Securities Lawyers Blog
The securities lawyers of Gana Weinstein LLP are investigating the customer complaints against Sean Mcelduff (Mcelduff). Mcelduff has been subject to two customer complaints – both of which pertain to suitability concerns over recommendations for investment products. Mcelduff’s BrokerCheck records from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) shows that the most recent customer complaint against Mcelduff was filed in December 2016. The customer alleged that Mcelduff made unsuitable recommendations of Puerto Rican municipal bonds. The alleged damages are worth $260,000. The case is still pending.
In January 2016, another customer complaint was filed against Mcelduff claiming that the broker allegedly purchased unsuitable bonds for the client. The alleged damages were priced at $21,000 and the case was settled for $12,000.
Brokers have a responsibility to treat investors fairly which includes obligations such as making only suitable investments for the client. In order to make a suitable recommendation the broker must meet certain requirements. First, there must be reasonable basis for the recommendation the product or security based upon the broker’s investigation and due diligence into the investment’s properties including its benefits, risks, tax consequences, and other relevant factors. Second, the broker then must match the investment as being appropriate for the customer’s specific investment needs and objectives such as the client’s retirement status, long or short term goals, age, disability, income needs, or any other relevant factor.
According to newsources, only about 7.3% of financial advisors have any type of disclosure event on their records among brokers employed from 2005 to 2015. Brokers must publicly disclose reportable events on their CRD customer complaints, IRS tax liens, judgments, investigations, and even criminal matters. However, studies have found that there are fraud hotspots such as certain parts of California, New York or Florida, where the rates of disclosure can reach 18% or higher. Moreover, according to a New York Times article, BrokerCheck may be becoming increasing inaccurate and understate broker misconduct as studies have shown that 96.9% of broker requests to clean their records of complaints are granted.
Mcelduff entered the industry in 2008. He is currently registered and employed at Hennion & Walsh, where he was been since August 2008.
At Gana Weinstein LLP, our attorneys are experienced representing investors who have suffered securities losses due to the mishandling of their accounts. Claims may be brought in securities arbitration before FINRA. Our consultations are free of charge and the firm is only compensated if you recover.