FINRA Investigations

Facing a FINRA Investigation, Enforcement Proceeding Or Disciplinary Action?

Herskovits PLLC securities lawyers defend broker-dealers and industry professionals facing FINRA investigations and regulatory proceedings.

FINRA Rule 8210 Demand for Documents, Information or Testimony

By the time you receive a request from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), authorized under Rule 8210, for information, documents or an on-the-record interview, the investigatory machine is already moving forward; to prepare your best response and defense, you need to move quickly and get in front of the process.

You have the right to counsel and you should immediately exercise that right even if you are innocent of any wrongdoing. FINRA gets it wrong sometimes with devastating consequences to a broker-dealer or an industry professional’s career.

Whatever your situation, your immediate goal is to prevent escalation to a full-scale enforcement action and to avoid public disclosure on the Central Registration Depository (CRD). Our legal defense team will move quickly to have the matter either dismissed or negotiate to minimize the scope of the investigation and the possible consequences.

The Herskovits PLLC legal defense team have helped hundreds of securities industry professionals and broker-dealers protect their rights and safeguard their future. Call US Now for a confidential no-cost discussion of your rights, options and best defense with an experienced FINRA defense attorney.

We Investigate how and why You Came to FINRA’s Attention

FINRA launches an investigation based on information that typically comes from the sources listed below. We quickly investigate to learn the investigation’s source as it is critical information in preparing the first steps of a defense and ideally an opportunity to stop the inquiry in its tracks.

• Automated surveillance reports typically identifying unusual or suspicious trading
• U4 disclosures and disclosure omissions
• U5 termination forms
• Cycle examinations of broker-dealer or branch office
• SEC or other federal regulators
• State securities regulatory agencies
• FINRA’s whistleblower office
• Individual investors

FINRA’s scrutiny of financial markets and industry participants gets more aggressive each year so broker-dealers, registered representatives and investment advisers must be similarly proactive in their response to inquiries.

If you are or expect to become the subject of a FINRA inquiry or investigation, contact a qualified and experienced FINRA attorneys quickly to learn your rights and options: (212) 897-5410 or contact us.

Online Information Videos

• FINRA Investigations 101: Process & Realities
• FINRA Investigations U4 & U5 Disputes
• Responses to FINRA’s 8210 Request for Documents and Information

With nearly two decades’ experience addressing securities regulatory matters and a focus on FINRA investigations of financial industry professionals and broker dealers, we can see around corners and know FINRA’s strategy from 100s of cases we have handled and constant research into other outcomes.

A well-considered strategic response to a FINRA 8210 request for documents and information is often the difference between a quick and appropriate settlement of the matter and a lengthy ever-broadening inquiry into every area or your business.

Throughout the initial defense preparation we anticipate FINRA’s next step which is often an on-the-record interview (similar to a deposition but the broker or firm has fewer rights). Our proactive preparation, based on years of reviewing FINRA settlement agreements, allows us to measure the possible outcomes.

Defending industry professionals and financial institutions targeted by FINRA for investigation and possible enforcement action is a primary focus area for the Herskovits PLLC securities law team.

For more information on FINRA’s investigation process, the rules and realities, what you can expect, and your best defense, we invite you to view our video resources as well as download a copy of our new book: 8210 & Beyond, an in depth look at every aspect of FINRA investigations in 2017.

As an industry professional or financial firm targeted by FINRA for investigation, you should act quickly to protect your rights, reputation and professional licensing. Rob Herskovits and the Herskovits PLLC securities law firm are leaders in FINRA investigation defense with nearly 20 years of positive outcomes. Call now for a confidential discussion of your options and what you can expect: (212) 897-5410 or contact us.

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