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.

SEC Charges Rhode Island Agency and Wells Fargo With Fraud in 38 Studios Bond Offering

The Securities and Exchange Commission today charged a Rhode Island agency and its bond underwriter Wells Fargo Securities with defrauding investors in a municipal bond offering to finance startup video game company 38 Studios.

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC, now called the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation) issued $75 million in bonds for the 38 Studios project as part of a state government program intended to spur economic development and increase employment opportunities by loaning bond proceeds to private companies.

According to the SEC’s complaint filed in federal district court in Providence:

The RIEDC loaned $50 million in bond proceeds to 38 Studios. Remaining proceeds were used to pay related bond offering expenses and establish a reserve fund and a capitalized interest fund.
The loan and, in turn, bond investors would be repaid from revenues generated by video games that 38 Studios planned to develop.
The bond offering document produced by the RIEDC and Wells Fargo failed to disclose to investors that 38 Studios had conveyed it needed at least $75 million in funding to produce a particular video game.
Therefore, investors weren’t fully informed when deciding to purchase the bonds that 38 Studios faced a funding shortfall even with the loan proceeds and could not develop the video game without additional sources of financing.
When 38 Studios was later unable to obtain additional financing, the video game didn’t materialize and the company defaulted on the loan.

“Municipal issuers and underwriters must provide investors with a clear-eyed view of the risks involved in an economic development project being financed through bond offerings,” said Andrew Ceresney, Director of the SEC Enforcement Division. “We allege that the RIEDC and Wells Fargo knew that 38 Studios needed an additional $25 million to fund the project yet failed to pass that material information along to bond investors, who were denied a complete financial picture.”

The SEC also charged Wells Fargo’s lead banker on the deal, Peter M. Cannava, and two then-RIEDC executives Keith W. Stokes and James Michael Saul with aiding and abetting the fraud. Stokes and Saul agreed to settle the charges without admitting or denying the allegations and must each pay a $25,000 penalty. They are prohibited from participating in any future municipal securities offerings. The SEC’s litigation continues against Cannava, Wells Fargo, and RIEDC.

The SEC’s complaint further alleges that Wells Fargo and Cannava misled investors in an additional way in bond offering materials:

Wells Fargo disclosed its bond offering compensation as a share of the placement agent fee plus a $50,000 payment from 38 Studios. No other fees or compensation to Wells Fargo were disclosed, and the bond placement agreement stated that no other money was anticipated.
Investors weren’t informed that Wells Fargo had a side deal with 38 Studios that enabled the firm to receive nearly double the amount of compensation disclosed in offering documents.
This additional compensation, totaling $400,000 and paid from bond proceeds, created a conflict of interest that Wells Fargo should have disclosed to bond investors.
Cannava was responsible for Wells Fargo’s failure to disclose its additional fees.

“An underwriter’s ‘skin in the game’ is material information to investors,” said LeeAnn Ghazil Gaunt, Chief of the SEC Enforcement Division’s Municipal Securities and Public Pensions Unit. “We allege that Wells Fargo failed to fully disclose its own economic interest in this bond transaction.”

The SEC’s complaint charges the RIEDC and Wells Fargo with violations of Sections 17(a)(2) and (a)(3) of the Securities Act of 1933, and charges Stokes, Saul, and Cannava with aiding and abetting those violations. Wells Fargo also is charged with violations of Section 15B(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rules G-17 and G-32 of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). Cannava is charged with aiding and abetting those violations.

In a separate administrative proceeding, the RIEDC’s financial advisor for the bond offering – First Southwest Company LLC – agreed to settle charges that it violated MSRB rules by failing to document in writing the scope of the services the firm was providing in the bond offering until seven months after the financial advisory relationship began. Without admitting or denying the findings, First Southwest agreed to pay disgorgement of $120,000, prejudgment interest of $22,400, and a penalty of $50,000.