Those investors who believed they had constructed a “conservative” portfolio by being heavily invested in bonds could be reclassified as “aggressive." Some also believe the move may be an attempt by the firm to lessen its liability in the event clients who are holding large positions in bonds decide to take legal action against UBS. […]

Tenant in Common (TIC) investments, or 1031 exchanges, are a form of real estate ownership in which multiple investors own fractional interests in a property. Many brokers and brokerage firms sold billions of these products to investors across the country allegedly charging high fees, and doing little or no due diligence. They were investments with […]

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc., also known as FINRA, is proposing to tighten its definition of “public” arbitrator. FINRA would like to exclude people associated with a mutual fund or hedge fund from its pool of public arbitrators and require others to wait for two years after ending an industry affiliation before being classified […]

Reverse convertibles, are often called "trigger notes," "phoenixes," or "auto-callables." These structured products promised high yields of 6% to 12% or more, but trigger a conversion to Apple common stock if the price falls, usually on average 15% to 20%. With Apple down more than 25% from its high of last fall in 2012, many […]

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc., also known as FINRA, is proposing a new rule that would allow investors to access information about a financial advisor’s business and disciplinary history directly from the firm’s web page. FINRA filed a regulatory notice in the Jan. 25 edition of the Federal Register. FINRA said the rule would […]

Soreide Law Group is currently investigation the UBS Willow Fund. This distressed debt hedge fund was formed in 2000. In October, 2012, its investors were informed that the fund would be liquidated after having sustained substantial losses. Willow Fund’s net asset value declined over $300 million. In December, 2012, a class action lawsuit was filed […]

Moshar v. Wells Fargo, FINRA ID # 11-00556 (Los Angeles, CA, 1/9/2013) A couple was recently awarded $1,333,300 in compensatory damages through a FINRA arbitration. The claimants charged Wells Fargo with the following: breach of fiduciary duty, breach of written contract, fraud by misrepresentation and omission, failure to supervise and control, and violation of federal […]

The following information is from FINRA’s website under “Disciplinary and Other FINRA Actions, January, 2013.” William Earl Manley (CRD #1177744, Registered Representative, Sarasota, Florida) was barred from association with any FINRA member in any capacity. Without admitting or denying the findings, Manley consented to the described sanction and to the entry of findings that he […]

The following information is from FINRA’s website under “Disciplinary and Other FINRA Actions, January, 2013.” David Scott Isolano (CRD #2504880, Registered Principal, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) was barred from association with any FINRA member in any capacity. Without admitting or denying the findings, Isolano consented to the described sanction and to the entry of findings that he […]