FINRA permanently barred Buddy Dean Mason (CRD# 1721391), a former LPL Financial broker in Lakeland, Florida, after he refused to produce records during an investigation into allegations that he sold investments away from his firm. The regulator announced the bar in an October 2026 settlement, Letter of Acceptance, Waiver and Consent No. 2025088717701. Two customers recovered a combined $139,500 over selling-away allegations.
What happened in the Buddy Mason investigation
A customer complained in May 2026 that Mason presented an investment opportunity outside LPL Financial that resulted in losses. LPL reported the complaint to FINRA in June 2026, and the regulator opened an investigation.
FINRA sent Mason requests for information and documents in July and August 2026 under Rule 8210. In September, Mason acknowledged the requests by phone and stated he would not provide the material.
That refusal violated FINRA Rule 8210, which requires industry participants to cooperate with regulator requests. FINRA barred him from associating with any member firm in any capacity. The regulator made no findings about the underlying investment allegations.
The customer complaints against Buddy Mason
| Complaint filed | Allegation | Damages sought | Settlement |
| December 29, 2025 | Selling away from LPL Financial | $175,000 | $129,500, March 2026 |
| May 26, 2026 | Selling away from LPL Financial | $100,000 | $10,000, June 2026 |
Mason did not contribute to either settlement, according to BrokerCheck records. Both complaints alleged he presented investment opportunities away from the firm that later lost value.
Who is Buddy Mason
Mason operated from Lakeland, Florida, affiliated with LPL Financial, doing business as Allen & Company, from August 2019 until January 2026. He previously registered with Allen & Company of Florida and, decades earlier, First American National Securities.
His outside affiliations included Burgeon Enterprises LLC, Allen Insurance Agency, and real estate rental activities. Outside business interests draw scrutiny in selling-away cases because they can host the very investments a broker fails to route through the firm.
Mason voluntarily resigned from LPL in January 2026 and holds no current registration. His BrokerCheck report shows roughly eight years of industry experience and five qualifying exams, including the Series 7.
Why selling away matters to investors
Selling away occurs when a broker offers an investment that the brokerage has not reviewed or approved. The investment may never appear on firm statements, and the buyer loses the protection of the firm’s due diligence and supervision.
Brokerage firms must reasonably supervise their representatives under FINRA Rule 3110, including monitoring for outside business activities. Investors who bought off-platform investments through a broker can often name the firm in arbitration when supervision fell short.
What affected investors can do now
Investors who purchased outside investments through Mason can file FINRA arbitration claims. Claims are generally subject to a six-year eligibility window from the events. Account statements, emails, text messages, and any promissory notes should be preserved.
LPL Financial shares responsibility when its supervision fails. Prior settlements in this matter were paid at the firm level, which signals the arbitration path can produce recovery even after a broker is barred.
Frequently asked questions about Buddy Mason
Who is Buddy Mason?
Buddy Dean Mason (CRD# 1721391) is a former LPL Financial broker based in Lakeland, Florida. FINRA barred him in October 2026.
Why was Buddy Mason barred by FINRA?
Mason refused to provide documents and information that FINRA requested during its investigation into selling-away allegations, violating Rule 8210.
Did Buddy Mason’s customers recover money?
Two customer complaints settled for $129,500 and $10,000, a combined $139,500. Mason did not contribute to either settlement.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Case details are drawn from public FINRA disciplinary documents, including AWC No. 2025088717701 and BrokerCheck records.
