21st Century broker accused of defrauding elderly investors of $8M set for grilling

An April trial date has been set for a Nebraska man accused of luring elderly investors under false pretenses and using some of their money to buy luxury items.
MAR 03, 2010
An April trial date has been set for a Nebraska man accused of luring elderly investors under false pretenses and using some of their money to buy luxury items. An April 12 jury trial has been scheduled for Bryan Behrens. He was indicted last spring on 21 federal counts. He's charged with securities fraud, six counts of mail fraud, five counts of wire fraud and nine counts of money laundering. (To read the full Finra BrokerCheck report on Mr. Behrens, click here.) Behrens, who founded the Omaha-based 21st Century Financial Group, has been accused of collecting more than $8 million from about 25 investors — many of them elderly. Investigators say he used some of the money to pay off early investors and spent millions of dollars on luxury vehicles and other items.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.