The Law of the Financial Markets from Top Securities Lawyers
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
Securities arbitration refers to the alternative dispute resolution process to resolve claims between broker firms and their customers and employees. FINRA operates the largest arbitration forum in the United States for the resolution of these disputes.
While no one can be forced to give up their rights to a trial in court, virtually all agreements between investors and their stockbrokers include mandatory arbitration agreements, and every registered stockbroker is required to arbitrate their disputes with their customers and firms.
Our site has been providing information regarding securities arbitration since 1995, starting with Overview of the Securities Arbitration Process. We update the site on a regular basis and invite you to explore our commentary and links and to ask questions.
Prefer to talk by phone? Call Mark Astarita at 212-509-6544 with any questions regarding securities law, enforcement and arbitration.
Churning claims dominated the securities arbitration landscape in the 2000’s, but have declined over the years, as the trading mania waned. As the markets improved, we have begun to see a resurgence of churning claims again. The common perception among the general public is that a customer who trades his […]
Securities arbitrations, in fact, all arbitrations, are conducted in the same manner that a court trial is held, without some of the formalities. There are opening statements, first by the attorney for the claimant (typically a customer) and then by the respondents (the broker and/or his firm). The openings are […]
Arbitrator selection has always been one of the most important parts of the arbitration process, and FINRA has strived over the years to make the process fair. Unfortunately, it is not as transparent as it might otherwise be. FINRA’s arbitrator appointment process uses the Neutral List Selection System which FINRA […]
We all know that defending promissory note cases for brokers is difficult. After all, those notes have been written, revised, rehashed and reworked by brokerage firm attorneys for years.As I have noted in the past, and in my near daily telephone consultations with brokers with promissory note issues, this does […]
There are thousands of complaints filed every year, and they fall into categories. UPDATED November 19, 2021. The trial of customer arbitration claims is a large part of my legal practice. I have been representing customers and brokers in securities arbitration matters since 1982. In those 35 years, I have […]
You can take steps to avoid being sued by your customers. By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. Introduction Since the United States Supreme Court Decision in MacMahon v. Shearson American Express, arbitration has been the preferred method of resolving customer disputes. In fact, today nearly every brokerage firm in the country […]
ABA and AAA Task Force Provide Working Draft of New Ethics Code This four-year effort by a joint task force of the American Bar Association and the American Arbitration Association has now produced a working draft that will cover both domestic and international arbitrations. According to an article on ADRWorld.com […]
Scheduling Order (PDF format 86 KB) The panel Chairperson has the responsibility to use the Scheduling Order to record the agreements reached during the Initial Prehearing Conference. The Chairperson should submit the Scheduling Order to NASD Dispute Resolution within 48 hours of the conference by electronic mail or facsimile transmission. […]
The arbitration department of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is the site for virtually all of the securities arbitrations that are conducted in the United States. Arbitrations are also conducted at private firms, such as the American Arbitration Association and JAMS. The ability to utilize the arbitration process is granted […]
You may need a court order to enforce an arbitrator’s award By Mark J. Astarita, Esq. Arbitration awards are not, by themselves, enforceable in a court of law. The prevailing party must have the award “confirmed” by a court. The procedure is relatively simple and is governed by state and […]
