Broker Complaint: William Bernard “Bill” Tunink, CRD# 2738224 – May Recover Investor Losses
A recent complaint filed against broker Bill Tunink raises serious concerns for any investor who may have loaned money to their broker.
Goodman & Nekvasil, P.A. has been contacted by multiple investors seeking representation who also claim losses from money loaned to Tunink.
What Happened
-
In August 2025, a customer alleges that they lent $140,000 to Mr. Tunink which “had not been paid back.”
-
That claim was settled. The reported settlement amount was $130,600.
-
The complaint is disclosed on his FINRA BrokerCheck report as a settled customer dispute.
This kind of arrangement — where a broker borrows money from a client — can have regulatory, ethical, and risk issues (which we discuss below).
FINRA Rule 3240: Prohibition on Borrowing From or Lending to Customers
The key rule in securities regulation that applies here is FINRA Rule 3240, titled “Prohibition on Borrowing From or Lending to Customers.”
What the Rule Says (Summarized)
-
General Prohibition: Registered persons (brokers, investment advisers through their broker-dealer registration, etc.) are not allowed to borrow money from, or lend money to, their customers.
-
Exceptions: There are limited exceptions, but they are narrow.
-
As of April 28, 2025, the rule has been strengthened: some of the exceptions narrowed, definitions clarified, and more rigorous requirements for notice and written procedures.
Why the Rule Exists / What Risks It Seeks to Prevent
-
Conflicts of interest: If a broker is indebted to a customer (or the other way around), it can compromise the broker’s objectivity.
-
Repayment risk: Brokers are not banks. A loan might not be documented properly, might lack collateral or legal enforceability, leaving the customer at high risk if the broker fails to repay.
-
Firm supervision and compliance issues: Without clear written policies and oversight, such arrangements can be abused and lead to regulatory violations.
-
Investor protection: It’s in the public’s interest that investors can trust that their advice-givers are acting fairly, not entangled in private debt relationships with clients.
Broker Complaint: William Bernard “Bill” Tunink, CRD# 2738224 – May Recover Investor Losses
Goodman & Nekvasil, P.A., is investigating brokers who may have unsuitably recommended investments to their clients.
St. Petersburg, Florida law firm Goodman & Nekvasil, P.A., has a national practice representing victimized investors. The firm continues to investigate brokerage firms that placed elderly retirees and other conservative investors in unsuitable investments.
Goodman & Nekvasil, P.A., has filed numerous cases against brokerage firms selling high-risk investments and has recovered more than $500 million dollars on behalf of victimized investors.
We allege in these cases that these investment recommendations were unsuitable for our clients in view of their financial situation, needs and investment objectives.
There is no charge for an evaluation of your case. We handle our cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that unless we recover money for you, we charge no attorney’s fee.
If you incurred losses on your investment and would like your case evaluated by a securities attorney, please contact us.
Some of the information in this blog post was obtained from FINRA on 9/16/25. If you believe this information was reported incorrectly, please contact our firm: 1-800-500-4442.