Jeffrey Higgins: Did WIS Advisor Misrepresent Bond Investment?

Former Baker City, Oregon financial advisor Jeffrey Higgins (CRD# 2871443) received an investor complaint alleging six-figure damages in connection with a corporate bond investment. Carlson Law represents multiple former clients of Mr. Higgins and intends to file at least three claims regarding his conduct. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is a former broker and an investment advisor with Western International Securities, doing business as Azzurra Wealth Management.

Mr. Higgins’ BrokerCheck report discloses one investor complaint. Filed in June 2023, it alleged that as a representative of Western International Securities, he misrepresented material facts, omitted material facts, and recommended unsuitable corporate bond investments. The complaint alleged damages of $210,000 and reached a settlement of more than $94,000.

Investors should be aware that the “misrepresentation” of material information regarding investments is forbidden by securities industry standards. Perhaps the most relevant standard is FINRA Rule 2020, which stipulates that no broker shall “effect any transaction in, or induce the purchase or sale of, any security by means of any manipulative, deceptive or other fraudulent device or contrivance.” Brokers who mislead investors about investment recommendations may be held liable for damages in the event of losses.

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Jeffrey Higgins holds 27 years of securities industry experience. Previously based in Baker City, Oregon, he was a broker and an investment advisor with Western International Securities from 2017 until 2024, doing business as Azzurra Wealth Management. He was registered with Financial West Group in Baker City, Oregon from 1997 until 2017. His credentials include the passage of six securities industry qualifying exams: the Investment Company Products/Variable Contracts Representative Examination, or Series 6; the General Securities Representative Examination, or Series 7; the Futures Managed Funds Examination, or Series 31; the Securities Industry Essentials Examination, or SIE; the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination, or Series 63; and the Uniform Combined State Law Examination, or Series 66. He is licensed in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming. (Information current as of July 3, 2024.)

Carlson Law represents investors throughout the United States in claims against financial advisors and investment firms, including multiple investors with claims against Mr. Higgins. If you or a loved one have suffered investment losses, please call us at 888-976-6111 or complete our contact form for a free and confidential consultation.