FINRA Watchdog on Private Placements

Author: LPclient

FINRA will be watching sales of private placements by broker-dealers more carefully, all in the pursuit of customer protection. http://bit.ly/QBGM2G   For a free case evaluation or to discuss any other investment losses, please contact the Securities Law Firm of Menzer & Hill, P.A., at 888-923-9223, or visit us on the web at www.suemyadvisor.com.

Securities Arbitration Award – Options Trading

Author: LPclient

In a recent FINRA Securities Arbitration case, against Black Diamond Securities, et al, Arbitration Panel awards the customers more than $3 Million in damages, including attorney fees, costs and interest for breach of fiduciary duty, unjust enrichment, and misrepresentation involving options trades in customer accounts. For a free case evaluation or to discuss any other… Read more »

Customer Arbitration Award – Unsuitable Investment

Author: LPclient

Gruberman v. LaSalle Street, FINRA ID #12-02021 (Chicago, IL, 1/30/2014) – In this explained Award, a customer couple win $135,000 against a broker-dealer for failing to advise them of unfavorable information on a tenancy in common it recommended. For a free case evaluation or to discuss any other investment losses, please contact the Securities Law… Read more »

Customer Arbitration Award – Promissory Note Partnership Investment

Author: LPclient

Carson v. VSR Financial, FINRA ID #11-02400 (Minneapolis, MN, 12/23/2013) – A customer complaining that he received a fractional share of a promissory note when he expected a partnership interest may be equally surprised, but certainly happier, when he recovers $40,000 more in compensatory damages than he requested. For a free case evaluation or to… Read more »

Requesting Higher Yield on Your Portfolio? Proceed With Caution.

Author: Michael Hill

In today’s low interest rate environment retirees and soon-to-be retirees, on fixed income, often try to get more interest and yield in their retirement nest eggs.  These investors should be wary when asking their broker or financial advisor to find investments that have higher interest or dividend rates.  The compliant broker may look for suitable… Read more »

Penny Stock Risks – Caveat Emptor

Author: Michael Hill

The securities industry has tough rules when it comes to brokers soliciting the purchase of “penny stocks.”  Typically a stock is considered a “penny stock” when it trades for less than $5 a share and it does not trade on a major exchange (e.g., New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ).  Penny stocks normally trade on… Read more »

Fraudulent Practices in the Sale of Indexed Annuities

Author: Michael Hill

If approached by your broker (or financial advisor or insurance agent) to purchase an indexed annuity there are some things an investor should consider.  First, an indexed annuity (also known as, equity-indexed annuity or fixed indexed annuity) is a fixed annuity, either immediate or deferred, that earns interest or provides benefits that are often linked… Read more »

Higher broker standards for recommending Leveraged and Inverse ETFs

Author: Michael Hill

In our earlier press release, we stated that the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) reminded all brokers and broker-dealers, in a regulatory notice, of their requirements prior to recommending the purchase of a leveraged or inverse exchange-traded fund (ETF).  See FINRA Regulatory Notice 09-31 .  These requirements are more than what is required prior to recommending… Read more »