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A criminal record, often comprised of outdated or juvenile acts, can significantly hinder a financial advisor’s career.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 records on FINRA’s Form U4. This can have severe consequences for brokers and advisers, including limited employment opportunities, damaged reputations, and regulatory challenges.

Impacts Of Criminal Disclosures 

A criminal record, even if accurately disclosed, can have a detrimental impact on your career.

• Employment Restrictions: Many financial firms have strict policies regarding hiring individuals with criminal records, which significantly limits job opportunities.
• Eroded Client Trust: A criminal conviction, regardless of its severity or age, can erode client trust and damage your professional reputation.
• Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny: Brokers and advisers with criminal records face increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies, like FINRA, leading to potential disciplinary actions.
• Licensing Obstacles: Certain states have specific licensing requirements for individuals with criminal histories—making it difficult to maintain registrations.
• Limited Career Advancement: A criminal record can hinder a financial services professional’s ability to advance in their career, including rendering them ineligible for prestigious awards and recognition programs, such as Barron’s Top Financial Advisors.

The Role Of Background Checks

Background checks are a standard part of the hiring process—but a criminal record, even if old or minor, can be a significant red flag for potential employers.

AdvisorLaw: Your Partner In Expungement

If you’re facing the challenges of having a criminal record, AdvisorLaw can help. We specialize in assisting financial professionals in navigating the complex world of expungement.

• Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your case to determine whether you qualify for expungement under applicable state laws.
• Strategic Planning: Our team develops a tailored expungement strategy to maximize your chances of success.
• Thorough Representation: We provide comprehensive representation throughout the expungement process.

By successfully expunging a criminal disclosure, you can significantly improve your career prospects in the financial industry.

We have a proven track record of success in securing expungements for financial advisors. For example, in April of 2024, AdvisorLaw’s Tad Burton, J.D. successfully removed a grand theft charge from an investment advisor’s BrokerCheck record. The advisor had lived with the shame of a past indiscretion for over 20 years. Thanks to AdvisorLaw’s expertise and dedication, he can move forward with a clean slate.

If you’re facing challenges with your BrokerCheck record, call AdvisorLaw at (303) 952-4025 for a free priority consultation. By working with AdvisorLaw, you can take control of your professional future and protect your reputation.