Arlington, Vermont – December 18, 2025 – Doug McCauley (CRD# 1257811), formerly registered with Madison Avenue Securities, LLC, has multiple regulatory disclosures and outstanding tax liens on his FINRA BrokerCheck record. Most recently, FINRA permanently barred McCauley in December 2025 for failing to provide information during an investigation into his outside business activities. Investors who worked with this broker may want to review their account statements and understand their legal options under securities law.
BrokerCheck Snapshot
Name: Douglas John McCauley
CRD #: 1257811
Firm: Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (until 12/2024)
Location: Arlington, VT
Years in Industry: 38
Number of Disclosures: 13
Regulatory Actions Against Douglas McCauley
FINRA Permanent Bar (December 2025)
On December 8, 2025, FINRA permanently barred Douglas McCauley from association with any FINRA member firm. According to the public disclosure, McCauley failed to provide information and documents requested by FINRA in connection with an investigation into his outside business activities (OBAs).
The findings stated that FINRA sought information about McCauley’s OBAs and bank and financial records pertaining to those activities. After McCauley initially submitted an incomplete response that did not provide all requested information and documents, he ultimately refused to provide the information or documents requested. The bar became effective December 8, 2025, and is permanent and indefinite.
Case Number: 2025085574001
Resolution: Acceptance, Waiver & Consent (AWC)
Sanction: Bar (Permanent)
Vermont Department Regulatory Action (2006-2008)
McCauley was previously sanctioned by the Vermont Department of Banking, Insurance, Securities & Healthcare Administration for unregistered investment advisor activity and providing false statements to the Vermont Securities Division. The allegations involved selling equity indexed annuities (EIAs) to Vermont residents without being registered as an investment advisor.
According to the regulatory findings, McCauley failed to adequately explain to all his customers critical features of EIAs, including crediting methods, surrender periods, surrender fees, and promoted the “bonus” feature without providing a full explanation.
Date Initiated: November 2, 2006
Resolution Date: August 22, 2008
Case Number: 07-117-S
Sanctions:
- $13,000.00 fine
- 6-month bar from association with registered broker-dealers and investment advisors
- Special supervisory requirements for future registration
Florida Insurance License Denial (2012-2013)
The Florida Department of Financial Services denied McCauley’s application for nonresident life including variable annuity insurance agent and nonresident health insurance agent licenses. The basis for the denial was McCauley’s adverse regulatory history in the State of Vermont.
Date Initiated: December 4, 2012
Resolution Date: June 14, 2013
Case Number: 130603-13-AG
Resolution: Denial
New York State Regulatory Action (2013-2014)
The New York State Department of Financial Services imposed a $1,500.00 penalty on McCauley for failure to disclose a final disposition (the Florida order dated June 14, 2013) within 30 days and on his renewal application for an agent’s license.
Date Initiated: September 4, 2013
Resolution Date: April 14, 2014
Case Number: CSB-1009277 / 2014-0031-S
Resolution: Stipulation and Consent
Monetary Penalty: $1,500.00 (paid February 26, 2014)
Outstanding Tax Liens and Judgments
McCauley has nine outstanding federal tax liens filed by the Internal Revenue Service totaling more than $313,000, dating from 2005 to 2015. Additionally, he has one outstanding civil judgment for $9,006.00 related to unpaid attorney fees filed in Franklin Municipal Court, Columbus, Ohio in 2010.
Tax Liens Summary:
- $137,198.98 – Filed December 14, 2005
- $102,366.25 – Filed November 13, 2008
- $6,675.09 – Filed November 13, 2008
- $26,200.02 – Filed June 18, 2013
- $9,185.95 – Filed December 16, 2013
- $1,216.73 – Filed February 16, 2014
- $15,671.15 – Filed May 12, 2015
- $6,135.16 – Filed May 12, 2015
All liens remain outstanding according to the most recent BrokerCheck filing.
Pattern of Complaints / Risk Factors
While each case is unique, regulatory actions involving failure to provide information to FINRA, unregistered investment advisor activity, and unsuitable investment recommendations may indicate concerns related to inadequate supervision, disclosure violations, or problematic sales practices. Investors should carefully review account statements and seek legal guidance if similar issues occurred in their accounts.
Can Investors Recover Losses?
Investors who experienced unsuitable investment recommendations or other securities violations may be entitled to recover losses 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
Investors who worked with Madison Avenue Securities, LLC may want to review their account activity for potential issues. Additional resources include information on variable annuity fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, and failure to supervise claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the regulatory action against Douglas McCauley?
FINRA permanently barred Douglas McCauley in December 2025 for failing to provide information and documents during an investigation into his outside business activities. He also has previous regulatory actions from Vermont, Florida, and New York related to unregistered investment advisor activity and disclosure violations.
Can investors recover losses involving Madison Avenue Securities?
Yes. Investors who suffered losses due to broker misconduct, unsuitable recommendations, or securities violations may file claims through FINRA arbitration. Most brokerage agreements contain mandatory arbitration clauses. An experienced securities attorney can evaluate whether you have a valid claim.
What is FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is the primary forum for resolving disputes between investors and brokerage firms. It is a binding process overseen by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Cases are decided by a panel of arbitrators, and most claims must be filed within six years of the investment loss or discovery of misconduct.
What does “unsuitable investment” mean?
An unsuitable investment is a recommendation that does not align with an investor’s financial situation, risk tolerance, investment objectives, or time horizon. Brokers have a legal duty to recommend only suitable investments. Common examples include recommending high-risk products to conservative investors or concentrating portfolios in illiquid investments.
How do I look up a broker on BrokerCheck?
Visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck website at brokercheck.finra.org and search by the broker’s name or CRD number. The report will show employment history, registrations, examinations passed, and any customer complaints, regulatory actions, or other disclosures. All information is publicly available and free to access.
What should I do if I suspect broker misconduct?
First, document everything: account statements, trade confirmations, correspondence, and any marketing materials you received. Second, file a complaint with FINRA and your state securities regulator. Third, consult with a securities attorney who can evaluate whether you have grounds for a FINRA arbitration claim and explain your legal options.
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, 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, P.C.
If you invested with Douglas McCauley or Madison Avenue Securities and experienced losses, contact Patil Law, P.C. for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced securities attorneys can review your account activity and explain your legal options.
Phone: 800-950-6553
Email: info@patillaw.com
Website: investmentlosslawyer.com
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.
