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First Republic Bank Preferred Stock Losses — FINRA Arbitration

Written and reviewed by

David Harrison, Partner — Bakhtiari & Harrison

Admitted: CA | NY  ·  Super Lawyers  ·  Former NYC Assistant District Attorney  ·  Former Morgan Stanley In-House Counsel  ·  Series 7 Licensed  ·  Last reviewed: May 2026

First Republic Bank’s preferred shares were noncumulative — meaning if the bank suspended dividends and later resumed them, it owed investors nothing for missed payments. This characteristic made these securities unsuitable for many retail investors, yet brokers recommended them without adequately disclosing this risk. Bakhtiari & Harrison has recovered more than $250 million for investors harmed by unsuitable preferred stock recommendations. David Harrison is a former Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in-house counsel and former New York City assistant district attorney.

Did you invest in First Republic Bank’s preferred shares and experience significant losses? You might have grounds for legal action against your broker or advisor. Reach out to Bakhtiari & Harrison, specialists in securities law, to discuss your case. Often, preferred stocks are not suited to all investors, and misguidance in purchasing these shares can lead to regulatory violations.

First Republic Bank’s preferred shares were noncumulative, which means if the bank halted dividend payments and later resumed them, it wouldn’t owe investors for missed dividends. This characteristic added a layer of risk, making these shares inappropriate for many investors.

Were you recommended First Republic Bank preferred shares by a broker or financial adviser?
The noncumulative structure and liquidity risks of these securities made them unsuitable for many investors. If your broker failed to disclose these characteristics, you may have a viable FINRA arbitration claim.Call: (800) 382-7969 | Contact Us

First Republic Bank’s Preferred Shares Crisis

The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank led to a cascade of events that affected First Republic Bank. The panic caused by the failure prompted many wealthy clients to withdraw their funds from First Republic Bank, leading to a severe liquidity crisis. Consequently, First Republic Bank suspended dividends on its preferred shares and eventually closed down, with JP Morgan taking over its remaining accounts and assets.

  • Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse triggered client panic.
  • Massive fund withdrawals led to a liquidity crisis at First Republic Bank.
  • Dividend payments on preferred shares were suspended.
  • First Republic Bank ultimately ceased operations.
  • JP Morgan assumed the bank’s accounts and assets.

Understanding First Republic Preferred Stocks

Preferred stocks are designed to offer regular dividend payments and prioritize payouts over common stockholders during liquidation. However, it’s important to note that preferred stockholders do not take precedence over debtholders. Dividends from preferred stocks remain fixed, irrespective of the company’s performance, and these shares can be callable, allowing issuers to buy them back after a set period.

If you believe you have been misled or your investment in First Republic Bank’s preferred shares was mishandled, contact Bakhtiari & Harrison for a comprehensive evaluation of your case and to explore your options for recovery including a FINRA arbitration claim.

For a broader overview of First Republic Bank investor losses, visit the First Republic Bank Investor Loss Recovery page. For specific claims against broker Theresa Allen of RBC Capital related to First Republic preferred shares, visit the Theresa Allen — First Republic Bank Preferred Stock Losses page.

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