The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority offers investors and brokers a way to resolve controversies between a client and the firm regarding investments or, in case of brokers, employment related disputes. FINRA offers two distinct options, arbitration and mediation, that are typically faster and less expensive than traditional litigation options. Filing for a dispute resolution If […]
Investors trust their brokers to do their jobs correctly and manage their finances to meet their financial goals. While brokers cannot control everything that happens in the market, they have a duty to their clients to manage their money appropriately given the circumstances. Not all brokers honor their duties and take advantage of their clients. […]
Investors stand to benefit from new transparency requirements set to take effect this summer. Regulation Best Interest, adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last year, will require brokers to follow updated guidelines when making recommendations to a retail customer. What should investors know about these new standards? Here is a brief overview. A […]
Pre-IPO investing has always been walled off from most Americans. Under longstanding rules, these stock purchases were generally limited to people deemed “accredited investors” – those with at least $1 million in assets outside the home, or an income of at least $200,000 annually. 2020, however, could see significant changes to the definition of an […]
A pyramid scheme is an investment scheme that requires investors to recruit new investors with the promise of being reimbursed with the money that those later investors contribute. Unfortunately, many schemers manage to get away with running pyramid schemes because they operate under the guise of multi-level marketing practices. In New York, multi-level marketing practices […]
Scammers operate at all hours of the day; they don’t take vacations. Because of this, you always need to be skeptical of who assists you and your investment strategy. Also, be sure to secure your personal and financial information. There are five necessary things you can do to make sure the broker, advisor, firm, etc. […]
Adults can become more vulnerable as they age, especially as their loved ones and close friends begin to pass away. These circumstances can often make them feel lonely, defenseless and sad during this tough transition. Unfortunately, this could subject them to what some call the “sweetheart scam,” where older adults can be tricked out of […]
Perry Santillo, a Rochester-based investment banker, admitted to scamming hundreds of investors in a national Ponzi scheme. According to court papers, Santillo and his business partner gained close to $115.5 million from close to 1000 investors from 2012-2018. He reportedly still owes them $71 million in principal. Both continued lying to investors News reports say […]
It’s natural to want to trust someone you share a community with. Maybe it’s another member of a tight-knit professional organization, or someone who goes to the same place of worship that you frequent. You can identify with them – so they can’t be a bad person, right? Unfortunately some people take advantage of this […]
Many people agree that investing involves risk. The extent of your vulnerability can vary depending on the situation. But can you always trust your broker to guide you toward a good option? Brokers are trained and licensed to guide you in making wise investment decisions according to your goals. Unfortunately, misrepresentation of an investment opportunity […]