March, 2025 | Based in Naples, FL
Have you suffered financial losses due to unsuitable investment recommendations? Take control of your financial future today. Call 800-950-6553 or complete our online form to schedule your no-obligation case evaluation with our expert securities attorneys.
Essential Information About William Scott Meador
- Full Name: William Scott Meador
- CRD Number: 2202512
- Current Location: Naples, FL
- Current Employer: UBS Financial Services Inc.
- Office Address: 801 Laurel Oak Drive, Suite 500, SunTrust Building, Naples, FL 34108
- Registration Status: Currently registered with 10 Self-Regulatory Organizations and 44 U.S. states/territories
- State Licenses: Licensed in numerous states including Florida, California, New York, Texas, and others
- Experience: In the industry since 1992 (over 30 years)
- FINRA BrokerCheck: Has 2 customer dispute disclosures (1 settled, 1 pending)
- Previous Employers: Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (1992-2008)
- Professional Designations: Certified Financial Planner
- Ability to Recover Losses: Investors may be eligible for FINRA arbitration
Investigating William Scott Meador: Serious Concerns About Investment Practices
The financial services industry is founded on trust between clients and their advisors. Financial professionals like William Scott Meador have a duty to provide suitable investment recommendations that align with their clients’ financial objectives, risk tolerance, and personal circumstances. However, our law firm is currently investigating concerning allegations regarding Mr. Meador’s investment practices that suggest potential violations of securities regulations and breaches of fiduciary duty.
According to FINRA BrokerCheck records, William Scott Meador is currently registered with UBS Financial Services Inc. in Naples, Florida, where he has worked since 2008. With more than three decades in the securities industry, Meador has established himself as a Certified Financial Planner managing substantial client assets. This professional designation and experience level places an even higher standard of care on his investment recommendations and strategies.
Our investigation focuses on two significant client disputes involving Mr. Meador that raise serious questions about his investment practices. Most notably, a recent pending arbitration claim filed in November 2024 alleges that Meador unsuitably allocated client assets in equity securities for an account used to collateralize a line of credit. The claimants further assert that the overall investment strategy implemented was not in their “best interest” – a direct challenge to his compliance with the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), which requires brokers to act in their clients’ best interests when making recommendations.
This pending case, seeking $1,000,000 in damages, follows a previous customer dispute from 2009 that resulted in a $40,000 settlement in 2010. While the earlier allegations also centered on unsuitable investment recommendations, the broker’s statement indicated that the customers’ “underlying issues had to do with paying off a mortgage and was not related to the suitability of the investments in the account.” However, the settlement itself raises questions about potential liability.
Background and Professional History
William Scott Meador began his financial services career with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated in February 1992, where he remained for over 16 years until September 2008. He then transitioned to UBS Financial Services Inc., where he has been employed for the past 16+ years.
Throughout his career, Meador has obtained several important industry credentials, including passing the Securities Industry Essentials Examination (SIE), General Securities Representative Examination (Series 7), Futures Managed Funds Examination (Series 31), Uniform Combined State Law Examination (Series 66), and Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination (Series 63). He holds registrations with 10 self-regulatory organizations and is licensed in 44 U.S. states and territories, indicating the broad geographical scope of his client base.
Meador’s BrokerCheck record reveals he is both a broker (registered representative) and an investment adviser representative, meaning he can charge commissions for transactions as well as fees for investment advice. This dual role potentially creates complex conflicts of interest that must be properly managed and disclosed to clients.
Red Flags in Meador’s Investment Practices
Our investigation has identified several concerning patterns that warrant scrutiny:
1. Unsuitable Investment Allocation
The most serious allegations against Meador involve unsuitable asset allocation, particularly in accounts used to secure lines of credit. When an investment account is used as collateral for a line of credit, the risk profile of that account must be carefully managed. Overexposure to equities in such accounts can create dangerous vulnerability to market downturns, potentially triggering margin calls or forced liquidations at inopportune times.
The current pending claim specifically alleges that Meador improperly allocated a collateralized account too heavily toward equities, creating undue risk exposure for the clients. This raises crucial questions about whether Meador:
- Properly assessed the clients’ risk tolerance and financial objectives
- Adequately explained the risks of using an equity-heavy portfolio as loan collateral
- Implemented appropriate risk management strategies
- Regularly reviewed and rebalanced the portfolio in response to changing market conditions
2. Potential Reg BI Violations
The allegation that Meador’s overall investment strategy was not in the clients’ “best interest” directly implicates SEC Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), which took effect in June 2020. This regulation establishes a heightened standard of conduct for broker-dealers when making recommendations to retail customers.
Under Reg BI, brokers must:
- Disclose all material facts about the recommendation, including fees, costs, and conflicts of interest
- Exercise reasonable diligence, care, and skill when making recommendations
- Eliminate, or at least disclose and mitigate, certain conflicts of interest
- Establish, maintain, and enforce written policies designed to achieve compliance with Reg BI
If Meador failed to meet these obligations, it could constitute a significant regulatory violation with serious consequences.
3. Pattern of Customer Disputes
While Meador’s record shows only two customer disputes over his lengthy career, the similar nature of the allegations raises concerns about a potential pattern of unsuitable recommendations. Both disputes center on questions of investment suitability, which is a fundamental obligation for financial advisors.
The recent $1,000,000 claim is particularly notable given its size and the specific allegations regarding collateralized accounts, a specialized area of wealth management that requires careful risk management.
4. Supervisory Concerns
The allegations also raise questions about UBS Financial Services’ supervision of Meador’s activities. Brokerage firms have a legal duty to supervise their registered representatives and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations. The pending dispute spans a time frame from 2008 to 2022, suggesting potential long-term supervisory failures if the allegations prove true.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Financial advisors like William Scott Meador are subject to numerous regulations designed to protect investors. The most relevant to our investigation include:
FINRA Rule 2111: Suitability
This cornerstone regulation requires that a broker-dealer or associated person have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy is suitable for the customer, based on the customer’s investment profile. The investment profile includes factors such as:
- Age and life stage
- Investment objectives
- Time horizon
- Risk tolerance
- Liquidity needs
- Financial situation
- Investment experience
- Other investments
When managing accounts used as collateral for credit lines, the suitability analysis becomes even more critical, as improper allocation can lead to catastrophic consequences for clients.
SEC Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)
Implemented in June 2020, Reg BI established a new, heightened standard for broker-dealers when making recommendations to retail customers. The regulation requires brokers to act in the best interest of their retail customers and places specific disclosure, care, conflict of interest, and compliance obligations on firms and their registered representatives.
The pending claim against Meador explicitly references “best interest” obligations, suggesting potential violations of this relatively new but critically important regulation.
FINRA Rule 2010: Standards of Commercial Honor
This fundamental rule requires brokers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. It serves as a broad ethical standard that encompasses a wide range of potentially improper conduct.
UBS Firm Policies and Procedures
In addition to regulatory requirements, UBS Financial Services maintains its own policies and procedures regarding suitable recommendations, conflicts of interest, and the management of credit line accounts. Violations of these internal policies may constitute additional evidence of improper conduct.
Guidance for Affected Investors
If you are or were a client of William Scott Meador at UBS Financial Services and have concerns about your investments, particularly if your accounts were used as collateral for lines of credit, consider taking the following steps:
1. Review Your Account Statements and Investment Documents
Carefully examine your:
- Account opening documents and investment objectives
- Asset allocation and concentration levels
- Performance history compared to appropriate benchmarks
- Notes from conversations with your advisor
- Fee disclosures and statements
- Loan agreements for any credit lines secured by investment accounts
Pay particular attention to any changes in asset allocation or risk exposure, especially in accounts used as collateral for loans or lines of credit.
2. Assess the Suitability of Your Investments
Consider whether your investments were appropriate given your:
- Stated investment objectives
- Risk tolerance
- Time horizon
- Financial situation
- Need for liquidity
- Tax considerations
If you have a line of credit secured by your investment accounts, evaluate whether the risk level in those accounts was appropriate given their use as collateral.
3. Document Any Communications
Gather and preserve:
- Emails and written correspondence
- Notes from meetings or phone calls
- Marketing materials you received
- Account statements and confirmations
- Financial plans or proposals
This documentation can be crucial evidence if you decide to pursue a claim.
4. Understand the Timeframe for Filing Claims
Be aware that FINRA arbitration claims generally must be filed within:
- Six years of the event giving rise to the dispute
- Two years from when a reasonable investor would have discovered the basis for the claim
Given these time limitations, it’s important to act promptly if you believe you have suffered losses due to unsuitable recommendations or investment misconduct.
5. Consult with a Securities Attorney
If you suspect that you received unsuitable investment recommendations or were placed in inappropriate investments, it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in securities law and FINRA arbitration. An experienced securities attorney can:
- Evaluate the merits of your potential claim
- Assess potential damages
- Navigate the complex FINRA arbitration process
- Advocate effectively for your interests
How Our Securities Fraud Law Firm Can Help
Our law firm specializes in representing investors who have suffered losses due to broker misconduct, including unsuitable investment recommendations and violations of Regulation Best Interest. We offer:
Comprehensive Case Evaluation
Our experienced securities attorneys will conduct a thorough analysis of your investment history with William Scott Meador, examining:
- Account statements and transaction history
- Asset allocation, particularly in accounts used as collateral
- Risk exposure and concentration levels
- Communications and disclosures from Meador and UBS
- Performance compared to appropriate benchmarks
Forensic Financial Analysis
We collaborate with financial experts to perform detailed analysis of your investments, including:
- Quantification of actual losses compared to appropriate benchmark portfolios
- Assessment of risk levels compared to your stated objectives and risk tolerance
- Evaluation of account management, particularly for collateralized accounts
- Analysis of fee structures and potential overcharges
FINRA Arbitration Representation
If we determine you have a viable claim, our attorneys will:
- Prepare and file a Statement of Claim with FINRA
- Gather evidence through the discovery process
- Identify and interview potential witnesses
- Develop compelling arguments based on securities regulations
- Represent you throughout the arbitration process
- Negotiate potential settlements where appropriate
Contingency Fee Structure
We understand the financial strain that investment losses can cause. Our firm typically works on a contingency fee basis, meaning:
- No recovery, no fee
- Initial consultations at no cost
- You pay legal fees only if we recover money on your behalf
If you believe you’ve suffered losses due to unsuitable investment recommendations or improper portfolio management by William Scott Meador, don’t hesitate to take action. The time to file claims is limited by regulatory requirements. Contact our team of investment fraud attorneys by calling 800-950-6553 or completing our online form to discuss your situation and explore your legal options.
