According to records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) financial Broker Angelo Talebi (Talebi), previously associated with Independent Financial Group, LLC, has at least 4 disclosable events. These events include 4 customer complaints, alleging that Talebi recommended unsuitable investments in different investment products including debt securities among other allegations and complaints.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a pending customer complaint with a damage request of $100,000.00 on January 22, 2025.
Alleges investment was not suitable
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a pending customer complaint with a damage request of $500,000.00 on April 22, 2024.
Alleges investments were not in line with stated investment objectives and risk tolerance.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a settled customer complaint on March 13, 2024.
Customers allege representative recommended unsuitable investments during the time period 2003-2012.
FINRA BrokerCheck shows a settled customer complaint with a damage request of $5,000.00 on November 08, 2023.
Unsuitable alternative investment alleged to have been recommended
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. 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. 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.
Finally, an advisor must also analyze the specific account features offered and determine whether their client can benefit from them in order to meet their care obligations. While securities and investments come with costs that must be considered, the type of securities account also has changes the cost equation for the investor and can change the retail customers’ future investment returns. The associated person must consider the different types of securities accounts for their client and determine whether or not the cost or features are reasonably needed for the client or if the customer’s current account costs and features are superior to solutions available to the advisor. In any event, the type of account and services recommended must be in the investor’s best interest.
Talebi has been in the securities industry for more than 23 years. Talebi has been registered as a Broker with Independent Financial Group, LLC since 2014.
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.