NJ Attorneys Serve Brokers in FINRA Proceedings

Capable legal representation at arbitration, mediation and disciplinary hearings

When a broker hears from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), it’s rarely good news. FINRA’s mission to protect investors and uphold the integrity of the securities market is necessary, even laudable, but an overzealous investigation can be ruinous for a broker. FINRA can void trades — causing a broker to lose commissions and bonuses — mete out stiff fines and seize licenses. Before you talk to FINRA, talk to Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. As one Northern New Jersey’s largest and most successful employee rights law firms, we have ample experience in FINRA hearings, arbitrations and mediation. We represent you aggressively to protect your compensation, your license and your reputation.

How FINRA operates

FINRA is not a government agency. It is an independent nonprofit organization that Congress has authorized to protect investors by ensuring that the securities industry operates honestly. FINRA promulgates rules for securities firms and brokers, and enforces those rules. In 2013, FINRA brought more than 1,500 disciplinary actions against registered brokers and firms, levied more than $65 million in fines and ordered the payment of $9.5 million in restitution. FINRA also referred 660 allegations of fraud and insider trading to the Securities and Exchange Commission for investigation.

Brokers can run afoul of FINRA when they mislead investors about securities products, fail to disclose securities information that is material to an investor, inaccurately record trades or do not execute trades according to an investor’s wishes. Brokers may also find themselves in conflict with their own firms over trades, commissions and bonuses. FINRA claims can be difficult to defend, since the limitations period is six years, and much evidence can be lost in so long a time.

Aggressive representation in FINRA disputes

At Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, our employment attorneys take FINRA proceedings very seriously. We counsel you through every stage of the investigation and represent you in arbitration and mediation for:

• Disputes with investors — If a disgruntled investor challenges your handling of a trade or an account, we place all the resources of our firm behind you. We defend you in arbitration as we would if the case were brought to trial. In mediation, we work toward fair solutions that minimize any disruption to your career activities.
• Disputes between brokers and brokerage firms — Disputes within the industry can often be more detrimental to a broker’s career. We work hard to protect your rights and your reputation, without burning bridges.

Get capable representation in New Jersey and New York for addressing FINRA claims

A FINRA dispute can be devastating for a securities broker. If you face arbitration or mediation with an investor or your brokerage firm, call Deutsch Atkins & Kleinfeldt, P.C. at 551-245-8894 or contact us online. Our attorneys serve clients in Northern New Jersey, including Hudson, Morris, Passaic and Bergen counties, and New York City.