Navigate the complexities of financial advising with AdvisorLaw's Industry Insights. Our experts provide actionable analysis on critical areas impacting your practice, including the latest FINRA and SEC/state regulations for brokers, RIAs, and IARs, the nuances of dual registration, strategic insights into Mergers & Acquisitions, evolving enforcement trends, practical regulatory compliance strategies, and effective succession planning. Stay informed, compliant, and positioned for growth with AdvisorLaw's perspectives.
Michigan Advisor Restores Flawless Records With Dispute Expungement
Twenty years into his financial services career, this current investment adviser and former broker’s perfect records were stained with a settled customer dispute disclosure. In hopes of restoring his once-perfect...
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Denver Advisor’s Perfect Record Reinstated With Expungement
Halfway through his 28th year in the financial services industry, this Colorado-based advisor was terminated and slapped with a termination disclosure alleging that he violated the firm’s non-cash compensation policy....
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Protect Your Brokerage License: Navigating Criminal Disclosures
A criminal record, often comprised of outdated or juvenile acts, can significantly hinder a financial advisor's career. Unlike many professions, the financial services industry uniquely requires public disclosure of criminal...
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Off-Channel Chatter: The New RIA Compliance Nightmare
For years, financial firms have wrestled with the complexities of advertising and marketing rules. This compliance behemoth casts a long shadow over every brochure, social media post, and email blast....
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Washington Advisor’s False, Damaging Termination Fully Expunged
In 2015, 20 years into her career in the financial services industry, this advisor was terminated by CUNA Brokerage Services after only five months with the firm. CUNA then published...
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RIA Registration For Financial Advisors: A Seamless Transition
The decision to transition from a broker-dealer to a stand-alone registered investment advisor (RIA) is a significant step for financial advisors. While it offers increased independence and the ability to...
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Cybersecurity Compliance For RIAs In The Age Of Increased Scrutiny
The recent $10 million fine levied against the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) for a delayed cybersecurity incident report serves as a stark warning for registered investment advisors (RIAs). The SEC's message...
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LA Advisor’s 22-Year-Old, Denied Customer Dispute Expunged In FINRA Arbitration
An LA-based financial advisor who has been in the industry for more than 30 years had one disclosure on his otherwise perfect records. While the claim had been dismissed, it...
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Idaho Advisor’s Customer Dispute Disclosure With $295,000 Settlement Expunged
About 12 years into his career in the financial services industry, this Idaho-based advisor’s perfect record was stained by a customer dispute with serious allegations and a settlement of nearly...
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Unsuitability Claims: Navigating Investor Expectations
The financial advisory industry operates in a complex regulatory environment, where the potential for misunderstandings and disputes can arise. One such area of contention is the concept of "suitability." While...
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DC Advisor Wins Expungement Of 2017 Termination
This current investment adviser representative (IAR) and previous broker, located in Washington, DC, had one disclosure in her 23 years in the industry. The mark was a termination disclosure from...
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Wisconsin Advisor Wins Expungement Of Termination Despite LPL Opposition
More than 22 years into his career in the financial services industry, this Wisconsin-based financial advisor was terminated by LPL — and his pristine record was scarred with an “employment...
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SEC Marketing Rule Compliance: Essential Tips For RIAs
Marketing reviews for registered investment advisers are not a one-size-fits-all approach. The SEC's marketing rule (17 CFR § 275.206(4)-1), effective May 4, 2021, ushered in a new era of regulations...
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Financial Advisor Exit Strategies: A Smooth Transition To Retirement
Financial advising offers a rewarding career, but navigating a successful exit can be tricky. This guide provides a roadmap for financial advisors (FAs) and registered investment advisors (RIAs) seeking a...
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South Dakota Advisor’s Termination Disclosure Revised After AWC, Fine, & Suspension
In 2022, this South Dakota-based investment adviser representative (IAR) and former broker was 12 years into his career in the industry, when he was hit with a termination, a Form...
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The Hidden Costs of Helping Clients: How to Avoid Unintended Custody
Uncover the hidden costs of taking on client custody. Learn how seemingly small favors like becoming a trustee or executor can lead to significant financial burdens and regulatory risks. Protect...
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Advisor Clears Records In Time For 40th Career Anniversary
This California advisor is approaching four strong decades in the financial services industry. Yet his perfect record was recently marred with three settled customer disputes incurred between 2021 and 2023....
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New York Advisor Celebrates 25-Year-Career With Newly Clean Records
A New York-based financial advisor approaching 25 years in the industry had three customer dispute disclosures on his records. Hoping to enter his 25th year with a clear record, he...
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Scrutinizing FINRA’s Budget: Rational Spending or Excess?
A few years ago, AdvisorLaw dug into FINRA’s 2021 annual report and budget and posted a comprehensive breakdown of FINRA’s fee increases at the time. Specifically, we noted how there...
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Texas Advisor Wins Expungement Of Two Disputes Filed Out Of Customer Frustration
An advisor out of Texas who has been in the industry for more than 25 years had two customer disputes on his otherwise flawless records—both of which were over a...
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