Last Updated: March 2025 (Bethesda, MD)
Bethesda Investment Fraud Attorney Investigating Robert Moon CRD #2431875 for Misappropriation and Unauthorized Trading
Securities fraud attorneys at Patil Law P.C. are currently investigating Robert L. Moon (CRD #2431875) regarding serious allegations of misappropriation of funds, unauthorized trading, and excessive trading (churning). The investigation centers on a recently filed FINRA arbitration claiming damages of $4.49 million following Mr. Moon’s departure from Merrill Lynch in late 2023.
Critical Information About Bethesda Financial Advisor Robert Moon
- Full Name: Robert Lewis Moon
- CRD Number: 2431875
- Current Location: Bethesda, Maryland
- Current Employer: Rockefeller Financial LLC
- Office Address: 2 Bethesda Metro Center, Suite 800, Bethesda, MD 20814
- Registration Status: Active as both Registered Representative & Investment Adviser Representative
- State Licenses: Licensed in 53 states and territories
- Experience: In the securities industry since 1994
- FINRA BrokerCheck: Two customer disputes (one pending, one settled)
- Previous Employers: Merrill Lynch (2008-2023), Citigroup Global Markets (1994-2008)
- Ability to Recover Losses: Eligible for FINRA arbitration claims
Details of Current FINRA Arbitration Against Robert Moon
A formal FINRA arbitration (Case #24-02658) filed in December 2024 includes the following serious allegations:
- Misappropriation of client funds
- Execution of unauthorized trades in client accounts
- Excessive trading (churning) to generate commissions
- Violations occurring while employed at Merrill Lynch
- Damages alleged totaling $4,490,000
- Potential breaches of fiduciary duties and securities regulations
Prior Customer Complaint History
Investors should be aware that Mr. Moon has a previous customer complaint on his record:
- Corporate debt transaction complaint filed in 2006
- Allegations regarding failure to disclose OID interest
- Settled for $27,000 with no admission of wrongdoing
- Occurred during his employment at Citigroup Global Markets
Red Flags for Merrill Lynch and Rockefeller Financial Clients
If you are a current or former client of Robert Moon, several concerning issues merit your attention:
- Misappropriation Claims: Allegations of unauthorized removal or misuse of client funds
- Unauthorized Trading Concerns: Questions about trades executed without proper client authorization
- Excessive Trading Issues: Potential overtrading to generate additional fees and commissions
- Account Supervision Problems: Possible failures in the supervision of account activity
- Fiduciary Duty Breaches: Concerns about failure to act in clients’ best interests
- Recent Firm Transition: Moved from Merrill Lynch to Rockefeller Financial in November 2023
Legal Framework: How Investment Advisors Must Protect Clients
FINRA Rules and Regulations
Financial advisors like Robert Moon are legally required to follow specific standards:
- Rule 2010: High standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade
- Rule 2111: Suitability requirements for all investment recommendations
- Rule 3260: Proper documentation and authorization for discretionary accounts
- Rule 2020: Prohibition against manipulative and fraudulent practices
- Rule 3110: Adequate supervision requirements for all registered representatives
SEC Regulations and Fiduciary Duties
Investment advisers have additional obligations under federal securities laws:
- Duty to act in clients’ best interests at all times
- Full and fair disclosure of all material facts
- Obligation to seek best execution for client transactions
- Requirement to prevent unauthorized account activity
- Prohibition against excessive trading or churning
Steps for Concerned Investors to Protect Their Rights
If you have concerns about your accounts managed by Robert Moon at either Merrill Lynch or Rockefeller Financial, consider taking these important steps:
- Review all account statements for unusual or unauthorized transactions
- Document any suspicious activity or performance issues
- Verify your investment objectives against actual trading patterns
- Gather all communication records with Mr. Moon and the brokerage firms
- Consider requesting an independent review of your account activity
- Understand the applicable statutes of limitations for filing claims
How Patil Law P.C. Can Help Recover Your Investment Losses
Our investment fraud attorneys specialize in representing clients who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct. For clients affected by potential misappropriation or unauthorized trading, we:
- Provide a free, confidential consultation to evaluate potential claims
- Work on a contingency fee basis (no recovery, no fee)
- Conduct thorough forensic analysis of account statements and trading patterns
- Identify specific violations of securities laws and regulations
- Represent clients throughout the FINRA arbitration process
- Fight to recover investment losses plus applicable damages
Free Consultation with an Experienced Investment Fraud Attorney
If you have concerns about misappropriation, unauthorized trading, or excessive trading in your account handled by Robert Moon, contact Attorney Chetan Patil today:
- Phone: (800) 950-6553
- Website: Visit our secure online contact form
- Case Evaluation: Free and confidential review of your situation
The allegations against Robert L. Moon have not been proven. This blog post is based on pending claims in a FINRA arbitration. All investors are entitled to proper account management and adherence to securities regulations from their financial advisors.
