Vero Beach, Florida | December 14, 2025 – JC Britt (CRD# 4523267), a financial advisor with Morgan Stanley, has two customer disputes on his FINRA BrokerCheck record. The most recent complaint, filed in September 2025, alleges that an options trading strategy implemented between January 2018 and May 2025 was unsuitable and misrepresented. A prior complaint from 2011 regarding unsuitable structured products was settled in 2013 for $150,000. This post provides an overview of the allegations, Britt’s professional background, and the rights available to investors who may have suffered similar losses.
BrokerCheck Snapshot
Name: James Claude Britt
CRD #: 4523267
Firm: Morgan Stanley
Location: Vero Beach, Florida
Years in Industry: 23
Number of Disclosures: 2
Customer Complaints Against James Britt
According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, James Britt has two customer disputes on his record. Both involve allegations of unsuitable investment recommendations related to different investment products.
Complaint #1 – Pending (Filed September 2025)
Case Details:
- FINRA Case Number: 25-02062
- Filing Date: September 29, 2025
- Complaint Received: September 29, 2025
- Product Type: Options
- Transaction Period: January 2018 – May 2025
- Status: Pending
- Alleged Damages: Unspecified
The complaint alleges that the options trading strategy implemented in the claimants’ trust accounts was unsuitable and misrepresented. Britt was working for Morgan Stanley at the time the alleged trading activity occurred. The complaint remains pending in FINRA arbitration, and no settlement or determination has been reached.
Complaint #2 – Settled (Filed December 2011)
Case Details:
- FINRA Case Number: 11-04326
- Filing Date: December 2, 2011
- Complaint Received: December 2, 2011
- Product Type: Structured Products
- Transaction Period: 2008
- Status: Settled April 25, 2013
- Alleged Damages: $500,000
- Settlement Amount: $150,000
- Individual Contribution: $0
The complaint alleged that Britt recommended investments in unsuitable and risky structured notes during 2008. Britt was employed by UBS Financial Services Inc. at the time the alleged recommendations occurred. The case was resolved through settlement, with the firm paying $150,000 and Britt contributing $0 personally.
Pattern of Complaints / Risk Factors
While each case is unique, complaints involving unsuitable structured products and options strategies may indicate concerns related to inadequate risk disclosures, failure to understand client investment objectives, or recommendations that exceed a client’s risk tolerance. 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 their losses through FINRA arbitration or securities litigation. 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 invested with James Britt or other financial advisors at Morgan Stanley, you may want to review additional disclosures. Investors who experienced losses involving structured products, options trading, or unsuitable recommendations should contact a securities attorney to evaluate their recovery options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the complaints against James Britt?
James Britt has two customer complaints on his FINRA record. The first, settled in 2013 for $150,000, alleged unsuitable recommendations of risky structured notes in 2008. The second, filed in September 2025 and currently pending, alleges that an options trading strategy implemented between January 2018 and May 2025 was unsuitable and misrepresented.
Can investors recover losses involving Morgan Stanley?
Yes, investors who suffered losses due to broker misconduct at Morgan Stanley or any other brokerage firm may be entitled to recover their losses through FINRA arbitration. Investors have rights under securities laws, and experienced legal counsel can help evaluate potential claims and pursue recovery through the arbitration process.
What is FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is a binding dispute resolution process overseen by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. It is the primary forum for resolving investment-related disputes between investors and brokers or brokerage firms. The process is typically faster and less expensive than traditional court litigation, with most cases concluding within 12-16 months.
What does “unsuitable investment” mean?
An unsuitable investment is one that does not align with an investor’s risk tolerance, financial situation, investment objectives, or time horizon. Brokers have a regulatory obligation to recommend only suitable investments. When a broker recommends unsuitable securities, investors may be entitled to recover their losses through FINRA arbitration.
How do I look up a broker on BrokerCheck?
You can look up any registered broker or brokerage firm by visiting FINRA’s BrokerCheck website at brokercheck.finra.org. Simply enter the broker’s name or CRD number to view their employment history, qualifications, and any disclosed complaints, regulatory actions, or arbitration awards.
What should I do if I suspect broker misconduct?
If you suspect broker misconduct, take the following steps: (1) Gather all account statements, trade confirmations, and communications with your broker; (2) File a written complaint with your brokerage firm and FINRA; (3) Consult with a securities attorney to evaluate whether you have grounds for a FINRA arbitration claim. Time limits apply, so it’s important to act promptly.
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 suffered losses with James Britt or any other broker at Morgan Stanley, contact Patil Law, P.C. for a free, confidential consultation. Our experienced securities attorneys can review your case and help you understand your legal options.
Phone: 800-950-6553
Email: info@patillaw.com
Website: investmentlosslawyer.com
No obligation. No upfront costs. We only get paid if you recover money.
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.
