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In the sophisticated arena of investment adviser management, adviser fraud is a serious concern that can undermine trust and cause substantial financial damage to investors. At the forefront of tackling these complex issues is Bakhtiari & Harrison, a law firm known for its focus on securities industry disputes, particularly those involving Investment Adviser fraud. Their […]
Written and reviewed by Ryan Bakhtiari, Partner — Bakhtiari & Harrison Admitted: CA | NY | TX | DC | Multiple Federal Courts · Super Lawyers 2005–2026 · Former PIABA President · Former FINRA NAMC Chairman · First Republic Bank failed in May 2023 and was acquired by JPMorgan Chase — leaving thousands of investors […]
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has announced disciplinary action against Matt Ward (CRD #2075525), fining him $5,000 and suspending him from association with any FINRA member in all capacities for 15 business days. This action follows findings that Ward exercised discretion in customer accounts without obtaining the necessary written authorization. Background and Findings Concerning […]
Four Professional Basketball Players Defrauded of Over $13 Million Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the unsealing of a six-count Indictment charging DARRYL COHEN, BRIAN […]
Ex-NBA agent Charles Briscoe pled guilty to wire fraud conspiracy and admitted to faking an NBA player’s signature on a $1 million loan. Although prosecutors requested an 18-month prison term, Briscoe will avoid prison time. Instead, he was sentenced to spend the first six months of his three-year supervisory period on home detention and will […]
If you are an investor dealing with losses related to Springhill and seeking guidance or representation, understanding the role and expertise of Bakhtiari & Harrison could be crucial. Many investors have found themselves grappling with significant financial setbacks, and finding the right legal support can make a substantial difference in managing these challenges effectively. Bakhtiari […]
On March 24, 2023, CFP Board Counsel filed a Motion for Interim Suspension Order (Motion) pursuant to Article 2.1.a.1. of CFP Board’s Procedural Rulesrequesting that a Hearing Panel of CFP Board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission (DEC) issue an Interim Suspension Order against Mr. Gilder, who was charged with Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire […]
Charles Briscoe, an NBA Agent previously involved with multiple NBA players, was arrested on felony charges in Katy, Texas, on Thursday morning. The charges arise from an alleged fraud scheme targeting professional basketball players, particularly focusing on their financial vulnerabilities, which can often be exploited by unscrupulous agents and advisors. Briscoe reportedly misled one player […]
Blackstone Inc recently announced it has blocked investors from cashing out their investments in its $71 billion real estate income trust (BREIT) as the firm struggles with a surge in redemption requests. This decision to restrict withdrawals is significant, particularly considering the current economic climate and the pressures on real estate investments. In February, BREIT […]
Blackstone’s retail real estate fund limited investor withdrawals in January after outsize redemption requests that totaled more than $5 billion. Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, known as BREIT, posted a statement Wednesday on its website that it filled 25% of investor withdrawal requests during January, in keeping with a policy of limiting monthly redemptions to […]
An over-concentrated securities account is one where a significant portion of the portfolio is invested in a single security or a small group of securities. This can lead to a number of problems, such as: Increased Risk: Investing a large portion of one’s portfolio in a single security or a small group of securities increases […]
Crypto peaked a year ago — investors have lost more than $2 trillion since. This dramatic decline highlights the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, often driven by speculation, regulatory news, and technological developments. Most retail investors using crypto exchange apps have lost money on Bitcoin, a new data study suggested. The fear of missing […]
The Parking REIT, a non-traded REIT formed in December 2017 by the merger of MVP REIT and MVP REIT II, invests primarily in parking lots and garages in the United States. Investors who bought into The Parking REIT may have suffered losses due to illiquidity, lack of transparency in valuation, and substantial conflicts of interest. […]
Blackstone Inc. limited withdrawals from its $69 billion unlisted real estate income trust (REIT) on Thursday following a surge in redemption requests related to BREIT. This decision to halt redemptions comes at a time when investors are increasingly anxious about the stability of real estate investments, particularly in an economic climate marked by rising interest […]
FINRA fines Wedbush Securities for misrepresentations regarding payments on certain bonds and for failing to deliver required disclosures to thousands of the firm’s customers. The Los Angeles-based wealth management, brokerage and clearing firm, which has 540 registered individuals in 40 branches nationwide, agreed to pay the fines and be subject to censure without admitting or […]
Spring Hills Holdings, LLC Investment Review Spring Hills Holdings, LLC is a health care owner-operator offering a “senior care investment opportunity,” according to the DI Wire. The company filed a Form D to raise capital from investors in 2017, with a total offering amount of $25,000,000, as per SEC filings. Additional offerings followed. Spring Hills […]
On April 20, 2022, GWG Holdings, Inc. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. This filing came after the company defaulted in February 2022 on life-settlement backed bonds amounting to $1.6 billion. The default has raised concerns regarding the financial stability of the company and […]
A prudent investment strategy starts with an asset allocation suitable for the portfolio’s objective. The allocation should be built upon reasonable expectations for risk and returns and should use diversified investments to avoid exposure to unnecessary risks. Understanding the fundamentals of asset allocation is crucial for investors. For instance, an investor who allocates a significant […]
An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging three individuals affiliated with GPB Capital Holdings, LLC (“GPB”) with securities fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy. Defendants David Gentile, the founder, owner and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of GPB; Jeffry Schneider, the owner and CEO of Ascendant Capital LLC (“Ascendant”); and Jeffrey Lash, a […]
On May 15, 2020, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a Regulatory Notice (“Oil-Linked Exchange-Traded Products”), which highlighted the fact that Exchange-Traded Products (ETPs), which provide different types of exposure to the oil market through several product structures, might not be understood by investors or investment professionals and that the performance of such products […]
On April 16, 2020, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued an alert which stated that “there is no higher priority for FINRA than protecting senior investors from financial exploitation. Thus, every year we bring dozens of enforcement actions against brokers who harm senior investors, either through fraud schemes, conversion, churning of accounts, or otherwise.” […]
Attorneys are providing notice of their investigation of UBS Financial Services, Inc. (“UBS”) for possible sales practice violations, including but not limited to failing to disclose material risks associated with its ETRACS product. ETRACS Exchange Traded Notes are senior, unsecured, unsubordinated debt securities that are designed to track the total return of a specific market […]
As the Wall Street Journal noted this morning (‘Investors, Fearing Defaults, Rush Out of Junk Bonds’), “the specter of widespread corporate defaults in the coming months has caused a massive selloff in junk bonds around the world, as many debt-laden companies face the prospect of going weeks or months with virtually no revenue.” In fact, […]
As the Wall Street Journal noted this morning (‘The Oil Crash is Hitting this Investment Hard’), “the plunge in crude-oil prices is sending shock waves through closed-end funds tracking the energy sector, highlighting how the market turmoil is hitting products popular with ordinary investors seeking to boost returns during the long bull market. Shares of […]
With the recent drop in oil and gas prices, investors who hold structured products (also known as “structured notes”) tied to that sector may be at risk of significant losses. This may include structured notes tied to the following stocks, among others: Western Midstream Partners, LP (WES); Apache Corporation (APA); Targa Resources Corp. (TRGP); Continental […]
Ryan Bakhtiari has been invited to participate as a speaker at the 2019 Practicing Law Institute (PLI) conference program on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. The PLI Securities Arbitration program is held at the PLI New York Center and also online by webcast. The program brings together legal professionals with securities industry regulators to discuss hot […]
GPB Capital describes itself as a “New York-based alternative asset management firm that seeks to acquire income-producing private companies.” GPB raised more than $1.5 billion in capital held in private limited partnerships that invest primarily in auto dealerships and waste management businesses. GPB Capital Investor Claims for Recovery Investments in GPB Capital were sold by […]
On December 7, 2018, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) issued a comprehensive report (“Report on FINRA Examination Findings”) which “focuses on selected observations from recent examinations that FINRA considers worth highlighting because of their potential significance, frequency, and impact on investors and the markets, especially regarding Due Diligence. This report serves as a critical […]
On December 7, 2018, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) issued a comprehensive report (“Report on FINRA Examination Findings”) which “focuses on selected observations from recent examinations that FINRA considers worth highlighting because of their potential significance, frequency, and impact on investors and the markets.” This report serves as an essential resource for both investors […]
On November 26, 2018, in an editorial in the New York Times (“When Blue Chip Companies Pile on Debt, it’s Time to Worry”), it was noted that “fueled by cheap credit, American corporations have been gorging on acquisitions.” This raises important questions about the future of Corporate Debt. The increasing reliance on borrowed capital reflects […]
William Galvin, the Massachusetts secretary of state, has initiated a comprehensive probe into the activities of multiple broker-dealer firms who sold private placements sponsored by GPB Capital Holdings. This investigation comes in light of recently published news reports indicating potential malpractices. The Massachusetts Securities Division has reportedly received credible information regarding questionable sales practices from […]
Laverty was named a respondent in a FINRA complaint alleging that that during consecutive associations with several member firms, he borrowed $1,350,000 from an elderly married couple in violation of each firm’s policies. The complaint alleges that three of the firms prohibited their representatives from borrowing money from their customers. Although a firm permitted loans […]
Bakhtiari & Harrison continues its thorough investigation into the sales practices of Mark Heiden, a broker with Wedbush, particularly scrutinizing his management of client accounts and the significant overconcentration of investments in energy-related stocks, including those recommended by Wedbush. The specific investments under review include: Energy XXI Bermuda Ltd. Clearbridge American Energy MLP Goldman Sachs […]
An AWC was issued in which the firm was censured and fined $250,000. Without admitting or denying the findings, the firm consented to the sanctions and to the entry of findings that it failed to supervise certain of its registered representatives to ensure their compliance with FINRA rules relating to outside business activities, private securities […]
Panel Discussion Details The panel discussion will cover a range of topics, issues, and procedures critical to arbitrating expungement matters. Participants can expect to gain insights into the preparation and execution of expungement hearings, including best practices for presenting cases and navigating the arbitration process. This session is particularly relevant for legal professionals involved in […]
In recent times, Oppenheimer & Co. has undergone significant changes in its management structure, reflecting the evolving landscape of the financial services industry. The shifts are part of a broader strategy to adapt to new market conditions and client needs, ensuring that the firm remains competitive and continues to provide exceptional service to its clients. […]
Action Taken on 35 of 51 Recommendations to Date Understanding FINRA’s Role in Dispute Resolution The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority today released a status report on the recommendations made in the Dispute Resolution Task Force’s Final Report issued in December 2015. In July 2014, a 13-member task force composed of individuals representing a broad range of interests in securities dispute resolution was […]
On September 28, 2016, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission announced that it had imposed severe monetary penalties on UBS Financial Services in connection with the firm’s activities involving nearly $10.7 billion of stock-linked reverse convertible notes (“RCNs”) that had been sold to approximately 44,000 customer accounts between 2011 and 2014. (“In the Matter of […]
Ryan Bakhtiari has been invited to participate as a speaker at the 2016 Practicing Law Institute (PLI) conference program on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. The PLI Securities Arbitration program is held at the PLI New York Center and also online by webcast. The program brings together legal professionals with securities industry regulators to discuss hot […]
Oil and gas company Breitburn Energy Partners LP has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, citing continued declines in oil prices which have eroded its balance sheet. Breitburn Energy Partners Los Angeles-based Breitburn (Nasdaq: BBEP) said it expects to continue its operations without interruption, with cash from its operations, cash on hand, and a $75 million […]
The FINRA Board of Governors met this week to discuss a number of issues, including several rulemaking items. A summary of the rule proposals that relate to FINRA arbitration, as approved by the FINRA Board, are below. Broadening Chairperson Eligibility in Arbitration The Board authorized filing with the SEC proposed amendments to Rules 12400 and […]
One of the hottest investment products being pitched by Wall Street, in the low interest environment that has persisted over the past few years, has been Energy Master Limited Partnerships (“MLPs”) – an investment product with above average yields and, all too often, above average commissions for the financial advisors who have touted them. Unfortunately, […]
Recent statistics indicate that there are over 110 MLPs trading on major exchanges, with oil & gas midstream activities – gathering, processing, natural gas compression, pipelines, storage, refining, distribution, and marketing – representing the dominant activity. Understanding MLP Risks The latest U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission filings by a number of Energy Master Limited Partnerships […]
As noted in an April 1, 2016 article in The Wall Street Journal (“MLP Investors’ Maze of Tax Trouble Keeps Getting Worse”), investors are learning the hard way that energy Master Limited Partnerships, set up to shield companies from Uncle Sam, could have unexpected tax consequences when times get tough. Understanding the structure and implications […]
A prudent investment strategy starts with an asset allocation suitable for the portfolio’s objective. This involves understanding your financial goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance. For instance, if an investor is saving for retirement in 30 years, they might adopt a more aggressive asset allocation with a higher proportion of equities, which generally have higher […]
Ryan Bakhtiari has been invited to participate as a speaker at the 2015 Practicing Law Institute (PLI) conference program on Thursday, July 30, 2015. Mr. Bakhtiari represents clients in securities disputes before FINRA (NASD, NYSE), state and federal courts. In June 2019, Mr. Bakhtiari was nominated to serve as a public member of the Discovery […]
Ryan Bakhtiari has been invited to participate as a speaker at the 2014 Practicing Law Institute (PLI) conference program on Thursday, July 31, 2014. The PLI Securities Arbitration program is held at the PLI New York Center and also online by webcast. The program brings together legal professionals with securities industry regulators to discuss hot […]
Ryan Bakhtiari has been invited to participate as a speaker at the 2014 FINRA Annual Conference program on Monday, May 19, 2014 titled “Arbitration, Expungement and Arbitrator Disclosure.” The FINRA Annual Conference is held between May 19, 2014 and May 21, 2014 at the Renaissance Washington, DC Hotel. The conference brings together legal and compliance professionals, with […]
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced today that its Board of Governors approved a rule proposal that would prohibit firms and associated persons from conditioning settlements of customer disputes on, or otherwise compensating customers for, an agreement not to oppose a request to expunge information from an associated person’s Central Registration Depository (CRD) record. […]