Paul Getty: Emerson, First Guardian Advisor Denies $435K Complaint

San Mateo, California financial advisor Paul Getty (CRD# 6470002) has received multiple investor complaints alleging that his conduct resulted in six-figure damages. Financial Industry Regulatory Authority records show that he is registered as a broker with Emerson Equity and doing business as First Guardian Group.

Mr. Getty’s BrokerCheck report discloses two investor complaints. The most recent, filed in March 2025, alleges breach of fiduciary duty, violation of Regulation Best Interest, negligence, and the violation of Nevada laws protecting older or vulnerable persons from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. The pending complaint, which notes that Mr. Getty is not a named respondent in the matter, alleges damages of $435,068.09.

In a statement included with the complaint’s disclosure, Mr. Getty describes the allegations as false. “At all times, I acted within the bounds of SEC, FINRA and state securities laws and regulations,” he writes further. “I intend to vigorously defend myself against these claims.”

An earlier investor complaint, also filed in March 2025, alleges that as a representative of LightPath Capital, he misrepresented and omitted material facts, recommended unsuitable real estate investments, breached his fiduciary duty, acted negligently, breached contract, and violated state securities and/or consumer protection laws. The pending complaint alleges damages of $140,000.

In a statement included with the complaint’s disclosure, Mr. Getty denied the allegations. “The allegations against me are false,” he writes. “Another rep sold the product to the claimant, and I intend to vigorously defend myself against these claims.”

A third investor complaint, filed in 2023, alleged that as a representative of LightPath Capital, he violated state and federal securities laws, breached his fiduciary duty, and acted negligently in connection with an investment in NP Skyloft. In 2024 the complaint reached a settlement of $130,393.19.

First Guardian Group’s website includes a profile of Mr. Getty that describes his background and services. “He possesses over 25 years of comprehensive worldwide business management experience in environments ranging from early phase start-ups to multi-billion dollar corporations,” it explains. “His track record includes participation in IPOs and successful M&A activity that has resulted in investor returns of over $700M.”

According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Paul Getty holds nine years of securities industry experience. Based in San Mateo, California, he has been registered as a broker with Emerson Equity since August 2024. His past registrations include LightPath Capital, Emerson Equity, Colorado Financial Service Corporation, and Concorde Investment Services. His credentials include the passage of four securities industry qualifying exams. He is licensed in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Louisiana, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Washington. (Information current as of April 13, 2025.)

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