State securities regulators play a crucial role in overseeing the activities of registered investment advisors (RIAs) within their jurisdictions. Understanding the primary areas of focus for state enforcers can help...

In December 2022, an SEC-registered advisor came to AdvisorLaw for our standard compliance consulting services. As a part of those services, the firm was asked to go through AdvisorLaw’s document...

Financial advisors must often grapple with the convoluted regulatory system, and one particularly tricky area is reporting outside business activities (OBAs). An OBA is any business activity in which an...

Over the past 30 years, this California Bay Area advisor maintained perfect records in the industry — except for a sole disclosure from 2011. After 11 years with the firm,...

Launching your own registered investment advisor (RIA) is an exciting process that involves clear planning and decision-making. With AdvisorLaw’s specialized registration package, we recommend planning for a 60-to-90-day timeframe to...

In the high-stakes world of registered investment advisers (RIAs), navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape can feel like traversing a minefield — blindfolded. Compliance is no longer a checkbox exercise. It's...

A former broker and investment adviser who began his career in 1993 maintained a consistent employment record — until his abrupt termination in 2023, after 20 years in the industry....

This California-based former investment adviser and broker had an excellent record of over a decade of industry experience. However, a termination disclosure from 2019 hindered her ability to progress in...

Registered investment advisors’ duty of care carries many responsibilities, and one of growing importance to the SEC is obtaining trusted contact information. While both clients and investment adviser representatives (“IARs”)...

Misrepresentation, a violation of FINRA Rule 2020, is a serious offense that can have significant consequences for brokers. This rule prohibits brokers from using manipulative or deceptive devices when selling...

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has outlined its examination priorities for fiscal year 2025. Its heightened scrutiny necessitates a proactive approach to compliance. Our experts delve into the key...

{{dc:post:title}}\n\n{{dc:post:publish_date format='M. d, Y'}}\n\nContact Us\n\nAward Date: November 15, 2024Claimant Representative: Peter Lindholm, J.D.Respondent Firm: Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC\n\nCase Objective:\n\nThis former advisor from Seattle began his financial services career in mid-1996,...

As we approach the end of the year, it's crucial to act now to protect and enhance your professional reputation. Recent regulatory changes to FINRA's customer dispute expungement process have...

In 2021, this former broker and current investment adviser with six years of industry experience faced an unexpected termination accompanied by a termination disclosure. The disclosure alleged that she had...

Changing firms is a significant decision for any financial advisor, whether you're a broker or hybrid. It requires careful planning and adherence to legal and ethical standards to ensure a...

A current investment adviser and former broker based in Chicago, this individual has been active in the financial industry since mid-2007. Hoping to clear a customer dispute from his CRD,...

As we approach another election cycle, registered investment advisors should be aware of the specific regulations governing political contributions. The SEC's Rule 206(4)-5, commonly known as the "pay-to-play" rule, is...

This LA-based investment adviser and former broker had amassed four customer disputes on his public BrokerCheck record since he began his career in the industry in 1996. Hoping to clean...

Contact Us Today! Award Date: October 18, 2024Claimant Representative: Harris Freedman, J.D.Respondent Firm: G.F. Investment Services, LLC Case Objective: An advisor in Florida who has been in the industry since...

AdvisorLaw understands that the presence of one or more customer disputes on your public record can be more than just a nuisance — it can be career-altering. That's why we...