According to records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) financial Broker William Huthnance (Huthnance), currently associated with UBS Financial Services INC., has at least 3 disclosable events. These events include 3 customer complaints, alleging that Huthnance recommended unsuitable investments in different investment products including debt securities among other allegations and complaints.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a settled customer complaint with a damage request of $500,000.00 on February 24, 2022.
Time frame: 2016-2019\, Allegations: Claimants’ counsel alleges unsuitability and misrepresentation with respect to recommendations to invest in and hold an options overlay strategy.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a settled customer complaint on February 10, 2022.
Time frame: 2016 \, Allegations: Claimants’ counsel alleges unsuitability and misrepresentation with respect to recommendations to invest in and hold an options overlay strategy.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a settled customer complaint with a damage request of $300,000.00 on February 08, 2022.
Time frame: 2018-2019\, Allegations: Claimants’ counsel alleges unsuitability and misrepresentation with respect to recommendations to invest in and hold an options overlay strategy.
Financial Advisors providing advice to retail investors are required to adhere to the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI). Reg BI applies a ‘best interest’ standard for broker-dealers and their associated people. This standard applies when brokers make recommendations to retail customer for any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities, including recommendations of types of accounts. Reg BI applies when brokers recommend a retail investor engage in securities transaction or an investment strategy involving one or more securities. Reg BI also applies to financial advice concerning the transfer of funds and opening of accounts.
Next, the advisor must have a reasonable understanding of the specific retail investor’s investment profile. The customer’s profile information generally includes an investor’s financial situation and needs; investments; assets and debts; marital status; tax status; age; investment time horizon; liquidity needs; risk tolerance; investment experience; investment objectives and financial goals; and any other information the retail investor may disclose in connection with the recommendation or advice. Reg BI was meant to enhance the duties that registered representatives have to their clients by applying fiduciary principles to transactions and investment strategies by prohibiting brokers from placing their own financial interests ahead of the best interests of their client – the investor. Reg BI comes with different key obligations that associated persons must meet in dispensing advice. The care obligation requires registered representatives to carefully evaluate investment options, review the risks and rewards of the investment or service, compare similar products, and ensure that the recommended investment is appropriate for the customer and in the retail investor’s best interest.
Next, the advisor must have a reasonable understanding of the specific retail investor’s investment profile. The customer’s profile information generally includes an investor’s financial situation and needs; investments; assets and debts; marital status; tax status; age; investment time horizon; liquidity needs; risk tolerance; investment experience; investment objectives and financial goals; and any other information the retail investor may disclose in connection with the recommendation or advice. Finally, the financial advisor must use their knowledge of both their reasonable diligence into investment options as well as their knowledge of the investor’s client specific needs to consider reasonably available investment options. Those investment options must allow the broker to determine that there is a reasonable basis that the recommendation is in the retail investor’s best interest. An advisor must understand the type of account, securities, and their client in order to meet their care obligations. The type of securities account has the potential to greatly affect retail customers’ costs and investment returns. Different types of securities accounts can offer different features, products, or services, and not all types of accounts or services would be in every investor’s best interest.
Huthnance entered the securities industry in 2001. Huthnance has been registered as a Broker with UBS Financial Services INC. since 2015.
Investors who have suffered losses are encouraged to contact us at (800) 810-4262 for consultation. 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.