Iryna Pavlivna Warren Fraud Investigation: FINRA BrokerCheck Report Analysis & Potential Recovery Options (CRD# 6286876)

Overview of Iryna Warren’s BrokerCheck Report

If you’ve invested with Iryna Pavlivna Warren (CRD# 6286876), a Financial Advisor currently registered with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, you may benefit from a comprehensive review of her professional background and regulatory history. According to her FINRA BrokerCheck report, Warren is facing a customer complaint related to options trading, which may raise concerns for current and potential clients.

This report provides a detailed analysis of Warren’s employment history, qualifications, regulatory disclosures, and what steps investors can take if they believe they’ve experienced losses due to potential broker misconduct.

Who is Iryna Pavlivna Warren?

Iryna P. Warren (CRD# 6286876) is currently employed as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in Washington, DC. Her office is located at:

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
1800 K ST NW
WASHINGTON, DC 20006

Warren has been registered with Merrill Lynch since May 25, 2017, as a broker and since August 7, 2017, as an investment adviser. According to FINRA records, this represents her first and only registration with a securities firm.

Registration and Licensing Information

Warren maintains active registrations with multiple regulatory organizations and in numerous states:

Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) Registrations:

• Cboe BYX Exchange, Inc. (since May 25, 2017)
• Cboe BZX Exchange, Inc. (since May 25, 2017)
• Cboe Exchange, Inc. (since May 25, 2017)
• FINRA (since May 25, 2017)
• Nasdaq Stock Market (since May 25, 2017)
• New York Stock Exchange (since May 25, 2017)

State Registrations:

Warren is currently licensed in 29 U.S. states and territories, including:

• District of Columbia (as both broker and investment adviser)
• Texas (as both broker and investment adviser)
• Virginia (as both broker and investment adviser)
• New York, California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, and other major states

Professional Qualifications and Examination History

Warren has passed the following industry examinations:

• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Examination (October 1, 2018)
• General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7) (May 25, 2017)
• Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66) (August 2, 2017)

Notably, she has not passed any principal/supervisory examinations, which would be required for management positions, and has not reported any professional designations such as CFP, CFA, or other industry credentials.

Employment History and Background

Warren’s employment timeline according to FINRA BrokerCheck:

1. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (August 2016 – Present)

1. • Position: Financial Advisor
   • Location: Washington, DC

2. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (December 2015 – August 2016)

1. • Position: Seasonal Client Associate
   • Location: Washington, DC

3. Unemployed (February 2015 – December 2015)

1. • Location: Arlington, VA

Her BrokerCheck report indicates no other business activities outside her role at Merrill Lynch.

Customer Dispute Disclosure

The most significant information revealed in Warren’s BrokerCheck report is a recent customer complaint:

Date Received: January 24, 2025
Allegation: Client alleges failure to follow instructions from November 1, 2024, to January 20, 2025
Product Type: Options
Alleged Damages: $5,000 or more (exact amount not specified)
Status: Denied (as of February 7, 2025)

This customer dispute is particularly noteworthy because:

1. It involves options trading, which carries higher risk than many other investment products
2. The allegation centers on “failure to follow instructions,” suggesting potential execution or communication issues
3. The complaint is relatively recent, occurring within the past few months
4. While the firm denied the complaint, this represents their internal determination rather than an independent arbitration ruling

Understanding the Significance of Options Trading Complaints

Options trading complaints like the one filed against Warren often relate to several common issues that investors should be aware of:

1. Execution Timing Issues

Options contracts are time-sensitive instruments where even small delays in execution can significantly impact profitability or loss magnitude. A “failure to follow instructions” allegation often centers on timing-related disputes.

2. Communication Breakdowns

Clear communication is crucial in options trading, where specific strike prices, expiration dates, and contract types must be precisely specified. Misunderstandings about trade instructions can lead to substantial losses.

3. Suitability Concerns

Options trading involves complex strategies and substantial risk. Financial advisors must ensure clients fully understand these risks and that options strategies align with the client’s investment objectives, risk tolerance, and experience level.

4. Authorization Disputes

Some options complaints involve disagreements about whether specific trades were properly authorized by the client, particularly in actively managed accounts.

Red Flags for Investors Working with Iryna Warren

Based on the information in Warren’s BrokerCheck report and the nature of the customer dispute, investors should be alert to several potential concerns:

1. Options Trading Expertise: With only one securities role since 2017, Warren has moderate but not extensive industry experience. Investors should question her specific experience and training with complex options strategies.
2. Communication Practices: The “failure to follow instructions” allegation suggests possible communication issues. Investors should establish clear expectations about how and when trade instructions will be confirmed and executed.
3. Risk Disclosure: Especially with higher-risk products like options, proper risk disclosure is essential. Investors should ensure they receive comprehensive explanations of potential downsides.
4. Account Monitoring: Options positions often require active management and timely decisions. Investors should clarify expectations regarding account monitoring and response times.

How Brokerage Firms May Be Liable for Broker Misconduct

When investors suffer losses due to potential broker misconduct, the employing brokerage firm may share liability under several legal theories:

1. Failure to Supervise

Brokerage firms like Merrill Lynch have a duty to reasonably supervise their registered representatives. This includes monitoring trading activity, reviewing communications with clients, and ensuring compliance with suitability requirements.

2. Vicarious Liability

Under the legal principle of “respondeat superior,” firms may be held responsible for the actions of their employees conducted within the scope of employment.

3. Negligent Hiring or Retention

If a firm fails to conduct proper background checks or retains brokers with problematic histories, they may face liability for resulting client losses.

4. Failure to Implement Adequate Compliance Systems

Firms must maintain robust compliance systems to detect and prevent potential misconduct, particularly in high-risk areas like options trading.

Legal Options for Investors Who Suffered Losses

If you invested with Iryna Warren and believe you experienced losses due to misconduct, several recovery options may be available:

1. FINRA Arbitration

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) provides an arbitration forum specifically designed to resolve securities disputes. This process is typically faster and less expensive than court litigation.

Key features of FINRA arbitration include:

• Claims must generally be filed within six years of the event giving rise to the dispute
• Proceedings are less formal than court cases
• Decisions are final and binding with limited grounds for appeal
• Recovery can include compensatory damages, interest, and sometimes costs

2. FINRA Mediation

FINRA also offers a mediation program where a neutral third party helps facilitate settlement discussions. This voluntary process can be pursued before or during arbitration.

3. Direct Negotiation

Some claims may be resolved through direct negotiation with the brokerage firm’s compliance or legal department. This approach can be more efficient for straightforward cases but may result in less favorable outcomes without proper legal representation.

4. Regulatory Complaints

Filing complaints with FINRA, the SEC, or state securities regulators can trigger investigations that might lead to disciplinary actions and potential restitution for affected investors.

Warning Signs of Potential Broker Misconduct in Options Trading

Investors working with any financial advisor, including Iryna Warren, should be vigilant for these warning signs specific to options trading:

1. Unauthorized Trading: Options positions appearing in your account that you did not approve
2. Excessive Trading: Frequent options trading that seems designed primarily to generate commissions
3. Complex Strategies Without Explanation: Implementation of sophisticated options strategies without clear explanation of risks and mechanics
4. Misleading Risk Characterizations: Describing high-risk options strategies as “conservative” or “safe” investments
5. Account Concentration: Over-concentration in options positions without appropriate diversification
6. Margin Surprises: Unexpected margin calls or leverage that wasn’t fully disclosed
7. Missing Documentation: Lack of risk disclosure forms or options agreements that should be provided before trading begins

Steps to Take If You Suspect Misconduct by Iryna Warren

If you believe you’ve experienced losses due to potential misconduct by Iryna Warren, consider taking these immediate steps:

1. Document Everything: Gather and organize all account statements, trade confirmations, emails, and notes from conversations with your broker
2. Express Concerns in Writing: Send a written complaint to Merrill Lynch’s compliance department detailing your concerns (keep copies of all correspondence)
3. Request Account Statements and Trade Confirmations: Ensure you have complete records of all account activity during the relevant period
4. Consult a Securities Attorney: Speak with an attorney who specializes in securities arbitration to evaluate the strength of your potential claims
5. Act Promptly: Be aware of time limitations for filing claims, as delays could impact your ability to recover losses
6. Preserve Communications: Save all emails, text messages, and written communications with your broker and the firm
7. Review Your Investment Objectives: Check whether the options strategies in your account aligned with your documented investment objectives and risk tolerance

How to Protect Yourself When Investing in Options

Whether you work with Iryna Warren or another financial advisor, these precautions can help protect your interests when investing in options:

1. Understand the Strategy: Insist on clear explanations of any options strategy before approving it, including maximum potential loss scenarios
2. Get Written Confirmations: Request written confirmation of all trading instructions and authorizations
3. Establish Communication Protocols: Clearly define how and when trading instructions will be confirmed and executed
4. Set Risk Parameters: Establish clear boundaries regarding position sizes, maximum losses, and leverage
5. Maintain Regular Account Reviews: Schedule periodic portfolio reviews to ensure your investments remain aligned with your objectives
6. Document Conversations: Take notes during meetings and phone calls with your broker, recording dates, times, and key points discussed
7. Research Your Broker: Use FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) regularly to monitor for new disclosures or complaints

Statute of Limitations for Investment Claims

If you’re considering legal action related to investments with Iryna Warren, be aware of these important time limitations:

• FINRA Arbitration: Claims must typically be filed within 6 years of the event giving rise to the dispute
• State Securities Laws: Vary by state, generally ranging from 2-5 years
• Common Law Claims: Statutes of limitations for negligence, breach of fiduciary duty, and other common law claims vary by state

Consulting with a securities attorney promptly is essential to preserve your legal rights and avoid potential statute of limitations issues.

Conclusion: Evaluating Iryna Warren as Your Financial Advisor

Iryna P. Warren’s BrokerCheck report reveals a financial advisor with approximately 9 years of industry experience, all with Merrill Lynch. While she maintains appropriate licensing across multiple states and has passed the requisite industry examinations, the recent customer dispute regarding options trading warrants attention from current and prospective clients.

The single customer complaint, while denied by her firm, raises questions about communication practices and options trading execution that investors should explore before establishing or continuing a professional relationship. As with any financial advisor, thorough due diligence and clear communication about investment strategies, risk tolerance, and trade execution expectations are essential.

For investors who believe they may have experienced losses due to misconduct, multiple recovery options exist, including FINRA arbitration, mediation, and regulatory complaints. Consulting with a securities attorney experienced in broker misconduct cases can help determine the most appropriate course of action based on your specific circumstances.

Disclaimer: The information in this article regarding Iryna P. Warren (CRD# 6286876) is based on her FINRA BrokerCheck report as of March 2025 and is provided for informational purposes only. The customer complaint mentioned has been denied by her firm, and no finding of wrongdoing has been established by a regulator or arbitration panel. This article does not constitute legal or investment advice, and investors should conduct their own research before making any investment decisions.

Last Updated: March 8, 2025

Chetan Patil

Chetan Patil is the founder and Managing Partner of the Patil Law. He brings over 15 years of extensive experience in diverse complex disputes and transactions, across the country. Mr. Patil specializes in litigations, trials, arbitrations, and appeals of complex securities, FINRA, financial and business disputes, with an emphasis in securities, financial services, and financial regulatory law.