Investors who entrusted their retirement savings to financial advisors expect those professionals to act in their best interests, particularly when dealing with moderate risk tolerances or senior accounts. However, recent regulatory actions and customer disputes have brought to light serious allegations of misconduct against Zachary Taylor, including the use of speculative options strategies and unauthorized trading.
If you have suffered significant investment losses working with Zachary Taylor, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., or Merrill Lynch, don’t hesitate to reach out to Meyer Wilson Werning today. Our attorneys are experienced in securities fraud cases and will help to guide you through the process with a free and confidential consultation to determine whether your losses are the result of actionable misconduct.
FINRA Suspends Zachary Ellis Taylor for Willful Violations
Zachary Ellis Taylor (CRD #6074776), a former broker with Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. and Merrill Lynch, was recently suspended by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The suspension, issued in August 2025, bars Taylor from associating with any FINRA member firm in any capacity for nine months.
According to the FINRA settlement order (No. 2022075083801), regulators found that Taylor willfully violated federal securities laws and Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI). The findings indicate that between August 2020 and June 2023, Taylor recommended speculative options strategies to at least three senior customers. These clients, who had balanced allocation objectives and moderate risk tolerances, were advised to sell large volumes of high-risk put options in high-volatility technology stocks.
When these options were assigned, the customers suffered significant losses. FINRA determined that these recommendations were unsuitable given the customers’ investment profiles and were not in their best interest. While no monetary fine was imposed due to Taylor’s inability to pay, the finding of a “willful” violation is a significant regulatory mark.
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Timeline of Customer Disputes and Settlements
Beyond regulatory action, the investigation into Zachary Taylor’s fraud reveals a pattern of customer complaints alleging serious financial harm. Public records indicate that Taylor has been the subject of multiple disputes settled for substantial sums.
- January 17, 2024: A dispute alleging breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, unauthorized trading, and violations of elder abuse laws was settled for $170,000. The claimant had originally requested $426,000 in damages regarding activity between August 2020 and May 2023.
- December 13, 2023: A client alleged account mismanagement between September 2021 and June 2023. This case was settled for $50,000.
- September 29, 2023: Claimants asserted allegations of fraud, breach of contract, and unauthorized trading. The dispute was resolved with an $85,000 settlement.
- April 20, 2022: A significant lawsuit involving allegations of unauthorized trading and unsuitable over-concentration in ROKU stock was settled for $250,000.
Termination for Unauthorized Trading Allegations
The employment history of Zachary Ellis Taylor further underscores the risks alleged by investors. In May 2023, Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. discharged Taylor from his position.
The firm reported that the termination was due to Taylor’s inability to provide sufficient documentary evidence to prove he had authorization for trades executed in a client’s account. In the securities industry, trading without written discretionary authority or specific verbal confirmation for each transaction is known as unauthorized trading. This practice deprives investors of control over their own portfolios and is a common violation cited in investment loss claims.
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How Meyer Wilson Werning Helps Victims of Broker Misconduct
Brokerage firms like Oppenheimer & Co. and Merrill Lynch have a legal duty to supervise their registered representatives. When a firm fails to identify red flags—such as unsuitable options trading in senior accounts or a pattern of unauthorized transactions—they may be held liable for the resulting investor losses.
At Meyer Wilson Werning, we represent investors who have been harmed by negligence, fraud, and unsuitable recommendations. If you lost money due to the actions of Zachary Taylor, you may be able to recover your funds through arbitration.
Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We can review your account statements, analyze the trading activity, and help you determine the best path toward financial recovery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Zachary Ellis Taylor and why is he being investigated?
Zachary Ellis Taylor is a former financial advisor previously registered with Oppenheimer & Co. and Merrill Lynch. He is being investigated due to a series of customer disputes alleging unauthorized trading and unsuitable investment recommendations, as well as a recent suspension by FINRA for violating Regulation Best Interest.
What are the specific allegations in the Zachary Taylor lawsuit history?
Allegations against Taylor include recommending speculative put options to senior investors, unauthorized trading, breach of fiduciary duty, elder abuse, and over-concentration of assets in volatile stocks like ROKU.
What disciplinary action did FINRA take against Zachary Taylor?
In August 2025, FINRA suspended Taylor for nine months for willfully violating federal securities laws. Regulators found that he recommended unsuitable options strategies to customers with moderate risk tolerances, causing significant losses.
Can I recover my losses if I invested with Zachary Taylor?
Yes, it may be possible to recover losses. If Oppenheimer or Merrill Lynch failed to properly supervise Taylor, or if he violated securities rules, you may have a claim for damages through arbitration.
What should I do if I suspect unauthorized trading in my account?
If you suspect unauthorized trading, gather all your account statements and trade confirmations, then contact an experienced securities fraud attorney immediately. Time limits apply to filing claims, so acting quickly is essential to preserving your rights.
Recovering Losses Caused by Investment Misconduct.
