Fort Mill, SC – December 6, 2025 – Patil Law, P.C. provides information about Michael D. Bird (CRD# 5100115), a registered representative with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. and Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc. According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, Mr. Bird has one pending customer complaint on file alleging that unauthorized withdrawals were permitted to be made from a client’s account by her husband without proper communication or confirmation. The complaint demands that the client be made financially whole, though no specific damage amount has been claimed. This post presents factual information from publicly available FINRA records to help investors make informed decisions.
BrokerCheck Snapshot
Name: Michael D. Bird
CRD #: 5100115
Firm: Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. / Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc.
Location: Fort Mill, SC
Years in Industry: 19
Number of Disclosures: 1 (Pending Customer Dispute)
Pending Customer Complaint Against Michael Bird
Principal Securities – Unauthorized Withdrawals and Communication Failure (2025)
On October 23, 2025, Principal Securities, Inc. received a written customer complaint against Michael Bird related to activities that occurred while he was employed at the firm. The client alleges that unauthorized withdrawals were permitted to be made from her account by her husband and that she was not adequately communicated with to confirm the transactions.
The complaint does not involve a specific investment product and is categorized as “No Product” in FINRA records. While the alleged damages field shows $0.00, the firm noted that the complaint letter does not make a specific claim for damages but demands that the client be made financially whole. Principal Securities stated it cannot make a good faith determination that the damages are less than $5,000, which is the threshold requiring disclosure on FINRA BrokerCheck.
As of the date of this report, the complaint remains pending with no resolution. According to FINRA records, Mr. Bird separately reported the complaint on November 20, 2025, with the same allegations and characterization.
Pattern of Complaints / Risk Factors
While each case is unique, complaints involving unauthorized account activity and inadequate communication raise concerns about account supervision and client protection protocols. Such allegations may indicate potential failures in confirming transaction authorization, implementing proper account controls when multiple parties have access, or maintaining adequate documentation of client communications. Investors who experience similar issues with undocumented withdrawals or insufficient communication about account activity should carefully review their account statements and consider seeking legal guidance.
Can Investors Recover Losses?
Investors who experienced unauthorized trades may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration. FINRA arbitration is the industry-standard dispute resolution process for claims against registered brokers and brokerage firms. Unlike traditional litigation, arbitration proceedings are designed to be faster and less costly while still providing investors an opportunity to recover damages.
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.
Contact Patil Law, P.C. today at 800-950-6553 or email info@patillaw.com for a free case evaluation.
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 through either settlement negotiations or a hearing before a neutral arbitration panel. Claims generally must be filed within six years of the incident or discovery of the loss.
Professional Background
Michael D. Bird has been registered with Cambridge Investment Research and Cambridge Investment Research Advisors since July 2024, working out of the firms’ Fort Mill, South Carolina office. He holds securities licenses in twelve states: California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Mr. Bird passed the Series 7 (General Securities Representative) examination in April 2006, the Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law) examination in April 2006, the Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law) examination in January 2007, and the SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) examination in October 2018.
Prior to joining Cambridge Investment Research, Mr. Bird had a lengthy tenure with Principal Securities, Inc., where he worked from May 2008 to July 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also worked with Principal Life Insurance Company as an agent during this same period. Earlier in his career, he was affiliated with Edward Jones from April 2006 to March 2008.
According to his BrokerCheck record, Mr. Bird operates Everest Retirement, a DBA (doing business as) name registered in February 2025, where he serves as President. The business is investment-related and based in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
Related Brokers and Firms
Investors researching complaints at Cambridge Investment Research or Principal Securities may find these resources helpful:
- Cambridge Investment Research Advisors – Complaints & Disclosures
- Principal Securities Advisors – Complaints & Disclosures
- Unauthorized Trading Claims
- Failure to Supervise Claims
- Account Fraud and Misappropriation
- FINRA Arbitration Process
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the complaint against Michael Bird?
A client filed a complaint alleging that unauthorized withdrawals were permitted to be made from her account by her husband and that she was not adequately communicated with to confirm the transactions. The complaint was filed in October 2025 at Principal Securities, where Mr. Bird was previously employed. The client is demanding to be made financially whole, though no specific damage amount has been stated. The complaint remains pending with no resolution as of this report.
Can investors recover losses involving Cambridge Investment Research?
Yes. Investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct at Cambridge Investment Research or any other brokerage firm have legal rights under securities laws. The primary avenue for recovery is through FINRA arbitration, a dispute resolution process specifically designed for investor-broker disputes. Successful claims can result in compensatory damages, interest, and in some cases, attorney fees.
What is FINRA arbitration?
FINRA arbitration is a forum for resolving disputes between investors and registered brokers or brokerage firms. The process is administered by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority and typically involves a panel of one to three arbitrators who review evidence and issue a binding decision. It is generally faster and less expensive than court litigation, with most cases concluding within 12-16 months.
What does “unauthorized trading” mean?
Unauthorized trading occurs when a broker executes trades or permits withdrawals in a client’s account without the client’s knowledge or permission. This is a serious violation of securities regulations and fiduciary duties. Brokers must obtain explicit authorization before executing any transactions, and firms have a duty to implement adequate controls to prevent unauthorized account activity.
How do I look up a broker on BrokerCheck?
Visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck website at brokercheck.finra.org and enter the broker’s name or CRD number. The system will display the broker’s employment history, licensing information, professional qualifications, and any disclosure events such as customer complaints, regulatory actions, or criminal matters. BrokerCheck is a free public resource updated regularly.
What should I do if I suspect broker misconduct?
First, gather all documentation related to your account, including statements, trade confirmations, and communications with your broker. Review these materials for unauthorized trades, unexplained withdrawals, or transactions that don’t match your stated objectives. Next, consider filing a complaint with FINRA or your state securities regulator. Finally, consult with a securities attorney experienced in FINRA arbitration to evaluate whether you have a viable claim for recovery.
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 have questions about a potential securities claim or have experienced losses similar to those described in this post, contact Patil Law, P.C. for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Phone: 800-950-6553
Email: info@patillaw.com
Address: 300 South Doheny Drive, Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Website: investmentlosslawyer.com
Our experienced securities attorneys can review your situation, explain your legal rights, and help you understand your options for recovering investment losses through FINRA arbitration.
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.
