San Mateo, California – December 6, 2025 – Douglas M. Zator (CRD# 6321246), a broker registered with Emerson Equity LLC in San Mateo, California, has a pending customer complaint on his FINRA BrokerCheck record. The complaint alleges breach of contract and warranties, breach of fiduciary duty, violation of Regulation Best Interest, and violations of securities statutes involving a real estate security. This article provides investors with details from publicly available FINRA records and information about potential recovery options.
BrokerCheck Snapshot
Name: Douglas M. Zator
CRD #: 6321246
Firm: Emerson Equity LLC
Location: San Mateo, California
Years in Industry: 11
Number of Disclosures: 1
Customer Complaint Against Douglas M. Zator
On October 22, 2025, a customer filed an arbitration complaint (FINRA Case #25-02304) against Douglas M. Zator while he was employed at Emerson Equity LLC. The complaint alleges breach of contract and warranties, promissory estoppel, violation of the Consumer Protection and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, violation of securities statutes, breach of fiduciary duty, claims under common law, vicarious liability, and violation of Regulation Best Interest.
The complaint involves a real estate security product type. The claimant seeks an award ordering respondents to pay between $100,000.00 and $500,000.00, including all direct and consequential damages, statutory and punitive damages, plus interest and costs, including attorneys’ fees. The complaint also seeks all sums lost in the account on any or all transactions made or not made, all lost opportunities incurred as a result of acts or omissions, rescission of transactions, pre-award and pre-judgment interest at the highest rate allowed by law, and any other relief available in law or equity.
Status: Pending
Date Filed: October 22, 2025
Complaint Received: October 23, 2025
Pattern of Complaints / Risk Factors
While each case is unique, complaints alleging breach of fiduciary duty and violation of Regulation Best Interest may indicate concerns related to unsuitable investment recommendations, inadequate risk disclosures, or a failure to act in the client’s best interest. Investors should carefully review account statements and seek legal guidance if similar issues occurred.
Can Investors Recover Losses?
Investors who were recommended unsuitable or high-risk investments may be entitled to recover losses through securities 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
Douglas M. Zator is currently registered with Emerson Equity LLC. Investors who have concerns about other investment professionals at this firm or related matters may wish to review additional resources on our website, including information about unsuitable investments, investment fraud, and failure to supervise claims.
Prior to his current employment, Zator was registered with several firms including Arkadios Capital, Great Point Capital LLC, Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and MetLife Securities Inc.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the complaint against Douglas M. Zator?
The complaint alleges breach of contract and warranties, breach of fiduciary duty, violation of Regulation Best Interest, and violations of securities statutes involving a real estate security. The claimant seeks damages between $100,000.00 and $500,000.00 plus additional relief. The complaint is currently pending in FINRA arbitration.
Q2: Can investors recover losses involving Emerson Equity LLC?
Yes, investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct may be entitled to recover damages through FINRA arbitration. Securities laws provide protections for investors, and many claims are resolved through the arbitration process. An experienced securities attorney can evaluate your specific situation.
Q3: What is FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is a dispute resolution forum specifically designed for securities-related claims between investors and brokers or brokerage firms. It provides a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional litigation, with most cases resolved within 12-16 months.
Q4: What does “unsuitable investment” mean?
An unsuitable investment occurs when a broker recommends securities that do not align with an investor’s financial situation, risk tolerance, investment objectives, or needs. Brokers have a duty to ensure recommendations are suitable for their clients based on the client’s individual circumstances.
Q5: How do I look up a broker on BrokerCheck?
Visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck website at brokercheck.finra.org. Enter the broker’s name or CRD number in the search box. Review the broker’s employment history, qualifications, and any disclosed complaints, arbitrations, or regulatory actions. BrokerCheck is a free public resource maintained by FINRA.
Q6: What should I do if I suspect broker misconduct?
First, document all communications, account statements, and transaction confirmations. File a written complaint with your brokerage firm and keep copies of all correspondence. Contact a securities attorney to discuss your legal options. Consider filing a complaint with FINRA or your state securities regulator. Time limits apply to arbitration claims, 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, 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 have experienced losses with Douglas M. Zator or any other broker at Emerson Equity LLC, contact Patil Law, P.C. for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced securities attorneys can review your account and advise you on your legal options. Call 800-950-6553 or email info@patillaw.com today. There is no obligation, and we work on a contingency fee basis.
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.
