Securities Arbitration Lawyers Blog

Wells Fargo has disclosed a federal investigation into sales practice violations in customer 401(k)s after a whistleblower cited sales problems in customer accounts. Multiple potential violations are disclosed including improper referrals, excessive fees and undisclosed conflicts of interest.  In the current bull market, many investors did not appreciate the fees…

Former North Carolina-based Petersen Investments broker Joseph Cotter has been named in a FINRA Investigation and is currently not affiliated with any broker-dealer firm. Joseph Cotter was most recently registered with Petersen Investments in Charlotte, North Carolina (2016-2017). Previous registrations include Next Financial Group in Charlotte, North Carolina. According to…

Silver Law Group is investigating financial advisor Thomas Lawrence of Chapel Hill, Tennessee. FINRA recently brought a regulatory complaint against Lawrence regarding allegations that he borrowed $39,000 from an elderly customer, in violation of FINRA rules and he has failed to repay the loan. Thomas Lawrence was a financial advisor…

Silver Law Group is currently investigating former Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. financial advisor Mark Perry (CRD# 1219294) regarding unsuitable investment recommendations to elderly clients. Perry was registered with Independent Financial Group, LLC in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina and with Cambridge Investment Research, Inc. in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Previously, Perry…

Investment broker Angel Edgardo Aquino-Velez (CRD#: 2687333) is no longer working as a broker, according to FINRA. Velez was previously registered as a broker, with the last place of employment listed as Morgan Stanley (CRD# 149777). His name is also listed as “Angel Edgardo Aquino,” “Angel E AquinoVelez” and, “Angel…

FINRA suspended Christopher Robert Hickman in June of 2017 for six months. This suspension is a result of Hickman’s violations of NASD Rule 2310, and FINRA Rules 2111 and 2010, regarding the unsuitable trading of Unit Investment Trusts, or “UITs.” Hickman neither denied nor confirmed the findings, and consented to…

Silver Law Group is investigating investor claims for possible securities laws violations of LJM Preservation and Growth Fund (Stock Symbol: LJMIX). The LJM Preservation and Growth Fund (“LJMIX”) is a mutual fund that is marketed and sold with the investment goal of preserving capital even in down markets.  The mutual…

On December 8, 2017, the University of Miami School of Law held its annual class action forum.  Of particular interest was hot topics in class action and mass torts plus a keynote speech from the attorney representing many NFL players in litigation relating to concussions. Scott Silver is a 1996…

The former broker reportedly never disclosed a real estate venture that was worth $1 million James Randall Clay was notified by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in October of last year that he was the respondent in a complaint. The allegations against him involve an elderly client, a large…

Silver Law Group, a law firm specializing in securities and investment fraud, has filed a securities arbitration claim with FINRA on behalf of an elderly investor alleging stockbroker misconduct and the unsuitable use of margin and excessive trading. FINRA recently issued investor guidance highlighting “Purchasing on Margin, Risks Involved with…