Philip Appel Broker Review & Scam Risk Score 2.0/5 | FinanceScam.com
Merrill Wealth Management

Philip Appel

CRD 2491254 Firm CRD 7691 BrokerCheck SEC Report
Philip Appel

Broker Info

Contact data available online

39577 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

248.645.7272

philip_appel@ml.com

https://advisor.ml.com/sites/mi/bloomfield-hls/stulberg-group

Disclosures

0

Comments

8

User Score

1.9

Risk Score

2.0

Complaint Box Logo
Do you want this Profile for Philip Appel to be converted into a video?

About Philip Appel

Philip Appel, a financial advisor with Merrill Wealth Management, operates in an industry where conflicts of interest, hidden fees, and questionable sales tactics often go unnoticed by the average investor. While his public records may not currently indicate regulatory disclosures, this does not necessarily equate to a flawless ethical record. Many disputes in the wealth management sector are resolved through confidential settlements or arbitration, meaning potential past grievances may not be reflected in easily accessible databases. Investors should approach with caution, as financial professionals often operate under firm-wide incentives that may not align with clients’ best interests.
Merrill Lynch itself has faced significant regulatory scrutiny over the years, including allegations of misleading clients, charging excessive fees, and failing to disclose crucial investment risks. As a representative of such an institution, Appel’s strategies and financial recommendations warrant careful review. Many advisors push high-commission products that generate revenue for their firm but may not be optimal for clients. While Appel markets himself as an advisor for high-net-worth individuals, there is always the risk that clients may be guided into expensive investment vehicles that benefit the firm more than the investor.
Additionally, large wealth management firms are often criticized for prioritizing asset accumulation over client outcomes, and without full transparency in compensation structures, investors may be unaware of the true costs associated with advisory services. Given the history of controversies within the financial industry, it is essential for prospective clients to thoroughly vet any advisor, including Philip Appel, before entrusting their financial future.

Source: Generative AI REPORT INACCURACY
  • This summary is automatically created and published by data analyzed and provided by DeepSeek, Grok and Google.

Did we miss any intel on Philip Appel?

How to report Philip Appel to FINRA

Did you suffer investment losses because of:

Investors distrust FINRA BrokerCheck reports because they often omit key information, are susceptible to manipulation by brokers, and fail to provide the detailed insights necessary for evaluating financial advisors. Disclosure manipulation is facilitated by limited termination reporting, expungement processes, and selective data presentation. Meanwhile, the lack of detail stems from FINRA’s preference for concise reports over comprehensive transparency, despite having access to richer data.

FINRA has stated it aims to balance investor protection with fairness to brokers, limiting disclosures to what it deems "relevant" and "appropriate." This approach avoids overwhelming users but sacrifices the depth investors need for informed decisions.

Report Philip Appel to Broker Complaints

Want to file a report against Philip Appel?

Make your grievance public and be heard

USER FEEDBACK ON Philip Appel

1.9/5

Based on 8 ratings

Trust
20%
Risk
72%
Brand
20%
by: Calliope Riversong

If you’re thinking of investing with Philip, run the other way. He’ll leave you with nothing but regret.

by: Orion Blackwood

Still can’t believe he’s allowed to operate after what he’s done to so many people. It’s criminal.

by: Seraphina Starling

There’s nothing legitimate about his operations. Avoid this man unless you enjoy watching your money vanish.

by: Elias Moonbeam

Philip Appel is a master manipulator—he knows how to build trust only to completely destroy it later.

by: Elizabeth Thomas

Appel sold me a dream and delivered a nightmare. Fake promises, false data, and zero remorse.

by: Raj Patel

You know it’s bad when you leave a meeting with your ‘trusted advisor’ and feel like you’ve just bought a used car.

by: Livia Haas

Seemed knowledgeable at first, but every recommendation felt like it was designed to benefit Merrill more than me. I left feeling more like a sales target than a client.

by: Karim El-Tayeb

Ever notice how some advisors spend more time selling themselves than actually explaining where your money’s going? Yeah, that’s the vibe I get from Appel.

Add Reviews

  • Trust
  • Risk
  • Brand

PROS

+
Add Field

CONS

+
Add Field
Choose Image

Recent Broker Complaints

Recent stories on Broker Complaints

Got a Story? Stop feeling helpless...

wewilldleftsideimg
Topfin Holding SA
  • Red Flags: 2
  • Risk Score: 1.5
Topfin Holding SA
View Dossier
Tomaz Huc
  • Red Flags: 2
  • Risk Score: 1.6
Tomaz Huc
View Dossier
finlog

We will not let them kill your story.

At FinanceScam.com, we cover every story, we archive all evidence and we provide all references for you to understand the context.

We will continue defending those who risk everything to tell stories in the public interest.

ourtrancperancy
Permanent Online Archive

Once an article is published, it stays up permanently—no removals, ever.

ourtrancperancy2
Citations and References

Our reports are backed by references, and evidence from trusted public sources.

ourtrancperancy2
Championing Free Speech

We will fight relentlessly to protect our users' right to express their views.

Get accurate, quality reporting on crime and corruption

Right in your inbox. Every week.

Subscribing to our newsletter gives you access to crucial weekly updates on the latest financial scams, helping you stay informed and protect your hard-earned money. With real-time alerts on emerging frauds, insider tips, and expert insights, you'll be better equipped to spot and avoid scams before they affect you.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

We Do Not Spam. Just 1 email per week