How you respond to an SEC subpoena makes a difference. Tips from an experienced securities attorney.
Brokers
Commentary, news and links of interest to financial advisers.
What is Securities Arbitration?
Securities arbitration has become the most often-used method of resolving disputes in the securities industry. Since the late 1970’s, FINRA and its predecessors have required brokerage firms and stock brokers into securities arbitration to resolve their disputes with each other, and with their customers. That requirement led to brokerage firms […]
SEC’s Division of Investment Management to Host Third Annual Conference on Emerging Trends in Asset Management
The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Investment Management announced it will host the third annual Conference on Emerging Trends in Asset Management on Thursday, June 5, 2025. The conference will bring together a variety of asset… SEC Press Release
FINRA Proposes Changes to Reporting Outside Business Activities
FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-05, issued on March 14, 2025, proposes consolidating Rules 3270 and 3280 into a single rule—tentatively titled Rule 3290—to streamline and reduce unnecessary burdens regarding associated persons’ outside activities. The comment period for this proposal ends on May 13, 2025. Key Points of the Proposal Feedback For […]
By Building Wealth, Investors Power U.S. Economy
How Investing Fuels the U.S. Economy and Builds Your Financial Future The SEC Shines a Light on Investing During National Financial Literacy Month Each April, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), through its Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA), uses National Financial Literacy Month to spotlight the critical […]
Should Brokers and Firms Share a Lawyer?
By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. A repeating question on my website comes from brokers who are named in an arbitration proceeding by a customer, and whose firm offers to provide an attorney to represent both the broker and the firm. The question is always, do I need my own attorney? […]
Tips for a Successful Securities Mediation
Tips for a Successful Securities Mediation Securities arbitration is a proven method for resolving disputes in the securities industry. It is a quicker and more cost-effective alternative to traditional court proceedings. With increasing frequency, investors and advisors are turning to mediation to make the process even more effective. Mediation is […]
SEC Seeks Candidates for Membership on the Investor Advisory Committee
The Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking candidates for appointment as members of the SEC’s Investor Advisory Committee, which was established by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to help protect investors and improve… SEC Press Release
Advisers Settle SEC Charges for Acting as Unregistered Brokers
SEC Takes Action Against VCP Financial and Investment Advisers for Regulatory Violations Investment Advisers Caught Selling Pre-IPO Investments Without Proper Registration The SEC has announced settled charges against three investment adviser representatives—Tamir Shabat, Danny Z. Spiegel, and Joseph J. Orlando, Jr.—for operating as unregistered brokers while selling membership interests in […]
An SEC Subpoena, FINRA OTR. 2025 Update.
By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. Understanding the implications of an SEC subpoena is crucial for those involved in securities law. WHILE BROKERS OFTEN BECOME upset or even angry when they are named in customer arbitration; nothing strikes fear in the hearts of licensed individuals as much as receiving an […]
