Many people who are thinking about retiring may feel a bit overwhelmed about all of the possible financial investments from which they can choose. One possible option that is popular among many financial experts is a variable annuity. A variable annuity is an...
Alleged Ponzi scheme cheats investors out of millions
The land of digital assets often promises large returns on modest investments. This leaves investors feeling as if there’s a gold rush that they can’t miss out on. While there are some legitimate cryptocurrency investments out there that may be right for you, there...
What are some examples of broker misconduct?
Whether you are new to investing or have decades of investing under your belt, you may choose to have a broker handle your financial affairs and make critical investment decisions on your behalf. Unfortunately, some brokers put their own interests above the interests...
New York hedge fund loses billions, owner faces criminal charges
Fraud is rampant in the securities industry. Given the amount of money in play in this realm, the stakes can be high, and those who are taken advantage of can suffer enormous losses. As heartbreaking as that can be, those who have been hurt by fraud should take...
How does FINRA handle broker disputes?
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...
Options for investors to settle disputes outside of court
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...
Seeking out good investments
Investors rely on brokers and firms for making good investment decisions. Most simply, good investments make money. But good or suitable investments depend on the investor and their needs. Brokers and firms have the legal and professional duty to prevent unsuitable...
Standards may prevent broker misconduct
Brokers face the temptation of acting in their self-interest by placing their commissions above the interests of their clients. Selling excessively risky products, for example, may be lucrative to brokers even though their clients should seek lower-risk alternatives....
Look out for these red flags of elder abuse
People are financially taken advantage of all the time. Sadly, most people fail to realize when they’ve been cheated, instead chalking their losses up to misfortune or bad luck. That’s why it’s important that you remain vigilant and ask questions when you or a loved...
Ethical standards for financial advisors
If you work with a financial advisor, you depend on their expertise to handle your finances appropriately. After all, they are supposed to be the experts. It is distressing if you find that your financial advisor made misrepresentations about the risk or character of...