- RBC Capital Markets, LLC (August 2022 – Present) – Winter Park, FL
- Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (February 2010 – August 2022) – Winter Park, FL
- Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (June 2009 – February 2010) – Orlando, FL
- Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (April 2007 – June 2009) – Orlando, FL
- Morgan Stanley DW Inc. (December 2006 – April 2007) – Orlando, FL
- TD Ameritrade, Inc. (August 2002 – December 2006) – Orlando, FL
- Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. (September 1999 – July 2001) – Westlake, TX
Grimm holds the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, which requires adherence to specific ethical and professional standards.
Can Investors Recover Losses?
Investors who experienced unsuitable investments, overconcentration, or other forms of broker misconduct may be entitled to compensation through FINRA arbitration. Patil Law, P.C. has over 15 years of experience representing investors in FINRA arbitration and securities litigation, with more than $25 million recovered for clients across 1,000+ cases. We provide a free, confidential consultation to review your potential claim. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover money for you.
About FINRA Arbitration
FINRA arbitration is a streamlined dispute resolution process for securities-related claims. It offers a faster, more cost-effective alternative to traditional court litigation. Most cases are resolved within 12-16 months. Claims generally must be filed within six years of the incident.
Related Brokers and Firms
If you have concerns about your investments with RBC Capital Markets, LLC or Merrill Lynch, or experienced similar issues with other advisors, you may want to review additional resources on unsuitable investments and broker misconduct. Our firm has handled numerous cases involving overconcentration, unsuitable recommendations, and breach of fiduciary duty by financial advisors nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the complaint against Derek Grimm?
A customer filed a FINRA arbitration claim in September 2025 alleging that Grimm recommended unsuitable investments, overconcentrated the client’s accounts, made misrepresentations and omissions, and failed to act in the customer’s best interest. The complaint seeks $100,000 in damages. The case remains pending.
Can investors recover losses involving RBC Capital Markets or Merrill Lynch?
Yes, investors who suffered losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, overconcentration, or other securities violations may file a claim through FINRA arbitration. Most brokerage agreements contain mandatory arbitration clauses, which require disputes to be resolved through this process rather than in court.
What is FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is a dispute resolution forum where investors can seek compensation for investment losses caused by broker misconduct or securities violations. The process is overseen by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and is binding on both parties. It typically costs less and resolves faster than traditional litigation.
What does “unsuitable investment” mean?
An unsuitable investment is one that does not align with an investor’s risk tolerance, financial objectives, investment timeline, or overall financial situation. Brokers are required to conduct due diligence and recommend only those investments that are appropriate for each client based on their individual circumstances.
What is overconcentration?
Overconcentration occurs when too much of an investor’s portfolio is invested in a single security, sector, or asset class. This lack of diversification exposes investors to excessive risk. Brokers have a duty to recommend properly diversified portfolios appropriate for each client’s risk tolerance.
What should I do if I suspect broker misconduct?
First, document all account statements, trade confirmations, and communications with your broker. Second, file a complaint with FINRA and your state securities regulator. Third, contact an experienced securities attorney to discuss your options for recovery through arbitration. Time limits apply, so prompt action is important.
About Patil Law, P.C.
Patil Law, P.C. is a securities litigation firm dedicated to representing investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, and securities fraud. Founded in 2018 by attorney Chetan Patil, the firm focuses exclusively on FINRA arbitration and investment loss recovery.
With over 15 years of combined experience in securities law, Patil Law has successfully recovered more than $25 million for clients across 1,000+ cases. Attorney Chetan Patil earned his law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Attorneys Gabriela Dubrocq and Patricia Herrera earned their law degrees from University of Miami. The firm handles cases nationwide involving unauthorized trading, churning, unsuitable investments, overconcentration, breach of fiduciary duty, and failure to supervise.
Patil Law works on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay no attorney fees unless the firm successfully recovers money on their behalf. All consultations are free and confidential.
Contact Patil Law for a Free Consultation
If you lost money in your investment account with Derek Grimm, RBC Capital Markets, or Merrill Lynch, contact Patil Law, P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced securities attorneys can review your case and explain your legal options for recovering losses.
Call us today at 800-950-6553 or email info@patillaw.com.
Disclaimer
The information in this post is based on FINRA BrokerCheck records and public filings. Allegations described are pending or unproven and may be contested. All investors are entitled to fair treatment under securities laws. This is attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This communication is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney-client relationship.
