What is FINRA arbitration?

FINRA arbitration is a method of resolving disputes between investors and brokerage firms or financial advisors outside the court system. It involves a neutral third party, an arbitrator, who reviews the case and makes a binding decision.

Why choose arbitration over litigation?

Arbitration is typically faster, less formal, and more cost-effective than litigation. It also provides a final resolution to disputes, with limited grounds for appeal. Most relationships with financial advisors are formalized by entering into a contract which contains a dispute resolution clause. Nationally, most dispute resolution clauses provide for FINRA arbitration.

Who can file a FINRA arbitration claim?

Investors, brokerage firms, and financial advisors can file a FINRA arbitration claim if they have a dispute related to securities or investment activities. FINRA arbitration is normally the forum for disputes among registered persons, brokerage firms and the public customer clients of the firms.

How do I start the FINRA arbitration process?

To start the arbitration process, Bakhtiari & Harrison will file a Statement of Claim with FINRA, detailing the nature of the dispute, the parties involved, and the relief sought.

What is a Statement of Claim?

A Statement of Claim is a written document submitted by the claimant outlining the facts of the dispute, legal claims, and the desired outcome.

What happens after filing the Statement of Claim?

After filing, the respondent has 45 days to answer the Statement of Claim. The answer must address the claims and may include counterclaims or other relief sought.

What fees are involved in FINRA arbitration?

Fees include filing fees, hearing session fees, and possibly member surcharges or process fees, depending on the specifics of the case.

Can I represent myself in FINRA arbitration?

Yes, you can represent yourself, but many choose to hire an attorney with experience in securities arbitration due to the complexity of the process. Investors and industry professionals who choose to represent themselves do so at a substantial disadvantage, Wall Street firms typically retain experienced professional counsel to represent their interests.

How are arbitrators selected?

Arbitrators are selected through the Neutral List Selection System (NLSS), which provides a list of potential arbitrators. Both parties rank and strike names to agree on a panel.

What qualifications do FINRA arbitrators have?

FINRA arbitrators include attorneys, accountants, financial professionals, and public members who have undergone training and meet FINRA’s qualification standards.

How long does the arbitration process take?

The process typically takes 12-18 months from filing to the final award, but this can vary based on case complexity and scheduling. Preference may be given to investors that are seriously ill or elderly.

What is a prehearing conference?

A prehearing conference is a meeting between the parties and the arbitrators to discuss procedural issues, set a schedule, and address preliminary matters including final FINRA arbitration hearing dates.

What is discovery in arbitration?

Discovery is the exchange of documents and information between the parties to prepare for the hearing. It is more limited than in litigation.

What happens during the arbitration hearing?

During the hearing, both sides present evidence, call witnesses, and make arguments. The arbitrators then deliberate and render a decision.

Is the arbitration hearing open to the public?

No, arbitration hearings are private and confidential. Only the parties, their representatives, and the arbitrators may attend.

Can I settle my case before the hearing?

Yes, parties can settle at any time before the arbitrators render a decision, often through negotiation or mediation.

What is mediation in the context of FINRA arbitration?

Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate a settlement. It is separate from arbitration and non-binding.

What happens if I lose in arbitration?

If you lose, the arbitrator’s decision is final and binding. There are limited grounds for challenging the award in court.

Can I appeal an arbitration decision?

Generally, you cannot appeal an arbitration decision. However, you can seek to vacate the award on very narrow grounds, such as arbitrator misconduct.

What types of disputes are resolved through FINRA arbitration?

Disputes include claims of fraud, breach of fiduciary duty, negligence, breach of contract, and other issues related to securities and investments.

How are damages determined in arbitration?

Damages are determined based on the evidence presented, including financial records, expert testimony, and the specifics of the case.

Can arbitrators award attorney’s fees?

Arbitrators can award attorney’s fees if provided for by law, contract, or if both parties request it.

How do I enforce an arbitration award?

An arbitration award can be enforced in court through a confirmation process, making it a judgment that can be collected.

What is expungement in FINRA arbitration?

Expungement is the process of removing information from a broker’s record on the Central Registration Depository (CRD) system. It is only granted under specific conditions.

What are the grounds for vacating an arbitration award?

Grounds for vacating an award include arbitrator bias, fraud, corruption, or misconduct, as well as exceeding their powers.

Are arbitration awards public?

Yes, arbitration awards are published on FINRA’s website, providing transparency and access to past decisions.

What is the role of the Office of Dispute Resolution?

The Office of Dispute Resolution administers arbitration and mediation cases, ensuring that the process runs smoothly and efficiently.

What is a Simplified Arbitration?

Simplified Arbitration is for cases involving claims of $50,000 or less, allowing for a quicker and less expensive resolution without a hearing.

Can I request an expedited hearing?

Yes, in certain circumstances, such as elderly or seriously ill parties, you can request an expedited hearing.

What is the role of an arbitrator?

An arbitrator acts as a neutral decision-maker, reviewing evidence, hearing testimony, and issuing a binding decision on the dispute.

How do I prepare for an arbitration hearing?

Preparation involves gathering evidence, preparing witnesses, and developing a clear case strategy to present to the arbitrators.

What types of evidence are admissible in arbitration?

Evidence can include documents, emails, financial records, expert reports, and witness testimony, subject to the arbitrators’ discretion.

Can I request documents from the other party?

Yes, through the discovery process, you can request relevant documents and information from the other party to support your case.

How does FINRA handle conflicts of interest with arbitrators?

FINRA requires arbitrators to disclose any potential conflicts of interest, and parties can object to arbitrators they believe are biased.

What happens if a party does not comply with discovery?

If a party does not comply, the other party can file a motion to compel, asking the arbitrators to order compliance and possibly impose sanctions.

What is a motion in arbitration?

A motion is a formal request for the arbitrators to make a ruling on a specific issue, such as compelling discovery or dismissing a claim.

Can I request interim relief in arbitration?

Yes, you can request interim relief, such as temporary restraining orders or injunctions, to preserve the status quo pending the final decision.

How are hearing locations determined?

Hearing locations are typically determined by the location of the claimant unless both parties agree to a different venue.

What is a telephonic or virtual hearing?

Telephonic or virtual hearings are conducted via phone or video conference, allowing parties to participate remotely.

How are arbitration awards paid?

Awards are typically paid by the losing party within 30 days of the decision, unless otherwise specified by the arbitrators.

What if the losing party does not pay the award?

If the losing party does not pay, you can seek enforcement through the courts, turning the award into a legally enforceable judgment.

Are there any limits on the types of claims I can bring in arbitration?

FINRA arbitration covers a broad range of claims related to securities, but there are some statutory and regulatory limits on certain types of claims.

Can I bring a class action in FINRA arbitration?

No, class actions are not permitted in FINRA arbitration. However, you can join other claimants in a single arbitration if the claims are similar.

What is the role of expert witnesses in arbitration?

Expert witnesses can provide specialized knowledge and opinions to help explain complex financial issues to the arbitrators.

How are hearing dates scheduled?

Hearing dates are scheduled based on availability of the parties and arbitrators, with consideration for the complexity of the case.

Can I request a different arbitrator if I believe one is biased?

Yes, you can challenge an arbitrator if you believe they have a conflict of interest or bias that affects their impartiality.

What is a “chairperson” in a FINRA arbitration panel?

The chairperson is the lead arbitrator who manages the procedural aspects of the case and ensures the hearing runs smoothly.

How does FINRA ensure fairness in arbitration?

FINRA has rules and procedures in place to ensure a fair and impartial process, including arbitrator training and disclosure requirements.

How do I learn more about the FINRA arbitration process?

For more information, you can visit FINRA’s website, contact their Office of Dispute Resolution, or consult with experienced attorneys like those at Bakhtiari & Harrison.

How can Bakhtiari & Harrison help with FINRA arbitration?

Bakhtiari & Harrison can assist with filing claims, responding, selecting arbitrators, discovery, hearings, and ensuring the best possible outcome through skilled representation and strategic advice.

2 Rules to Clear Your Record: Premier FINRA Expungement Lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison

If you’re a stockbroker dealing with adverse entries on your professional record, the expert FINRA expungement lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison can aid in restoring your reputation. Through the expungement process, we help eliminate incorrect information from the Central Registration Depository (CRD), which can have a profound impact on your career.

The Importance of Expungement

Customer complaints about alleged investment-related misconduct such as forgery, theft, misappropriation, or conversion of funds can significantly mar your record. If you believe these allegations are inaccurate or completely baseless, it’s essential to pursue expungement with the assistance of skilled FINRA expungement lawyers.

Expungement Process Explained

Removing erroneous information usually requires a court order or a verified arbitration award. This involves an arbitration hearing where a panel evaluates the validity of the information against you and decides on the expungement. Successfully clearing your CRD record is vital for your professional future.

Enhancements to the Expungement Process

FINRA has improved the expungement proceedings with the implementation of Rules 12800, 12805, and 13805, designed to ensure the process is equitable and comprehensive.

Rule 12800: Handles simplified arbitration for claims under $50,000 with a single arbitrator overseeing the expungement request.
Rule 12805: Requires arbitrators to provide a written justification for their expungement decisions, ensuring these decisions are based on solid evidence.
Rule 13805: Manages “straight-in” expungement requests that aren’t part of customer-initiated arbitrations.

Detailed Procedures Under Rule 12805

FINRA Rule 12805 pertains to all expungement requests concerning customer dispute information from the CRD system, with certain provisions for simplified arbitrations:

Filing for Expungement: If named as a respondent in a customer-initiated arbitration, you must request expungement as part of your response or in a separate legal pleading. The absence of this request during the arbitration prevents future expungement attempts.
Procedural Limitations: Expungement is not possible if there has been a prior hearing on the dispute or if a court has already denied expungement for the same issue. FINRA expungement lawyers can inform you if the limitations period is still in effect.
Expungement Request Requirements: The expungement request must be included in a pleading and filed at least 60 days before the first scheduled hearing. The request must include the filing fee, the CRD number of the requester, each CRD occurrence number involved, the case name and docket number, and an explanation of any previous expungement requests and their outcomes.

Navigating Rule 13805

FINRA Rule 13805 sets the guidelines for “straight-in” expungement requests, detailed as follows:

Initiating a Claim: You must file a new claim against the brokerage firm you were associated with when the dispute arose if the customer-initiated arbitration concluded without an award or a hearing.
Hearing Requirements: The panel must conduct a recorded hearing, requiring the associated person to participate in person or via video. All relevant customers can also take part in the hearing, presenting evidence and testimony.
Panel Decision Criteria: The panel must unanimously determine that the complaint or information was either factually impossible, clearly erroneous, or that the associated person was not involved in the alleged misconduct. The findings and rationale must be thoroughly documented in writing.

FINRA Expungement Lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison – Contact Us

Our FINRA expungement lawyers understand the intricate details of this process. We help you file a request for expungement during an arbitration proceeding. We ensure that the arbitration award includes the necessary findings for expungement relief.

We handle cases involving alleged investment-related sales practice violations, customer complaints, sales practice violations such as forgery and theft, and conversion of funds and misappropriation.

We assist in filing the expungement request, representing you in arbitration proceedings, securing an arbitration award with findings necessary for expungement, and filing court confirmation for the expungement award.

For comprehensive guidance through the process, trust FINRA expungement lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison. Work with us to protect your rights and keep your professional record clear. Ensure that false information does not harm your career. Reach out to our skilled FINRA expungement lawyers today.