Securities fraud is a type of white-collar crime in Pennsylvania that entices investors to make a financial decision based on deceptive tactics. This deception often causes investors to lose large amounts of money, breaking securities law. There are several types of...
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Setting new industry standards for fiduciaries
Across Pennsylvania and the other states, more than 5 million citizens have a legal responsibility to manage other people's money. This is referred to as a fiduciary responsibility. The Center for Fiduciary Studies is paving the way in setting an industry standard for...
The system is meant to support and protect investors
Investors rely on one thing above all else: fair financial markets, especially when planning for retirement. While it's prudent to employ an experienced financial adviser's services, it is not uncommon for advisers to take advantage of clients. If you live in...
Robinhood set aside millions for possible FINRA violations
Pennsylvanians who trade with Robinhood — or people thinking about investing in the company once it goes public — should read up on its latest revelation. According to reports, the company has set aside over $25 million to settle with FINRA. What is FINRA? FINRA...
New digital online-broker platforms get warning from FINRA
Residents of Altoona and other parts of Pennsylvania may want to be aware of a recent article discussing how the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is warning broker-dealers about interactive game-like financial platforms. The warning has come about...
SEC rules covering stock commentary online
The SEC faces an uphill battle when it comes to fighting online commentary that hypes stocks. Officials must prove that the information posted online was an organized attempt to change stock prices. It is not against the law to discuss stock hunches online, but...
What scams continue to trouble investors?
People usually invest their money to either grow or preserve their capital. No matter what investment vehicle someone chooses to employ, the investor does not want to end up scammed. Unfortunately, cases exist of investors in Pennsylvania falling victim to scams....
Were you overcharged for your 529 plan?
Customers have received $2.7 million in restitution following the recommendations of the Federal Industry Regulatory Authority’s Notice 19-04 released in January. The money came from self-reported lack of supervisory oversight when customers purchased a 529 plan....
Protecting seniors’ assets
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, some brokers have been preying on their elderly clients. About 5% of elderly clients who are mentally competent say that they have fallen prey to their brokers. The federal authority thinks the number is closer...
What are supervisory challenges brokerages face under FINRA?
Under Rule 3120, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) requires brokerages to prove that they are adequately supervising accounts. Almost 33% of all fines levied by FINRA are against Pennsylvania firms, and others across the country are for not providing...