Securities Lawyers Blog
The securities attorneys at Gana Weinstein LLP have been investigating Morgan Stanley broker Barry Garapedian (Garapedian). According to BrokerCheck Records, Garapedian has been subject to 14 customer disputes, two of which are still pending. The majority of these disputes concern unsuitable investment recommendations.
Most recently, in April 2018, a customer alleged that Garapedian recommended investments that were unsuitable and over-concentrated the customers funds into the investments. The customer also alleged that the account had excessive fees. The customer has requested $713,000 in damages. This dispute is currently still pending.
In March 2018, another customer similarly alleged that from 2013 to 2015, Garapedian was recommending unsuitable investments that didn’t align with the customer’s needs and goals. This dispute is currently still pending.
In March 2018, a customer alleged that from March 2013 to December 2017, Garapedian was recommending unsuitable investments that didn’t align with the customer’s investment objectives. The customer requested $106,178 in damages.
In March 2008, a customer alleged that Garapedian’s recommendation of Auction Rate Securities (ARS) was unsuitable to the customer’s investment needs and falsely represented. The case was settled at $125,000.
Auction Rate Securities are debt securities sold through a dutch auction at an interest rate that will clear the market at the lowest possible yield in order to ensure that all bidders receive the same yield. Since 2008, most auctions have failed and the market has largely collapsed – leaving many investors with illiquid investments that have long-term maturities. Continue Reading