← Broker database 2024-08-01
Brian Ariel Chicas Suspended for Failure to Comply with FINRA Arbitration Award
According to FINRA, Brian Ariel Chicas (CRD #6755115) of Woburn, Massachusetts, was suspended from association with any FINRA member in all capacities pursuant to FINRA Rule Series 9554 for failure to comply with an arbitration award or related settlement. The suspension began on August 1, 2024, and was lifted on March 10, 2026, under FINRA Arbitration Case #23-03614.
The lifting of Chicas's suspension indicates that he ultimately satisfied the outstanding arbitration award or settlement obligation, ending the period during which he was prohibited from working in the securities industry. The suspension lasted over 19 months — a significant period during which Chicas was barred from performing any activities requiring FINRA registration.
FINRA's arbitration system handles tens of thousands of disputes per year between investors and securities industry participants. When investors prevail in these proceedings, the resulting awards are intended to make them whole for losses caused by broker misconduct. The Rule 9554 suspension mechanism exists to ensure that brokers take these awards seriously — non-payment of an arbitration award has direct professional consequences.
The extended duration of Chicas's suspension — from August 2024 through March 2026 — reflects the period during which the underlying award went unsatisfied. Investors whose arbitration awards are not promptly paid should contact FINRA's Dispute Resolution Services for assistance with enforcement options. FINRA maintains a registry of unpaid arbitration awards and can take action against non-compliant parties.
This case also illustrates for investors the value of FINRA BrokerCheck in monitoring a broker's status over time. Had an investor worked with Chicas during the suspension period and been unaware of his suspended status, they would have been dealing with someone not authorized to perform registered functions. Checking BrokerCheck regularly — not just before starting a relationship — helps investors stay informed.