Some investment advisors have touted alternative investments as safe, stable, high return products. The truth is, these products are often laden with risks that are not disclosed and discussed with clients. In addition, alternative investments are simply unsuitable for many investors needs. The sale of these products often generates commissions of…
This post continues our investigation into the recent bar of broker William (Bill) Tatro by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and his relationship with Mary Helen Caprice Mallett (Mallett), Tatro’s wife, colleague, and business partner. Mallett has also had a large number of customer complaints initiated against her. Mallett’s…
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently barred broker William (Bill) Tatro, formerly registered with First Allied Securities, Inc. (First Allied), concerning allegations that he failed to respond to two requests for information by FINRA staff in connection with an investigation into whether he violated federal securities laws or FINRA…
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) sanctioned financial advisor John H. Towers (Towers) of VSR Financial Services, Inc. (VSR) concerning allegations of unsuitable sales of over $6,000,000 in alternative investments including oil and gas interests, real estate investment trusts (REITs), and other speculative private placement investments to an investor. FINRA’s…
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) sanctioned brokerage firm Merriman Capital, Inc. (Merriman) concerning allegations that for more than three years Merriman’s written supervisory procedures were not reasonably designed to achieve compliance the FINRA rules. FINRA alleged that Merriman’s written supervisory procedures failed to describe the specific procedures to be…
The attorneys at Gana Weinstein LLP are currently investigating Icon Leasing Fund Eleven and Twelve on behalf of investors who suffered losses as a result of the unsuitable recommendation of these funds. The attorneys at Gana Weinstein LLP have filed arbitrations against broker dealers that have sold these illiquid investments…
Private Placements are considered alternative investments and are issued under Regulation D under the Securities Act of 1933. Regulation D contains rules for issuing securities that provide exemptions from the more rigorous Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) registration requirements and allows companies to issue securities without normal disclosures. Investors who…
Broker Mary A. Faher (Faher) was suspended and fined by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) over allegations that Faher made unsuitable recommendations to her clients to invest in private placements. Between February 2011, and November 2012, Faher was registered with WR Rice Financial Services, Inc. (WR Rice). Previously, Faher…
Wisconsin based B.C. Ziegler & Co. (Ziegler) was recently hit with a $311,000 judgment in a decision made by a FINRA arbitration panel. The claimant alleged negligent misrepresentation, suitability, negligence, failure to supervise, and violation of Wisconsin Uniform Securities Act. The claim related to the recommendation to purchase private placement…
Broker Jeffrey M. Isaacs (Issacs) of Investors Capital Corporation (ICC) was recently suspended and sanctioned by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) over allegations that Isaacs made negligent material misrepresentations of fact in connection with the unsuitable sale of two private placements to ICC customers. In addition, after the customers…