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# Bakhtiari & Harrison: Bakhtiari & Harrison is a premier nationwide securities law firm serving high-net-worth investors and financial professionals in FINRA arbitration and litigation.

Investors: We recover investment losses caused by broker-dealer and financial advisor negligence and fraud. We represent high-net-worth individuals, trusts, and pensions in complex claims against major financial institutions.

Industry: We represent financial advisors in regulatory defense, employment matters and industry related disputes. We are experienced FINRA expungement attorneys dedicated to protecting your reputation.

Whether you are an investor seeking recovery or an advisor protecting your license, our partners deliver strategic, results-driven advocacy.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://bhseclaw.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [FINRA Expungement After a Settled Customer Complaint: What’s Still Possible](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-expungement-after-settlement/): You settled the customer complaint years ago because it felt like the fastest way to make the problem disappear. Now that disclosure sits on your BrokerCheck record, and it's costing you referrals, compliance scrutiny, and sleep. Here's what most advisors get wrong: they assume FINRA expungement after settlement isn't possible. It is. FINRA Rule 2081 stops a firm or broker from bargaining for a customer's silence as part of a settlement deal, but it says nothing about filing a separate expungement request once the dispute is closed.
- [FINRA Expungement Without Firm Support: Can You Still Win?](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-expungement-without-firm-support/): Your former firm won't return your calls. Or worse, they're actively fighting your FINRA expungement request. If you're staring down a customer dispute on your CRD record with no help from the firm that employed you, here's the answer: yes, you can still win. Firm cooperation can make a case easier, but it is not required under FINRA Rule 12805. Arbitrators may still grant expungement when the firm stays silent, opposes the request, or no longer exists, so long as the record supports one of FINRA’s expungement grounds.
- [FINRA Expungement Award Against Wells Fargo](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-expungement-award-against-wells-fargo/): David Harrison recently secured a FINRA expungement award on behalf of a registered representative terminated by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. The firm terminated the broker after a Wells Fargo Bank customer opened and then promptly closed a savings account. That termination created a CRD disclosure that significantly hindered his ability to find new work as a registered representative. David Harrison built the case, presented it to a FINRA arbitration panel, and won expungement of the disclosure. This case is a useful example of a broader pattern. Wells Fargo advisors face distinct challenges when a termination disclosure lands on their CRD record, and understanding why matters for anyone navigating a similar situation.
- [How to Remove a FINRA Complaint from Your BrokerCheck Record](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-expungement-explained-how-to/): A customer you barely remember files a complaint two years after the account closed. It gets resolved, the firm pays a small settlement to make it go away, and your name still ends up on BrokerCheck, possibly permanently, for an allegation no one ever proved. That disclosure now sits ahead of every job application, every client pitch, and every compliance review you will face for the rest of your career.
- [FINRA 8210 AML Investigation: 7 Critical Defense Facts](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-8210-aml-investigation/): A FINRA 8210 AML investigation can put a stockbroker’s license, livelihood, and reputation on the line — often before the registered representative fully understands what regulators are actually looking for. If you have received a FINRA Rule 8210 request connected to anti-money laundering (AML) concerns, the answers you give about a customer’s source of funds, the red flags you did or did not escalate, and the way you respond to FINRA can decide whether the matter ends quietly or in a permanent bar from the industry.
- [FINRA Rule 2010: 7 Critical Facts Every Stockbroker Facing an 8210 Request Must Know](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-rule-2010-facing-an-8210-request/): If you are a stockbroker who just received a FINRA 8210 request, there is a very good chance that FINRA Rule 2010 is the rule the regulator ultimately intends to charge you with violating. FINRA Rule 2010 — Standards of Commercial Honor and Principles of Trade — is the broadest, most frequently charged rule in FINRA’s entire rulebook, and it appears in the overwhelming majority of enforcement actions against registered representatives. Understanding how this rule works and how it connects to the investigation letter on your desk is the first step toward protecting your license, registration, and career.
- [Bear Stearns Blocks Withdrawals From Third Hedge Fund](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/bear-stearns-blocks-withdrawals-from-third-hedge-fund/): Bear Stearns Cos., the manager of two hedge funds that collapsed last month, blocked investors from pulling money out of a third fund as losses in the credit markets expand beyond securities related to subprime mortgages.
- [Bear Stearns Caymans Filing May Hurt Funds’ Creditors](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/bear-stearns-caymans-filing-may-hurt-funds-creditors/): Bear Stearns Cos.' decision to liquidate two bankrupt hedge funds in the Cayman Islands instead of New York may limit creditors' and investors' ability to get their money back.
- [Federal Prosecutors Launch Probe of Bear Stearns Funds](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/federal-prosecutors-launch-probe-of-bear-stearns-funds/): Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into two Bear Stearns Cos. mortgage-related hedge funds that collapsed during the summer, according to people familiar with the matter. This investigation highlights the increasing scrutiny that financial institutions face, especially during turbulent times in the market. The collapse of these funds serves as a cautionary tale about the risks involved in mortgage-backed securities and hedge fund management. The complexities and intricacies of the financial instruments involved in these hedge funds have raised numerous questions among investors and regulators alike. As financial markets continue to evolve, the importance of understanding both the products and the risks associated with them becomes paramount.
- [Bear Stearns hedge fund losses lead to arbitration claims](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/bear-stearns-hedge-fund-losses-lead-to-arbitration-claims/): Arbitration claims were filed this week with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).
- [Falcone and Harbinger Capital agree to SEC settlement](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/falcone-and-harbinger-capital-agree-to-sec-settlement/): The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that New York-based hedge fund adviser Philip A. Falcone and his advisory firm Harbinger Capital Partners have agreed to a settlement in which they must pay more than $18 million and admit wrongdoing.  Falcone also agreed to be barred from the securities industry for at least five years.
- [Ed Wedbush CEO of Wedbush Securities suspended by FINRA](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/ed-wedbush-ceo-of-wedbush-securities-suspended-by-finra/): A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority hearing panel has hit Wedbush Securities with a $300,000 fine, and issued its president and founder, Ed Wedbush, a 31-day suspension along with a $25,000 fine.
- [Lost Money in Mars FX? How Investors May Recover Losses From the Advisor Who Sold It](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/mars-fx-losses/): Mars FX was a hedge fund founded in 2020 and operated through Novus Capital Partners out of the Los Angeles area. It marketed itself on a track record that, in hindsight, contained one of the oldest warning signs in finance: reported average annual returns of roughly 19% with virtually no losing months. The fund described a long-short strategy in currencies and gold and promoted stable, consistent gains with limited risk. Investors are now learning about the significant Mars FX losses that have occurred.
- [Empowering Investors: How To Use BrokerCheck Effectively](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/how-to-use-brokercheck-effectively/): When a stockbroker's improper or unsuitable advice has already cost you money, the goal is no longer to vet a future advisor — it is to investigate the one who failed you. That investigation should begin with FINRA BrokerCheck. This guide shows harmed investors exactly how to use BrokerCheck effectively after losses occur, what evidence a report can supply for a recovery claim, and how Bakhtiari & Harrison turns those findings into action. Using BrokerCheck effectively is essential for investors seeking justice.
- [FINRA Expungement Timeline: How Long Does Each Stage Take — and What You Must Know Before You File](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/blog-finra-expungement-timeline/): The FINRA expungement timeline can impact your career significantly.
- [Investor Recovery: How to Get Your Money Back from Dangerous Private Equity Investments (2026)](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/investor-recovery-private-equity-attorney/): At Bakhtiari & Harrison, our law firm focuses on investor recovery. Investor recovery means helping people fight back against giant Wall Street firms to recover their lost money. We know how terrible it feels to lose your savings because a professional lied to you or gave you bad advice.
- [Private Credit Investor Losses: What Investors Need to Know](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/private-credit-investor-losses-what-investors/): Private credit has become one of the fastest growing areas in the investment world. Many investors hear about it through financial advisors. It is often described as stable, income-producing, and less volatile than public markets.
- [Lost Money Due to Bad Broker Advice? How a FINRA Arbitration Lawyer Can Help](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-arbitration-lawyer-best-lawyers/): It is essential to consult a FINRA arbitration lawyer to ensure your investments are managed ethically and legally.
- [FINRA Expungement Rules: What Every Stockbroker Needs to Know (2026)](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-expungement-rules-for-stockbrokers/): At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we represent financial professionals nationwide, and we have seen how these disclosures cause immediate and lasting harm. Firms hesitate to hire, insurance carriers raise errors and omissions premiums, and clients, often spooked by technical jargon they do not understand, take their assets elsewhere. Understanding the FINRA expungement rules is crucial for navigating these challenges. Without a clear grasp of the FINRA expungement rules, navigating these challenges becomes even more daunting.
- [3 Empowering Insights from a FINRA Arbitration Attorney](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-arbitration-attorney-expunge-u5/): In the world of money and banking, your good name is the most important thing you own. For people who work as brokers, there is a very important paper called the Form U5. This paper tells everyone why a person left their old job. Sometimes, a boss might put mean or untrue things on this paper. When this happens, it can stop you from getting a new job. To fix this, you often need a FINRA arbitration attorney.
- [Why Financial Advisors Should Review Their BrokerCheck Record Regularly](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/review-your-brokercheck-record-regularly/): BrokerCheck.
- [Understanding FINRA Rule 2080 and BrokerCheck Expungement](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/understanding-finra-rule-2080/): That is where FINRA Rule 2080 expungement becomes important in ensuring the integrity of financial advisors' records. Understanding Rule 2080 is crucial for maintaining a clean record and navigating the complexities surrounding BrokerCheck.
- [Protecting Financial Advisors in Whittier, California From Licensing and Regulatory Issues](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/protecting-financial-advisors/): Whittier is a community built on long-standing relationships. Many financial advisors serve families for decades. They build trust slowly. They know their clients personally. That trust can make regulatory problems feel even more disruptive.
- [Regulatory Defense Strategy in FINRA and SEC Investigations](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/regulatory-defense-strategy-in-finra/): Understanding the complexities of regulatory defense is crucial in today's financial landscape. With the increasing scrutiny from regulatory bodies, financial professionals must be equipped with effective strategies to navigate potential investigations.
- [Settlements vs. Hearings: What Investors Should Expect](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/settlements-vs-hearings/): Moreover, settlements can occur at any stage, not just when one party concedes. For example, an investor might choose to settle after gaining insights from the opposing party’s evidence during discovery.
- [Intra-Industry Expungement Strategic Advantages: The “Defamatory in Nature” Standard vs. Rule 2080](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/intra-industry-expungement/): You did everything by the book, and your former firm still found a way to make you look bad on paper. A Form U5 filled with vague, damaging language now sits on your BrokerCheck profile, and it has nothing to do with a customer complaint. That is precisely the type of issue intra-industry expungement is designed to address, though outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts and evidence in your case.
- [Clearing False BrokerCheck Claims: What Financial Advisors Need to Know](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/clearing-false-brokercheck-claims/): In the highly competitive world of finance, reputation is everything. Financial advisors invest considerable time and effort in building trust with their clients. Unfortunately, a single complaint on platforms like BrokerCheck can tarnish that reputation, even if the claim is baseless. Understanding the gravity of such implications, especially concerning False BrokerCheck claims, is paramount for every advisor. False BrokerCheck claims can have a lasting impact, making it essential for advisors to address them head-on.
- [How Misrepresentation and Unsuitable Recommendations Lead to Investor Claims](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/misrepresentation-and-unsuitable/): However, these reassurances can often be misleading, as they do not always account for market volatility and unforeseen changes in economic conditions, which can greatly impact investment outcomes. Unsuitable advice can exacerbate these issues.
- [AI Investment Fraud Lawyer: 7 Brutal Ways Deepfakes Destroy Portfolios](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/ai-investment-fraud-lawyer/): AI investment fraud lawyer services are becoming the primary line of defense for California brokerage investors as the digital landscape shifts into dangerous new territory. In the heart of Silicon Valley, where innovation moves faster than regulation, a new and chilling breed of financial misconduct has emerged: the deepfake broker. An experienced AI Investment Fraud Lawyer is crucial in these times.
- [How FINRA Advisory Experience Shapes Stronger Arbitration Strategy](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-experience-arbitration-strategy/): Not all securities lawyers approach arbitration the same way. Some treat it like regular litigation. Some treat it like negotiation. The strongest strategy requires understanding the system from the inside, particularly the importance of FINRA experience.
- [What Happens When FINRA Investigates a Financial Advisor in Los Angeles County](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/what-happens-when-finra-investigates/): No financial advisor expects to receive a letter from FINRA. When it happens, the reaction is usually immediate stress. Even experienced professionals feel the weight of an investigation, especially when it pertains to how FINRA investigates and what it entails.
- [What Makes Investment Fraud Cases Stronger](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/strengthening-investment-fraud-claims/): Many investors use the word fraud when they lose money. The word feels powerful. It reflects betrayal. It captures frustration. Understanding Fraud Claims is essential for investors.
- [How Timing Affects Your Ability to Recover Investment Losses](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/how-timing-affects-recovery/): Timing plays a major role in investment recovery. Acting too late can limit options. Acting too slowly can weaken claims. Waiting too long can close the door completely.
- [When Should a Financial Advisor Seek BrokerCheck Expungement?](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/advisor-seek-brokercheck-expungement/): Then a new employer reviews BrokerCheck. A client runs a search online. A recruiter raises questions. Suddenly, an old disclosure becomes a current problem.
- [Regulatory Defense 101: What Financial Professionals Should Do When FINRA Calls](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/regulatory-defense-101/): Regulatory defense begins with one simple principle. Do not panic.
- [Form U4 Dual Registration and Temporary Registration: Unlocking Greatness](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/navigating-form-u4-dual-registration/): Understanding Form U4 Dual Registration is crucial for brokers navigating firm transitions.
- [Brokerage Account Identity Theft: How to Recover Your Stolen Assets in 2026 (From an Experienced Attorney)](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/brokerage-account-identity-theft-guide/): Brokerage account identity theft is a violation of your financial life that can happen in the blink of an eye. You spent decades working, saving, and investing, only to log in one morning and find your life savings vanished. At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we understand that behind every "unauthorized transaction" is a person whose future feels suddenly uncertain. If you are a victim of stock brokerage identity theft, the path to recovery can feel like an uphill battle against a faceless corporation.
- [Settlements vs. Hearings: What Investors Should Expect](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/settlements-vs-finra-hearings/): This is an essential Hearing overview for investors navigating their options.
- [When to Call an Investment Fraud Law Firm](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/when-to-call-an-investment-fraud-law-firm/): Calling an investment fraud law firm does not mean you are filing a lawsuit. It does not mean you are accusing someone of a crime. It means you are asking questions.
- [Blue Owl and the Big Picture Problem in Private Credit](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/blue-owl-private-credit/): Private credit grew into a giant market. It grew fast. It grew during easy money years. Now it faces a tougher world. Higher rates changed everything. Slower growth changed everything. And investors now care about one thing they ignored for years.
- [Blue Owl Private Credit and the Illusion of Daily Access](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/blue-owl-private-credit-access/): Blue Owl Capital made headlines again. This time, the focus is not just on restricted withdrawals. The deeper issue is something bigger: Blue Owl Private Credit.
- [What Investors Should Do Immediately After Discovering Losses](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/what-investors-discovering-losses/): Discovering serious investment losses can feel overwhelming. The first reaction is often shock. The second is confusion. The third is self-blame. Discovering the reasons behind these losses is crucial.
- [Is Blue Owl Capital’s Private Credit Fund a Canary in the Coal Mine?](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/is-blue-owl-capitals-private-credit/): Blue Owl Capital announced that it will permanently restrict investors from withdrawing money from one of its private retail credit funds. That means some investors who expected limited access to their cash may now be locked in for the long term.
- [FINRA BrokerCheck Expungement: What It Is and How It Works](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/finra-brokercheck-expungement-what/): FINRA BrokerCheck removal and Expungement is the legal process that allows certain customer dispute disclosures to be removed from a broker’s public record. It does not erase history lightly. It requires proof. It requires procedure. It requires arbitration.
- [How Law Firms Prove Broker Negligence in Arbitration](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/broker-negligence-in-arbitration/): Broker negligence happens when a broker fails to act with reasonable care. It does not require fraud. It does not require intentional harm. It simply means the broker did not meet professional standards.
- [Common Mistakes Investors Make Before Filing an Arbitration Claim](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/common-mistakes-arbitration-claim/): Most investors do not plan to file an arbitration claim. They open accounts with hope. They trust advice. They expect steady progress. Filing an arbitration claim feels like something that happens to other people.
- [How FINRA Arbitration Works and Why Preparation Matters](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/how-finra-arbitration-works-and-why/): How does FINRA arbitration work, and why does preparation matter so much?
- [When a FINRA Rule Violation Becomes an Investor Claim](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/when-a-finra-rule-violation-becomes-an/): When does a FINRA rule issue become a real investor claim?
- [What FINRA Rules Really Protect Investors—and What They Don’t](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/what-finra-rules-really-protect-investors/): Why do supervision problems cause so many investor losses? Understanding FINRA Rules can help clarify these issues.
- [Why FINRA BrokerCheck Matters to Investors](https://bhseclaw.com/blog/why-finra-brokercheck-matters-to-investors/): Here’s the honest answer. BrokerCheck shows facts. It cuts through smooth talk. It helps you see what matters when your money is on the line.

## Pages
- [Locations We Serve](https://bhseclaw.com/locations/): Bakhtiari & Harrison represents investment fraud and securities fraud victims across the United States and Puerto Rico. Our attorneys handle FINRA arbitration claims, broker misconduct cases, and investment losses regardless of where you or your account was managed. Find your city or state below, or read more about our nationwide representation.
- [Bear Stearns Hedge Fund](https://bhseclaw.com/bear-stearns/): The news only appears to be getting worse for Bear Stearns and investors in its two failed hedge funds, the High-Grade Structured Credit Strategies Enhanced Leverage Fund (the "Enhanced Fund") and the High-Grade Structured Credit Fund (the "High-Grade Fund").
- [Victim of Investment Fraud? Here’s What to Do](https://bhseclaw.com/victim-of-investment-fraud/): Investment fraud is not a market loss. It is a legal wrong — and the difference matters. When a broker or financial adviser recommends unsuitable investments, executes unauthorized transactions, misrepresents what they are selling, or manages your account in their own interest rather than yours, they have violated federal securities laws, FINRA rules, and the terms of your account agreement. You have legal rights. You can recover your losses.
- [Why Hire a FINRA Arbitration Lawyer?](https://bhseclaw.com/why-hire-a-finra-arbitration-lawyer/): Written and reviewed by
- [Versity Investments – Crew Enterprises: Investor Recovery Options](https://bhseclaw.com/versity-investments-crew-enterprises/): If you invested in Versity Investments, now known as Crew Enterprises, and you are facing losses or suspended distributions, you are not alone.
- [Private Credit Fund Losses — FINRA Arbitration Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/private-credit-fund-losses/): Private credit funds are investment vehicles — typically structured as limited partnerships, interval funds, or business development companies (BDCs) — that make direct loans to middle-market companies, real estate borrowers, or other borrowers who cannot access traditional bank financing or public bond markets. These funds earn income through loan interest and fees and distribute a portion of that income to investors. The marketing pitch is compelling: higher yields than investment-grade bonds, low correlation to public equity markets, and relatively stable distributions.
- [Blue Owl Capital Investigation](https://bhseclaw.com/blue-owl-capital-investigation/): Bakhtiari & Harrison is investigating potential investor claims involving a Blue Owl Capital private retail credit fund that permanently restricted investor withdrawals.
- [Riverside Investment Fraud & FINRA Attorneys](https://bhseclaw.com/riverside-investment-fraud-lawyers/): Written and reviewed by
- [High Net Worth Investor Attorneys – Bakhtiari & Harrison](https://bhseclaw.com/high-net-worth-investors/): High net worth investors are among the most aggressively targeted demographic in the securities industry. Advisers who serve affluent clients are typically paid a percentage of assets under management — meaning larger portfolios generate more revenue, creating both a financial incentive to pursue high-net-worth clients and a conflict of interest in how those assets are managed. Accredited investor status — the threshold that makes individuals eligible to purchase unregistered private securities — is used by broker-dealers to recommend high-commission private placements and alternative investments that carry risks and fees that are inadequately disclosed.
- [Rancho Bernardo Investment Fraud Lawyers & FINRA Attorneys](https://bhseclaw.com/rancho-bernardo-investment-fraud-lawyer/): Investment fraud can be a nightmare. You think you’re making smart decisions with your money, but sometimes things go wrong. Maybe you’ve been misled or given bad advice by your financial advisor. That’s where an Rancho Bernardo Investment Fraud Lawyer comes in. They know the ins and outs of these tricky situations and can help you navigate the mess. It’s not just about getting back what’s yours; it’s about understanding what went wrong and making sure it doesn’t happen again. Let’s dive into what investment fraud is all about and how the right lawyer can make a difference.
- [Securities Class Action vs. Individual FINRA Claim](https://bhseclaw.com/securities-class-action-vs-individual-finra-claim/): Losing money on an investment is a disheartening experience. While market volatility is an inherent risk, losses caused by corporate fraud, broker misconduct, or negligence are not. When you suspect your financial losses are the result of wrongdoing, the path to recovery can seem complex and overwhelming.
- [Los Altos Hills Investment Fraud Lawyers & FINRA Attorneys](https://bhseclaw.com/los-altos-hills-investment-fraud-lawyer/): Written and reviewed by
- [Burlingame Investment Fraud Lawyer & FINRA Attorneys](https://bhseclaw.com/burlingame-investment-fraud-lawyer/): Written and reviewed by
- [DST Delaware Statutory Trust Investment Fraud Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/what-is-a-dst-delaware-statutory-trust/): A Delaware Statutory Trust is a legal entity created under Delaware law that holds fractional ownership interests in one or more real estate properties. DSTs are sold to investors primarily as vehicles for completing Section 1031 like-kind exchanges — transactions that allow real estate investors to defer capital gains taxes when selling appreciated property by reinvesting proceeds into a qualifying replacement property. The appeal of the DST is that it allows investors to satisfy the 1031 exchange timeline and diversification requirements without having to identify and purchase a replacement property themselves.
- [Concorde Investment Services Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/concorde-investment-services-investment-lawyer/): Concorde Investment Services, LLC is a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser headquartered in Livonia, Michigan. The firm provides a platform for independent financial advisors, offering investment solutions, compliance oversight, and operational support. Many of its representatives were formerly affiliated with Financial West Investment Group, Inc.—a Nevada-based independent broker-dealer that was acquired by Cetera Advisor Networks in 2019.
- [Recovery of White River Tax Credit Losses, Critical Information for Investors](https://bhseclaw.com/recovery-of-white-river-tax-credit-losses-critical-information-for-investors/): This explores what’s really happening, the warning signs, and how affected investors may seek recovery of White River Tax Credit losses.
- [Inspired Healthcare Capital Fund Investor Losses Investigated by Bakhtiari & Harrison](https://bhseclaw.com/investigations/inspired-healthcare-capital-fund/): Bakhtiari & Harrison is actively investigating claims on behalf of investors who suffered losses in Inspired Healthcare Capital Fund and other related private placement offerings. Inspired Healthcare Capital, an Arizona-based investment sponsor focused on senior housing and healthcare real estate, suspended all investment offerings and halted investor distributions in July 2025 amid an ongoing regulatory review by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm also shut down its affiliated management entity, Volante Senior Living, after the CEO resigned. Operations have since transitioned to a third-party operator.
- [Stockbroker Negligence Lawyers — Bakhtiari & Harrison](https://bhseclaw.com/stockbroker-negligence/): Stockbroker negligence is a specific legal concept — distinct from intentional fraud — that arises when a broker or financial adviser fails to exercise the professional standard of care owed to an investor, and that failure causes financial harm. Negligence does not require proof that the broker intended to cause losses. It requires proof of four elements: a duty of care owed to the investor, a breach of that duty, causation connecting the breach to the losses, and quantifiable financial damages.
- [Signator Investors Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/signator-investors-investment-lawyers/): Signator Investors, Inc., formerly based in Boston, Massachusetts, was a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser. The firm supported a network of independent financial professionals who provided investment, insurance, and financial planning services to retail clients across the United States. This overview examines Signator’s business model, regulatory history, and key operational metrics, with a focus on compliance and investor protection.
- [Coto de Caza Investment Fraud Lawyers & FINRA Attorneys](https://bhseclaw.com/coto-de-caza-investment-fraud-lawyer/): Written and reviewed by
- [SagePoint Financial Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/sagepoint-financial-investment-lawyers/): SagePoint Financial, Inc., formerly headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, is a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser that provided financial services through a nationwide network of independent financial professionals. As part of the Advisor Group network (now operating under the Osaic brand), SagePoint offered a wide range of investment and advisory services. This overview examines SagePoint’s business model, regulatory history, and compliance framework, with a focus on investor protection.
- [Raymond James Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/raymond-james-investment-lawyers/): Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser offering a broad range of wealth management, investment, and financial planning services. The firm supports a vast network of independent financial advisors and affiliated branches across the United States. This overview examines Raymond James’ business model, regulatory profile, and operational metrics, with a focus on compliance oversight and investor accountability.
- [Pinnacle Investments Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/pinnacle-investments-investment-lawyers/): Pinnacle Investments, LLC, headquartered in Syracuse, New York, is a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser offering financial services to individual and institutional investors. The firm supports a network of financial advisors and provides investment planning, portfolio management, and insurance solutions. This overview examines Pinnacle Investments’ background, regulatory profile, and operational metrics, with a focus on compliance and client protection.
- [JP Morgan Securities Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/jp-morgan-securities-investment-lawyers/): J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, headquartered in New York City, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser operating under the global umbrella of JP Morgan Chase & Co. The firm serves high-net-worth individuals, institutional clients, and corporate entities with investment banking, brokerage, and wealth management services. This overview examines JP Morgan Securities’ history, regulatory record, and operational metrics, with a focus on compliance oversight and investor accountability.
- [Transamerica Financial Advisors Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/transamerica-financial-advisors-investment-lawyers/): Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA), headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, is a broker-dealer and registered investment adviser that offers financial planning, investment products, and advisory services to individuals and families across the country. The firm operates through a large network of affiliated representatives and independent financial professionals. This overview examines Transamerica’s history, business model, and regulatory record with a focus on compliance and investor protection.
- [FSC Securities Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/fsc-securities-investment-lawyers/): FSC Securities Corporation, headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser that supports independent financial advisors across the United States. The firm provides a wide array of investment products, wealth management services, and advisory platforms to both individual investors and financial professionals. This overview examines FSC’s history, regulatory profile, and operational metrics, with an emphasis on compliance and investor safeguards.
- [Janney Montgomery Scott Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/janney-montgomery-scott-investment-lawyer/): Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser providing investment, wealth management, and capital markets services. The firm serves individual investors, businesses, and institutions through its network of financial advisors. This overview reviews Janney’s history, regulatory background, and key operational metrics, with a focus on compliance practices and client relations.
- [Lincoln Financial Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/lincoln-financial-investment-lawyer/): Lincoln Financial Advisors Corporation, headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser offering a wide array of investment and financial planning services. The firm serves individual investors, small businesses, and institutional clients through a national network of financial professionals. This overview examines Lincoln Financial’s history, regulatory profile, and operational metrics, with a focus on compliance and investor relations.
- [Woodbury Financial Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/woodbury-financial-investment-lawyers/): Woodbury Financial Services, Inc., headquartered in Oakdale, Minnesota, is an independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser serving a broad network of financial professionals. The firm offers investment products, advisory services, and practice management tools to independent advisors across the country. This overview explores Woodbury’s history, regulatory profile, and operational metrics, with an emphasis on compliance and client service.
- [Girard Securities Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/girard-securities-investment-lawyers/): Girard Securities, Inc., formerly headquartered in San Diego, California, was an independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser that offered a range of investment services to retail clients through its nationwide network of financial advisors. This overview outlines the history, business profile, and regulatory background of Girard Securities, with a focus on compliance matters and investor concerns.
- [Fidelity Brokerage Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/fidelity-brokerage-investment-lawyers/): Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a leading full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser. The firm offers a wide range of investment products and services to retail investors, institutions, and financial intermediaries. This overview explores Fidelity Brokerage’s corporate history, regulatory background, and key operational metrics, with a focus on compliance practices and investor relations.
- [BB Graham & Company Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/bb-graham-company-investment-lawyer/): B.B. Graham & Co., Inc., headquartered in Orange County, California, is a broker-dealer and investment adviser offering financial services to retail and institutional clients. The firm supports a network of independent financial professionals and provides access to a variety of investment products. This review explores BB Graham’s history, regulatory background, and key operational metrics, with an emphasis on compliance and investor relations.
- [National Planning Corporation Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/national-planning-corporation-investment-lawyer/): National Planning Corporation (NPC), formerly based in Santa Monica, California, was a full-service independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser. Prior to its acquisition, NPC offered a broad range of investment products and advisory services to independent financial professionals and their clients. This review covers the firm's history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [Financial Firms](https://bhseclaw.com/financial-firms/): Bakhtiari & Harrison offers nationwide representation of individuals and institutions in disputes involving financial firms. Across four decades we have represented clients in all 50 states and international clients with FINRA arbitrable claims.
- [FINRA BrokerCheck — What Investors and Financial Professionals Need to Know](https://bhseclaw.com/what-is-finra-brokercheck/): The FINRA BrokerCheck database is a public, searchable resource that helps investors and financial professionals evaluate the background, registrations, and disciplinary history of brokers and firms. This comprehensive tool not only provides essential information but also helps foster transparency in the financial sector. By understanding the qualifications and histories of financial professionals, investors can make informed decisions regarding who to trust with their financial futures. Utilizing FINRA BrokerCheck effectively can empower investors, allowing them to safeguard their investments and ensure their financial goals are met with integrity and professionalism.
- [Wells Fargo Advisors Investment Attorneys](https://bhseclaw.com/wells-fargo-advisors-investment-attorneys/): Wells Fargo Advisors, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm serves financial advisors, retail clients, and institutional investors with a wide range of investment solutions, financial planning services, and banking products. This review examines Wells Fargo Advisors’ history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [Ameriprise Financial Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/ameriprise-financial-investment-lawyers/): Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a full-service financial services firm and registered investment adviser (RIA). The company provides financial advisors, institutional investors, and retail clients with a comprehensive range of investment products, wealth management services, and insurance solutions. This review examines Ameriprise Financial’s history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [What is PIABA? Former PIABA President Explains](https://bhseclaw.com/what-is-piaba/): Admitted: CA | NY | TX | DC | Multiple Federal Courts  ·  Super Lawyers  ·  Former PIABA President  ·  Former FINRA NAMC Chairman  ·
- [Autocallable Structured Products Fraud Lawyers – Bakhtiari & Harrison](https://bhseclaw.com/autocallable-structured-products/): Written and reviewed by
- [What is the Broker Recruiting Protocol?](https://bhseclaw.com/what-is-the-broker-recruiting-protocol/): The financial services industry is highly competitive, and when brokers move from one firm to another, the transition can raise complex legal and regulatory issues. To facilitate smoother transitions while balancing the interests of firms, brokers, and clients, the Broker Recruiting Protocol was established. Understanding this protocol is essential for financial advisors considering a move and for firms managing departures and new hires.
- [What is an AWC? How to Process The Correct Response](https://bhseclaw.com/what-is-an-awc-how-to-process-the-correct-response/): The financial industry is heavily regulated to ensure fairness, transparency, and integrity. For professionals in the securities sector, compliance with regulatory rules is paramount. If you have encountered the term AWC (Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent) in the context of a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) investigation, it is crucial to understand what it means and its implications.
- [Los Angeles Securities Fraud Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/los-angeles-securities-fraud-lawyers/): As an investor in Los Angeles, you may have developed a sense of trust and confidence in your stockbroker, believing they possess the expertise to guide you through the complex world of finance. Unfortunately, this trust can sometimes be exploited, leaving you vulnerable to stockbroker negligence or even outright fraud. Unlike other regions, Los Angeles investors often find themselves surrounded by a vibrant and competitive investment landscape, where the allure of rapid financial gain can overshadow critical scrutiny. Los Angeles securities fraud lawyers at Bakhtiari & Harrison represent investors.
- [Osaic Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/osaic-investment-lawyer/): Osaic, formerly known as Advisor Group, is one of the largest wealth management firms in the United States. Over the years, the firm has built a strong presence in the financial services industry, catering to a diverse clientele through its network of financial professionals. With a focus on independence and advisor empowerment, Osaic continues to evolve and adapt to the shifting financial landscape.
- [Haywood Capital Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/haywood-capital-investment-lawyer/): Haywood Capital, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is an independent broker-dealer and investment advisory firm. The firm provides financial advisors, institutional investors, and retail clients with a range of investment solutions, wealth management services, and capital markets expertise. This review examines Haywood Capital’s history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [UBS Financial Services Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/ubs-financial-services-investment-lawyer/): UBS Financial Services Inc., headquartered in New York City, is a global broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm provides financial advisors and clients with investment solutions, wealth management services, and financial planning tools. This review examines UBS Financial Services’ history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [Wells Fargo Advisors Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/wells-fargo-advisors-investment-lawyers/): Wells Fargo Advisors, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm provides financial advisors and clients with investment solutions, wealth management services, and financial planning tools. This review examines Wells Fargo Advisors’ history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [Hilltop Securities Investment Lawyer](https://bhseclaw.com/hilltop-securities-investment-lawyer/): Hilltop Securities Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a full-service broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm provides financial advisors, institutional investors, and retail clients with a broad range of investment solutions, wealth management tools, and capital markets services. This review examines Hilltop Securities’ history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [The Investment Center Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/the-investment-center-investment-lawyers/): The Investment Center, Inc., headquartered in Bedminster, New Jersey, is an independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm provides financial advisors with investment solutions, wealth management tools, and business development support. This review examines The Investment Center’s history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [First Allied Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/first-allied-investment-lawyers/): First Allied Securities, Inc., headquartered in San Diego, California, is an independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm provides financial advisors with investment solutions, wealth management tools, and business development support. This review examines First Allied Securities’ history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.
- [Sigma Financial Investment Lawyers](https://bhseclaw.com/sigma-financial-investment-lawyers/): Sigma Financial Corporation, headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is an independent broker-dealer and registered investment adviser (RIA). The firm provides financial advisors with investment solutions, wealth management tools, and business development support. This review examines Sigma Financial’s history, regulatory profile, and key business metrics, with a focus on compliance and client relations.

## News Items
- [Stifel Nearing Settlement of $133M Award over Structured Notes](https://bhseclaw.com/news/stifel-nearing-settlement-of-133m-award-over/): A court filing indicates that the parties are finalizing a settlement, just weeks after a judge denied Stifel’s bid to overturn the award.
- [Wells’ $2M Clawback Win Tossed After FA’s Arbitrator-Bias Claim](https://bhseclaw.com/news/wells-2m-clawback-win-tossed-after-fas-arbitrator-bias-claim/): An ex-Wells Fargo financial advisor who was ordered to pay the firm more than $2 million in a clawback case has been awarded a do-over because an arbitrator failed to disclose potential conflicts of interest.
- [Lead broker-dealer of Inspired Healthcare deals ordered to turn over documents](https://bhseclaw.com/news/lead-broker-dealer-of-inspired-healthcare-deals-ordered-to-turn-over-documents/): A federal bankruptcy court in Texas on Friday approved an order for Emerson Equity, an independent-contractor broker-dealer in San Mateo, Calif., to hand over documents related to the sale of securities backed by Inspired Healthcare Capital, a defunct assisted living developer that declared bankruptcy last month.
- [Ex-Merrill Broker Clears Record of Wirehouse’s “Defamatory” U5 Filing](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ex-merrill-broker-clears-u5/): A broker who spent more than a decade with Merrill Lynch in Atlanta can erase “defamatory” allegations the wirehouse left on her public BrokerCheck record, according to an arbitration award finalized on Tuesday.
- [SEC Committee Floats Guardrails for Private MarketAccess](https://bhseclaw.com/news/sec-committee-floats-guardrails-for-private/): The Securities and Exchange Commission's Investor Advisory Committee last weeksignaled its willingness to open private market access to all investors — but with an added set of investor-protection guardrails.
- [Finra in Missouri Official’s Crosshairs over Meme Stock Shutdown](https://bhseclaw.com/news/finra-in-missouri-officials-crosshairs-over-meme/): Missouri's Secretary of State is demanding answers from Finra over its December 2022 halt in trading of meme stock MMTLP, a move that left many investors holding valueless shares after the company went private.
- [Messy FA-Client Romances Spotlight Company-Policy Blindspot](https://bhseclaw.com/news/messy-fa-client-romances/): Recent legal matters have demonstrated the need for financial services firms to create codes of conduct to address romantic relationships between advisors and their clients.
- [Ameriprise Sent Data-Breach Notices to LPL Customers: Lawsuit](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ameriprise-lawsuit-lpl/): Thousands of LPL customers whose advisors joined from Ameriprise between 2018 and 2020 have received notices from Ameriprise stating that their personal information was impermissibly used by the advisor, LPL says.
- [UBS on the hook for $92.2 million in damages linked to advisor’s short sales of Tesla](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ubs-on-the-hook-for-92-2-million-in-damages/): A three-person Finra arbitration last week hammered UBS Financial Services Inc. when it awarded $92.2 million in damages to a group of nine investors who alleged the firm engaged in a high-risk trading strategy linked to a financial advisor shorting shares of Tesla Inc.
- [Bakhtiari & Harrison Secures Victory in FINRA Expungement Case Against Wells Fargo](https://bhseclaw.com/news/finra-expungement-case-against-wells-fargo/): Bakhtiari & Harrison, a premier law firm focusing on representing parties in securities litigation claims and in the FINRA forum, proudly announces a significant victory in a FINRA expungement case. The firm successfully secured an award recommending the removal of defamatory information from the Claimant’s Central Registration Depository (CRD) record, reaffirming its dedication to defending financial professionals nationwide.
- [Securities Lawyers Bakhtiari & Harrison Provide Legal Services to Investors With Significant Market Losses](https://bhseclaw.com/news/securities-lawyers-bakhtiari-harrison-provide/): BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES -- Bakhtiari & Harrison is an “AV” rated law firm, focused on the worldwide representation of clients in complex arbitration, litigation, and related legal services in matters involving the securities industry. The firm’s partners have extensive experience in securities, employment and regulatory matters. Our focus is on delivering strategic and creative client-centric solutions.
- [Broker who took client funds for 17 years is barred](https://bhseclaw.com/news/broker-who-took-client-funds-for-17-years-is-barred/): "A broker admitting that he has been ripping off clients for 17 years is beyond troubling," said one attorney.
- [Bakhtiari & Harrison Partners Named Super Lawyers for 2024](https://bhseclaw.com/news/super-lawyers-for-2024/): Bakhtiari & Harrison partners Ryan Bakhtiari and David Harrison have been named Super Lawyers in the field of Securities law for 2024. Super Lawyers is a peer nominated list comprised of the top attorneys in their practice area.
- [Broker who sold GWG bonds faces deluge of investor complaints](https://bhseclaw.com/news/broker-who-sold-gwg-bonds-faces-deluge-of/): A Los Angeles-based broker who was a big seller of GWG Holdings bonds is facing a staggering $7.85 million in investor lawsuits as GWG winds its way through bankruptcy proceedings and no one knows what the bonds are worth.
- [4 People Accused of $13 Million in Pro Athlete Fraud Schemes](https://bhseclaw.com/news/4-people-accused-of-13-million-in-pro-athlete-fraud-schemes/): Four people were arrested Thursday and charged with collectively defrauding four professional men’s basketball players out of more than $13 million, according to Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.
- [Ex-Morgan Stanley advisor charged with defrauding NBA players out of $13 million](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ex-morgan-stanley-advisor-charged-with/): Former Morgan Stanley advisor Darryl Cohen was arrested on Thursday morning for allegedly defrauding current and former NBA players including Jrue Holiday, Chandler Parsons and Courtney Lee.
- [Ex-Morgan Stanley advisor and three others charged with fleecing NBA players out of $13 million](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ex-morgan-stanley-advisor-and-three-others/): A former-Morgan Stanley advisor has been charged with stealing $13 million belonging to six current- and former-NBA players who were his clients, and funneling it into his own pockets and those of a financial advisor, an agent and a convicted fraudster.
- [NBA Players Had Millions Stolen by Ex-Morgan Stanley Adviser, Prosecutors Say](https://bhseclaw.com/news/nba-players-had-millions-stolen-by-ex-morgan-stanley-adviser-prosecutors-say/): Federal prosecutors in New York on Thursday charged the former adviser, Darryl Cohen, along with a financial planner, an NBA agent and a former stockbroker in two schemes to cheat players.
- [Former advisor, financial planner charged with defrauding NBA players](https://bhseclaw.com/news/planner-charged-with-defrauding-nba-players/): A former Morgan Stanley advisor and a financial planner are among several people facing federal charges in connection with four professional athletes, three of them NBA players, allegedly being defrauded of $13 million.
- [Financial Advisor and NBA Agent Charged With Schemes To Defraud NBA Players](https://bhseclaw.com/news/united-states-of-america-v-darryl-cohen-brian/): BRISCOE and DARDEN, JR. also defrauded professional basketball players.  BRISCOE was an NBA agent, and DARDEN, JR. had previously pled guilty to wire fraud in the Southern District of New York.
- [LA broker at lead firm that sold GWG bonds hit with complaints](https://bhseclaw.com/news/la-broker-at-lead-firm-that-sold-gwg-bonds/): Tony Barouti, a Los Angeles-based broker registered with Emerson Equity, is facing multiple investor complaints stemming from the sale of bonds underwritten by GWG Holdings Inc., which declared bankruptcy this week.
- [Pro Athletes Say They Wanted Everyday Financial Advice but Got Cheated](https://bhseclaw.com/news/pro-athletes-say-they-wanted-everyday-financial/): Experienced? The broker had two decades with blue-chip firms like Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch. Connected? He said he specialized in assisting athletes in all sports, with a client list of 70 current and former pros.
- [Report – Jrue and Lauren Holiday allege fraud by Morgan Stanley broker](https://bhseclaw.com/news/report-jrue-and-lauren-holiday-allege-fraud/): According to a report from the New York Times, Milwaukee Bucks point guard Jrue Holiday and his wife, Lauren have joined two former NBA players in a lawsuit against Morgan Stanley and a former broker for inappropriately distributing money that is now unaccounted for.
- [Barred broker set to fight pro athletes’ allegations of fraud](https://bhseclaw.com/news/barred-broker-set-to-fight-pro-athletes/): A former Morgan Stanley broker likely will defend himself against charges by several pro athletes that he ripped them off by citing investment returns.
- [Finra to Bar Ex-Morgan Stanley Broker Facing Millions in Claims from Pro Athlete Clients](https://bhseclaw.com/news/finra-to-bar-ex-morgan-stanley-broker-facing/): A once top-producing Morgan Stanley broker in Southern California is facing an industry bar after racking up millions of dollars in client complaints from his former professional athlete customers, including former basketball star Chandler Parsons, according to regulatory filings.
- [Ex-NBA Star Chris Bosh Prevails in Dispute with His Mother Over Morgan Stanley Accounts](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ex-nba-star-chris-bosh-prevails-in-dispute/): A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority arbitration panel has ordered Morgan Stanely to hand over control of three accounts to Chris Bosh in a contentious dispute between the former pro basketball player and his mother over ownership of the funds, according to an arbitration award.
- [Finra arb panel orders TD Ameritrade to pay $720,816 over alleged lack of oversight of RIA](https://bhseclaw.com/news/finra-arb-panel-orders-td-ameritrade-to-pay/): A Finra arbitration panel ordered TD Ameritrade Inc. to pay an investor $720,816 in a case involving an alleged lack of oversight of an investment adviser to whom it provided custodial services.
- [J.P. Morgan Pays $14 Million to Settle Customer Claim Against LA Broker](https://bhseclaw.com/news/j-p-morgan-pays-14-million-to-settle-customer/): J.P. Morgan Securities has paid $14 million to settle a claim that it failed to supervise a Los Angeles broker who a client accused of a litany of sales, trading and loan promise abuses, according to regulatory filings.
- [Widow of Merrill FA Seeks $30 Mln for Value of His ‘Book’](https://bhseclaw.com/news/widow-of-merrill-fa-seeks-30-mln/): The widow of a Merrill Lynch broker who allegedly specialized in helping employees at Facebook and other “high-technology” firms invest proceeds of their stock options has sued Merrill for $30 million, claiming its distribution of his “book” without paying him or his estate violated his contract and the Family and Medical Leave Act.
- [Finra’s Proposed Ban On Expungements No Surprise](https://bhseclaw.com/news/finras-proposed-ban-on-expungements-no-surprise/): This week, Finra proposed a rule that would prohibit brokers from removing customer complaints and certain arbitrations that are more than a year old.
- [Rave Reviews for Straus Institute’s Top Rated Investor Advocacy Clinic](https://bhseclaw.com/news/rave-reviews-for-straus-rated-investor-advocacy/): In 2010, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Investor Education Foundation awarded Pepperdine University School of Law’s Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution a grant to establish a comprehensive clinical education program in investor advocacy. The Clinic represents all of its clients on a pro-bono basis. The Investor Advocacy Clinic is the only FINRA funded Clinic to win every arbitration case tried by the Clinic and no FINRA funded Clinic has had more wins or recovered more money for its clients. The Investor Advocacy Clinic is also is the only FINRA funded Clinic to have produced back-to back First Place winners in the national James E. Beckley Student Writing Competition sponsored by the Public investor Bar Association. Director Robert A. Uhl and Associate Director Judith Hale Norris supervise the Investor Advocacy Clinic.
- [Finra Wants to Expand Arbitrator Pool Choices](https://bhseclaw.com/news/finra-wants-to-expand-arbitrator-pool-choices/): The securities industry’s self-funded watchdog is moving forward with a rule to bump up the number of arbitrators available to be selected for panels judging claims against brokers.
- [Ami Forte Presses for Back-Pay from Morgan Stanley, the Company She Loved](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ami-forte-presses-for-back-pay/): Original Story
- [Vonnegut: ‘Harrowing’ Fight for Brokers Who Take On the Firm](https://bhseclaw.com/news/vonnegut-harrowing-fight-for-brokers-who-take/): There were 291 decisions related to brokers’ claims like discrimination, unpaid compensation or wrongful termination. The brokers won awards 38% of the time. These numbers all come from the Securities Arbitration Commentator, a research firm in Maplewood, NJ that tracks arbitration awards.
- [Terminated $2.5 billion Merrill Lynch team plans to fight back](https://bhseclaw.com/news/terminated-2-5-billion-merrill-lynch-team-plans/): An elite private banking duo formerly with Bank of America Merrill Lynch is considering legal action against the firm after being terminated last month, according to an attorney for the team.
- [Arbitration head at Wall St. watchdog to retire](https://bhseclaw.com/news/arbitration-head-at-wall-st-watchdog-to-retire/): The long-time head of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's arbitration unit will retire, the Wall Street watchdog said on Wednesday.
- [Film entrepreneur draws mixed reviews](https://bhseclaw.com/news/film-entrepreneur-draws-mixed-reviews/): Wade Bradley sells the Hollywood dream. But unlike the stories on screen, the ending isn't always happy, some of his investors claim.
- [The Time for a Uniform Fiduciary Duty is Now](https://bhseclaw.com/news/the-time-for-a-uniform-fiduciary-duty-is-now/): Following the Enron and WorldCom scandals in 2001, public outrage over the lack of executive accountability led to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 which required better public disclosure.  Wall Street argued that this new disclosure standard would cause publicly traded companies to join foreign exchanges instead of United States based securities exchanges, and that this would in turn jeopardize New York economy and status as the financial capital of the world.  History has proven Wall Street wrong.
- [In Soured Investments, Brokers Emerge as Culprits and Victims](https://bhseclaw.com/news/in-soured-investments-brokers-emerge-as/): For years, regulators have typically pursued brokerage firms over the failure of investments they sold rather than going after individual stockbrokers, because the target was larger and the possibility of reaching a financial settlement was greater.
- [Bad Bonds from Wedbush Pay off For Former broker](https://bhseclaw.com/news/bad-bonds-from-wedbush-pay-off-for-former-broker/): More than a Decade after bond he sold started going bad, former Wedbush Securities Inc, broker Michael Farah finally cashed in, winning more than $4 million from his former employer last month.
- [Hollywood Broker Gets Suspended](https://bhseclaw.com/news/hollywood-broker-gets-suspended/): Bambi Holzer spent decades as a financial broker to Hollywood’s rich and famous, dispensing advice from her offices in Beverly Hills, California. She wrote best-selling financial self-help books and frequently appeared on television.
- [Ex-Wedbush Broker’s Loyalty to Clients Wins Out in Arbitration](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ex-wedbush-brokers-loyalty-to-clients-wins-out/): When Michael Farah sided with his clients after they suffered losses in mortgage-backed securities, his firm--Wedbush Securities—turned on him for being disloyal. The firm spent a decade trying to pin responsibility on him but lost when an arbitration panel awarded Mr. Farah $4.3 million in compensation, punitive damages and years of legal fees.
- [Wedbush Ex-Broker Wins $4.3 Million for Lost Business](https://bhseclaw.com/news/wedbush-ex-broker-wins-4-3-million-for-lost-business/): Wedbush Securities Inc. must pay a former broker $4.3 million in damages and legal fees for business he said he lost because of collateralized mortgage obligations he sold that went bad on clients.
- [Former star Wedbush Securities broker wins $4.2 million award against firm](https://bhseclaw.com/news/former-star-wedbush-securities-broker-wins-4-2/): A former star Wedbush Securities Inc. broker Wednesday won a stunning $4.2 million arbitration award against his old firm in a case that dated back to sales of risky collateralized mortgage obligations before the credit crisis.
- [Wedbush To Pay Former Broker $4.3M Over Sour CMOs](https://bhseclaw.com/news/wedbush-to-pay-former-broker-4-3m-over-sour-cmos/): Wedbush Securities Inc. has to pay one of its former brokers nearly $4.3 million in lost income and attorneys' fees after an arbitration panel ruled Wednesday that the broker lost clients due to the California firm's misrepresentation of certain mortgage-backed securities.
- [Ex-J.P. Morgan broker: Firm pushed house funds](https://bhseclaw.com/news/ex-j-p-morgan-broker-firm-pushed-house-funds/): A former J.P. Morgan broker has filed an arbitration claim alleging that the bank's securities unit encouraged sales of proprietary funds by withholding commissions from brokers on trades of outside funds.
- [Finra Board to Consider Arbitration Changes](https://bhseclaw.com/news/finra-board-to-consider-arbitration-changes/): The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority's board next week will consider proposed changes intended to simplify the rules for investors selecting an arbitration panel.
- [Treasury Secretary Nominee Jack Lew Haunted by Wall Street Past](https://bhseclaw.com/news/treasury-secretary-nominee-jack-lew-haunted/): Jack Lew, the Treasury Secretary nominee, has faced significant scrutiny due to his past associations with Wall Street. Lew's career includes prominent roles at Citigroup, one of the financial giants central to the 2008 financial crisis. Critics argue that his tenure at Citigroup and the substantial bonuses he received, even as the firm teetered on the brink of collapse, raise questions about his suitability to lead the Treasury.
- [SunTrust sues to stop hedge fund’s $13 million FINRA arbitration](https://bhseclaw.com/news/suntrust-sues-to-stop-hedge-funds-13-million/): SunTrust Banks Inc sued a Connecticut-based hedge fund on Wednesday to block arbitration of a $13 million dispute over mortgage-backed securities.
- [When Larry Hagman Met the Financial Services Industry](https://bhseclaw.com/news/when-larry-hagman-met-the-financial-services-industry/): On television, actor Larry Hagman played Texas wheeler-dealer J.R. Ewing on the hit show Dallas. No one ever got the better of lyin’, cheatin’ J.R. Ewing.