Securities Lawyers Blog
According to records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) financial Broker Michael Lancaster (Lancaster), previously associated with Edward Jones, has at least one disclosable event. These events include one tax lien, alleging that Lancaster recommended unsuitable investments in different investment products including debt securities among other allegations and complaints.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a final customer complaint on October 09, 2024.
Without admitting or denying the findings, Lancaster consented to the sanction and to the entry of findings that he refused to produce written information and documents requested by FINRA in connection with its investigation surrounding his termination from his member firm. The findings stated that this matter originated from FINRA’s review of a Form U5 filed by Lancaster’s firm stating that he was discharged due to concerns he did not adhere to the firm’s complaints policy.
Brokers are required to adhere to the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) standard of care under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 which establishes a ‘best interest’ standard for broker-dealers and associated persons. This standard applies when a registered representative is providing investment advice through making recommendations customers and covers securities transaction, investment strategies, and recommendations concerning advice on opening of an account or accounts. Reg BI is drawn from fiduciary principles that include an obligation to act in the retail investor’s best interest and the broker is prohibited from placing their own interests ahead of the investor’s interest.
There are several different aspects of the rule that brokers must comply with. One of which is the care obligations which requires brokers to form a reasonable belief that their investment advice and recommendations are in the retail investor’s best interest. The care obligations includes three components. First, the advisor must have an understanding of the potential risks, rewards, and costs associated with a product, investment strategy, account type, or series of transactions. 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 advisor must use their knowledge of the first two elements to consider reasonably available investment option alternatives and come to the conclusion that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the recommendation or advice being provided 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.
Lancaster has been in the securities industry for more than 5 years. Lancaster has been registered as a Broker with Edward Jones since 2018.
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.