If an investor, broker, or brokerage firm has initiated an arbitration claim against you, you can’t help but worry. Your reputation is at stake, and even a flimsy claim can get a favorable ruling during arbitration due to the relaxed rules of evidence and restricted rules of discovery. Fortunately, you don’t have to navigate arbitration yourself. An arbitration lawyer can represent you against investor and intra-industry claims, ensuring that you have a well-mounted defense.
C-suite executives play critical roles in the operations of broker-dealers and registered investment advisors. They must stay on top of regulatory issues and implement strategies to maximize outcomes for their companies and clients. Finding C-suite executives in-house is challenging for companies. Those who want to maximize profits while ensuring compliance can outsource C-suite services nationwide.
Your primary focus in business is serving your clients while creating the lifestyle of your dreams. Thus, you spend most of your time and energy on revenue-making activities. With so much time devoted to serving your clients, you might forget about SEC compliance. While SEC compliance doesn’t generate revenue, it can protect your firm from losing money. SEC compliance is as important to your firm’s bottom line as acquiring and servicing clients.
Every day, it seems like there is news of another RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) that’s run afoul of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. Sometimes, these violations are flagrant acts to deceive investors. More often than not, though, SEC compliance issues are mistakes. Unfortunately, once the government brings an enforcement action against the RIA, it’s too late to correct the error and move forward without penalties that might include fines and even prison time.
Customer dispute information is listed in the Central Registration Depository (CRD) and available to the public via BrokerCheck and IAPD. This information is available, even if the dispute was settled amicably or dismissed. If the information is inaccurate or frivolous, you can take steps to obtain an expungement. Then, you can have the information removed from the CRD and BrokerCheck databases, protecting your reputation and your ability to make a living.
Are you prepared if the SEC conducts a compliance exam? Whether you’re anxiously awaiting the first exam or have been cited for deficiencies in the past and worried about follow-up action, an SEC mock exam is the key to your success. My RIA Lawyer offers a detailed mock exam service that includes both on-site and off-site exams. This service will help your Chief Compliance Officer and compliance staff prepare for future exams. With our help, you can correct compliance issues now before the SEC steps in.
If you want to start and manage a private fund, you must consider market trends, regulations, securities laws, and so much more. Without the right insight and strategy, your private fund could collapse, causing you to lose your clients’ money while harming your reputation.
What starts as a simple document request or deposition can quickly escalate into a formal investigation. At this point, the government has likely been building the case for months or even years, and everything you say can and will be used against you. As terrifying as this is, help is available. Our securities litigation attorneys can assist you through this challenging process. We are experienced in both civil and criminal securities litigation and tirelessly defend our clients.
You’ve put in your time with a firm, and now, you’re ready to break out on your own. You’re excited about what the future will bring, and you’re already thinking about the money you’ll make. First, though, you need to navigate the RIA (Registered Investment Advisor) registration process. This is more time-consuming and labor-intensive than many people expect. In fact, it’s not unusual for individuals to dedicate more than 40 hours to registering the RIA and setting up the compliance program. It can be even longer if mistakes are made during the process.
Every decision you make will have an impact on your RIA. You are likely locked into the financial impact of each decision, but what about legal and compliance issues? That’s where a General Counsel for registered investment advisors can help. My RIA Lawyer can provide legal guidance and insight into each decision and outcome, from terminating employees to handling unemployment claims and dealing with clients. We look at the big picture with each decision and help you make the best choice for your business.
