FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Association, is the successor to the National Association of Securities Dealers and is authorized by Congress to regulate and oversee the broker-dealer industry, insuring that it operates fairly and honestly. It oversees over 4,000 brokerage firms and more than 600,000 brokers across the country—and analyzes […]
Primer
OTC Markets
The over-the-counter market is where securities which do not trade on an exchange are traded. Securities traded on the this market are typically from smaller companies that do not meet the listing requirements from the exchanges. The OTC market is the default exchange for some securities, like corporate bonds. Alternatively, […]
Can The SEC Bring Criminal Charges?
While the SEC has extremely broad investigative and enforcement powers, it cannot file criminal charges. It can, and often does, work with the Department of Justice and the United States Attorney’s Office to bring those charges. The SEC and the DOJ often work together, with the SEC sending its more […]
SEC Subpoena, FINRA OTR – What do I do?
The SEC Serves a Subpoena, or FINRA wants an OTR. Now what? By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. Introduction to SEC Subpoenas If you are served with an SEC Subpoena, or just receive a letter or telephone call from the SEC or FINRA 8210 Request, that call or subpoena is a […]
What is a Ponzi Scheme
A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation where the operator, an individual or organization, pays returns to its investors from new capital paid to the operators by new investors, rather than from profit earned by the operator. Operators of Ponzi schemes usually entice new investors by offering higher returns […]
Can a Non-Citizen Be An Accredited Investor?
There is no residency or citizenship requirement in the definition of an accredited investor. Many entities and individuals are accredited investors. Rule 501 of Regulation D defines the term. For individuals, accredited investors include: Any director, executive officer, or general partner of the issuer of the securities being offered or sold, or any director, executive officer, […]
Can I Take My Client Information When I Leave My Firm?
When changing firms, and moving between two firms that are part of the Broker Recruiting Protocol, can the broker take client account numbers with her. We get that question a lot. Under the Protocol a broker may take only the client name, address, phone number, email address, and account title […]
Responding to a Wells Notice
By Mark Astarita Being the subject, target, or even a witness in an SEC or a FINRA investigation is not a pleasant experience. As I discussed in my column “When the SEC Comes Calling” a financial professional’s involvement in a regulatory investigation or proceeding is extremely serious, and can be […]
Securities Attorney
Mark J. Astarita is nationally recognized security lawyer, admitted to practice law before all state and federal courts in the States of New York and New Jersey as well as the United States Supreme Court. Mr. Astarita graduated cum laude from New York Law School and has practiced law primarily […]
What is Securities Law?
Mark J. Astarita is a nationally recognized securities lawyer who represents financial professionals and their firms in securities investigations, arbitrations, and litigation across the country. If you have a question relating to the securities laws, contact him at mja@sallahlaw.com or 212-509-6544. Securities law refers to the body of law that […]