Structured Settlements 4Real®Blog 2026

Structured settlements expert John Darer reviews the latest structured settlements and settlement planning information and news, and provides expert opinion and highly regarded commentary. that is spicy, Informative, irreverent and effective for over 20 years.

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The STRUCTURED SETTLEMENTS 4REAL® Blog is a highly regarded source for structured settlement news, information, and commentary, led by structured settlement and settlement planning subect mater expert John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC. With two decades of operation, the blog and 4structures.com are recognized as comprehensive resources, offering detailed guides and specialized insights. Established in 2005, the blog caters to a broad audience, including legal professionals, injured individuals, families, and various stakeholders, providing reviews and opinions on settlement planning. John Darer, President of 4structures.com LLC, is a seasoned structured settlement expert with over 40 years of financial services experience and 31 years specializing in structured settlements. Based in Stamford, CT, he is a Certified Financial Transitionist and Registered Settlement Planner, holding insurance licenses in 45 states and the District of Columbia. John Darer is dedicated to transparency and advocacy, he emphasizes the importance of engaging trained and licensed professionals for settlement planning, offering valuable insights through his investigative journalism and professional commentary.
Todd Lesk Permanently Barred from FINRA but Lists FINRA on LinkedIn as “Licenses and Certifications”

Todd Lesk Permanently Barred from FINRA but Lists FINRA on LinkedIn as “Licenses and Certifications”

by Structured Settlement Watchdog

Todd Michael Lesk, the CEO of MJ Settlements, consented to be PERMANENTLY BARRED from FINRA on October 6, 2023 (Source: FINRA and IAPD which states “FINRA has barred this individual from acting as a broker or otherwise associating with a broker-dealer firm”

Todd Lesk is Permanently Barred From FINRA in ANY Capacity 

2023079873001 Todd Michael Lesk CRD No. 2788300 AWC gg (2023-1699489207210)Download

Despite Lesk’s acceptance of his being permanently barred from FINRA per above, on January 17, 2026 the following was an observed (and preserved here for reference purposes) excerpt of Todd Lesk’s Linkedin, under which Lesk lists “Licenses and Certifications” and lists as “LICENSED” for FINRA Series 24, Series 6 and Series 7 and Series 2-15 for Florida Department of Insurance and Financial Services..

Todd lesk Linkedin 1-16-2026

Lesk makes regular use of LinkedIn as does the company of which he is CEO with the “Deal of the Day-Starter Investment Opportunity!“, as an example

Regular postings on social media list Deal of the Day — Starter Investment Opportunity!

Structured settlement receivables investment solicitations are placed in the “shop window” without using the accurate term receivables, which are not annuities or insurance products.

To Avoid Any Confusion about Lesk’s Licenses and Certifications from His Ongoing LinkedIn Display

Todd Michael Lesk’s former Series 24 license (and any other FINRA securities licenses he previously held). has not been valid since his FINRA barring.. Here’s the breakdown:

  • FINRA’s permanent bar (imposed in October 2023) prohibits him from associating with any FINRA member firm in ANY capacity. This includes supervisory/principal roles that require the Series 24 (General Securities Principal Qualification).
  • A permanent bar from FINRA effectively cancels or renders inactive all associated representative and principal qualifications/licenses under FINRA jurisdiction. The Series 24 is a principal-level qualification that only remains active/valid while the individual is properly registered and associated with a FINRA member firm (and complies with ongoing requirements like continuing education).
  • Once barred, an individual cannot re-register or reactivate those licenses without FINRA approval (which is extremely rare and typically not granted for statutory disqualification-level bars like non-cooperation).

Watchdog Barks, Todd Lesk Harks

I know that Todd Lesk reads this blog, and less than a week after I posted this obervation, The subject misrepresenations on Todd Lesk’s LinkedIn have been removed. The following was captured on January 21, 2026

Screenshot of a LinkedIn profile detailing licenses, certifications, and volunteer experience, including a Series 215 license from the Florida Department of Financial Services and volunteer roles in a leadership program for children.

Chapter 517 Section 1215 – 2022 Florida Statutes – The Florida Senate

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