March, 2025 | Based in Indianapolis, IN
If you’ve experienced financial losses in investments recommended by Mark William Just, don’t hesitate to take action. Contact us today by calling 800-950-6553 or complete our online form to schedule your complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation to discuss your recovery options.
What Investors Should Know About Mark William Just
- Full Name: Mark William Just
- CRD Number: 1138738
- Current Location: Indianapolis, IN
- Registration Status: Not currently registered as a broker
- Previous Employers:
- Triad Advisors LLC (01/2004 – 06/2021)
- Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (11/1995 – 01/2004)
- Delta Equity Services Corporation (05/1995 – 11/1995)
- Experience: In the industry since 1983
- FINRA BrokerCheck: Shows 1 regulatory event and 19 customer disputes
- Product Focus: Alternative investments, REITs, variable annuities, direct participation programs
- Other Business Activities: Multiple outside business activities including real estate ownership, insurance sales, and financial planning services
- Ability to Recover Losses: May be subject to FINRA arbitration claims
The Investigation Into Mark William Just’s Investment Practices
Mark William Just, a former broker with nearly four decades in the financial services industry, is under investigation for a troubling pattern of alleged investment misconduct. Our investigation reveals a concerning history of customer complaints and regulatory issues that raise serious questions about his investment recommendations and sales practices.
Just is no longer registered as a securities broker—a significant red flag for investors. His FINRA BrokerCheck report discloses 19 customer disputes and one regulatory action, painting a picture of potentially systemic issues with his investment recommendations, particularly regarding alternative investments and variable annuities.
For investors who entrusted their financial futures to Just, these revelations demand immediate attention. His extensive history of customer complaints suggests that many investors may have been placed in unsuitable investments that were misrepresented or inadequately explained.
Background and Professional History
Mark William Just began his career in the securities industry in 1983. He worked with various firms throughout his career, but spent the majority of his time (17 years) with Triad Advisors LLC from 2004 until 2021. While at Triad, he operated under his own business name, “The Just Company,” as its president.
Over his career, Just obtained multiple securities licenses, including:
- General Securities Principal Examination (Series 24) in 1988
- General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7) in 1988
- Securities Industry Essentials Examination (SIE) in 2018
- Direct Participation Programs Representative Examination (Series 22) in 1983
- Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination (Series 6) in 1983
- Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66) in 2022
- Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination (Series 63) in 1983
Despite these qualifications, Just’s career has been marred by numerous customer complaints and a regulatory action, particularly in the latter part of his career.
FINRA Regulatory Action
In May 2021, FINRA took formal regulatory action against Just. Without admitting or denying the findings, Just consented to sanctions for willfully failing to timely amend his Form U4 to disclose state tax liens.
The FINRA investigation determined that Just knew of the tax liens more than 30 days prior to the time he disclosed them on his Form U4. As a result, FINRA imposed a three-month suspension (June 21, 2021 to September 20, 2021) and a $5,000 civil and administrative penalty.
The settlement included a finding that Just willfully failed to disclose material facts on his Form U4, making him subject to statutory disqualification with respect to association with FINRA member firms. This type of regulatory action is particularly concerning as it indicates a failure to meet basic disclosure requirements designed to protect investors.
Pattern of Customer Complaints and Settlements
Just’s FINRA BrokerCheck report reveals an alarming pattern of customer complaints, with 19 reported disputes. As of 2024, three additional complaints are pending. Analysis of these complaints reveals several troubling trends:
1. Alternative Investment Concerns
The majority of complaints against Just involve allegations related to alternative investments, particularly:
- Non-traded REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
- Business Development Companies (BDCs)
- Direct Participation Programs (DPPs)
- Limited Partnership interests
- Conservation easements
These complex, often illiquid investments typically carry high fees and significant risks that may not be suitable for many retail investors. Multiple customers alleged that Just recommended these investments without adequate disclosure of risks or consideration of their investment objectives.
2. Substantial Settlements
Many of the complaints against Just resulted in significant monetary settlements, including:
- $200,000 settlement in October 2022
- $70,000 settlement in August 2021
- $65,000 settlement in May 2024
- $60,000 settlement in March 2023
- $55,000 settlement in November 2024
- $40,000 settlement in October 2021
- $35,000 settlement in May 2024
- Multiple smaller settlements
These significant settlement amounts suggest the complaints had merit, despite Just frequently denying any wrongdoing. The pattern and size of these settlements are red flags for systematic issues in his investment recommendations.
3. Pending Arbitration Claims
As of the latest updates to his record, Just faces three pending FINRA arbitration claims alleging unsuitable investment recommendations, with claimants seeking damages of:
- $150,000 (filed November 2024)
- $130,000 (filed November 2023)
- Between $50,000 and $100,000 (filed September 2023)
These ongoing cases suggest the pattern of complaints has continued even after his broker registration ended.
Red Flags and Warning Signs for Investors
The pattern of complaints against Mark William Just points to several potential issues that investors should be aware of:
1. Concentration in Alternative Investments
Multiple complaints allege that Just recommended high concentrations of illiquid alternative investments that were unsuitable for clients’ needs and objectives. These investments often:
- Lock up capital for extended periods
- Carry high fees and commissions
- Lack transparency
- Involve complex structures difficult for retail investors to understand
- May have speculative or unproven business models
2. Misrepresentation and Inadequate Disclosure
A recurring theme in the complaints against Just is the allegation that he failed to adequately explain the risks, features, and limitations of recommended investments. Some specific allegations include:
- Not disclosing surrender charges on annuities
- Misrepresenting the liquidity of investments
- Downplaying risks associated with alternative investments
- Failing to provide complete information about fees and commissions
3. Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
Many complaints allege that Just recommended investments that were not aligned with clients’ stated investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial situations. Suitability is a fundamental obligation for financial advisors, and these allegations suggest a potential pattern of prioritizing commissions over client interests.
4. Multiple Outside Business Activities
Just reported numerous outside business activities, including:
- TJC Real Estate (real estate ownership)
- Multiple insurance carrier appointments
- Just National Corp (marketing company)
- Advisors Point (fixed annuities and life insurance)
- Your Family Bank (debt reduction/elimination plans)
These multiple business lines create potential conflicts of interest and raise questions about where his primary focus and loyalties lay.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Financial advisors like Mark William Just are subject to various regulations designed to protect investors:
FINRA Rules
- Rule 2111 (Suitability): Requires brokers to have a reasonable basis to believe their recommendations are suitable for the customer based on the customer’s investment profile.
- Rule 2010: Requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade.
- Rule 2020: Prohibits the use of manipulative, deceptive, or fraudulent devices.
- Rule 3270: Requires registered representatives to provide written notice to their firm before engaging in any outside business activity.
- Rule 4530: Requires the reporting of certain specified events and customer complaints.
SEC Regulations
- Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI): Requires broker-dealers to act in the best interest of retail customers when making recommendations.
- Form U4 Disclosure Requirements: Requires accurate and timely disclosure of material information, including tax liens.
State Securities Laws
Depending on the state, additional regulations may apply that impose fiduciary or other standards of care on investment professionals.
Guidance for Investors Who Worked with Mark William Just
If you were a client of Mark William Just and have concerns about your investments, consider taking the following steps:
1. Review Your Investment Portfolio
- Examine all investment recommendations made by Just, particularly alternative investments.
- Assess the performance, liquidity, and suitability of these investments for your financial situation.
- Look for concentrated positions in illiquid investments like non-traded REITs, BDCs, or limited partnerships.
- Check for any surrender charges or exit fees on annuities or other products.
2. Gather and Organize Your Documentation
Collect all paperwork related to your investments, including:
- Account statements and confirmations
- Marketing materials and prospectuses
- Correspondence with Just or his firms
- Financial plans or investment proposals
- Risk questionnaires or client intake forms
- Fee disclosures and commission schedules
3. Understand the Statute of Limitations
Be aware that time limitations apply to investment-related claims:
- FINRA arbitration claims generally must be filed within six years of the event giving rise to the claim.
- State statutes of limitations may provide different deadlines.
- Delaying action could forfeit your right to recover losses.
4. Assess Potential Red Flags in Your Portfolio
Look for warning signs that may indicate problematic investment advice:
- High concentration in alternative investments
- Excessive fees or commissions
- Investments that don’t align with your stated objectives
- Unexpected tax consequences
- Inability to access funds when needed
- Investments performing significantly differently than represented
5. Consider a Professional Portfolio Review
Have your portfolio evaluated by an independent financial professional who can provide an objective assessment of the suitability and performance of your investments.
How Our Law Firm Can Help Recover Your Investment Losses
If you invested with Mark William Just and experienced losses, our firm offers specialized legal representation to help you pursue recovery:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
We provide a thorough, no-cost initial consultation to assess your potential claims. Our attorneys will analyze your investment history, the suitability of recommendations made by Just, and potential violations of securities regulations or industry standards.
FINRA Arbitration Representation
Most disputes with brokers and brokerage firms are resolved through FINRA arbitration rather than court litigation. Our attorneys have extensive experience with this specialized forum and can guide you through the entire process, from filing the initial claim to presenting your case at the arbitration hearing.
Analysis of Complex Investments
Our team includes financial experts who can analyze complex alternative investments to determine if they were:
- Suitable for your risk tolerance and investment objectives
- Properly disclosed and explained to you
- Fairly valued and accurately represented
- Appropriately diversified within your portfolio
Contingency Fee Structure
We represent investors on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover money for you. This approach aligns our interests with yours and makes quality legal representation accessible regardless of your current financial situation.
Strategic Recovery Approach
We tailor our approach to each individual case, potentially pursuing:
- Claims against both the broker (Just) and his supervising firms
- Allegations of unsuitability, misrepresentation, and breach of fiduciary duty
- Recovery of direct losses and consequential damages
- Interest, costs, and attorneys’ fees where appropriate
Don’t delay in seeking legal advice if you’ve suffered losses while working with Mark William Just. We encourage you to reach out today by calling 800-950-6553 or completing our online contact form to schedule your complimentary case evaluation and take the first step toward potential recovery.
