Securities Lawyers Blog
The securities lawyers of Gana Weinstein LLP are investigating customer complaints filed with The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) against broker Michael Stern (Stern). According to BrokerCheck records Stern has been subject to at least eight customer complaints. The customer complaints against Stern alleges securities law violations that including unsuitable investments, fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty among other claims.
In June 2015 a customer filed a complaint alleging $1,000,000 in damage stemming from negligence and breach of fiduciary duty. The complaint is pending.
Brokers have a responsibility treat investors fairly which includes obligations such as making only suitable investments for the client. In order to make a suitable recommendation the broker must meet certain requirements. First, there must be reasonable basis for the recommendation the product or security based upon the broker’s investigation and due diligence into the investment’s properties including its benefits, risks, tax consequences, and other relevant factors. Second, the broker then must match the investment as being appropriate for the customer’s specific investment needs and objectives such as the client’s retirement status, long or short term goals, age, disability, income needs, or any other relevant factor.