← Broker database 2026-03-24
Timothy James Gardner Suspended for Failure to Comply with FINRA Arbitration Award
According to FINRA, Timothy James Gardner (CRD #4443647) of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, 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 became effective on March 24, 2026, under FINRA Arbitration Case #25-02100.
FINRA Rule Series 9554 provides FINRA with authority to suspend any registered person who fails to comply with a final arbitration award, a settlement agreement with a customer, or an order of restitution entered in connection with an arbitration or regulatory proceeding. Suspension continues until the person demonstrates full compliance with the outstanding obligation.
FINRA's arbitration program is specifically designed to provide investors with a fair, efficient, and cost-effective way to resolve disputes with brokers and brokerage firms. When investors prevail through this process — whether through a hearing panel decision or a negotiated settlement — they are entitled to receive the compensation awarded. Non-payment of such awards is treated seriously by FINRA because it directly harms the investors who went through the dispute resolution process and were entitled to relief.
The existence of unpaid arbitration awards can be discovered through FINRA BrokerCheck, which shows the full disciplinary history of any registered broker, including any arbitration awards that remain unpaid. This information is a critical component of investor due diligence. A broker with an unpaid arbitration award may have caused harm to investors in the past and failed to take responsibility for that harm, which investors may wish to factor into their assessment of that professional.
Investors who have recently received an arbitration award should follow up with FINRA Dispute Resolution Services if payment is not received within the required timeframe. FINRA can take enforcement action against brokers who do not comply.