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Top 8 Investor Complaints

Published on: April 21, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

The investment world is pretty cut-and-dry; either you win, or you lose. Not much can be said for losing, after all, it’s part of the game. Usually when you lose out on an investment, it’s due to the fact that you didn’t account for certain risks. However, there are some instances beyond investors’ control that might derail an otherwise sound investment. These instances give rise to understandable investor complaints.

Investor complaints pertain to how a transaction was executed. Whether it’s against a broker, investment advisor, transfer agent, or an entire brokerage firm, investor complaints focus on how an investment transaction is handled.

Below are the most frequently recurring investor complaints as reported by the SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA).

Top 5 Ways to Prevent Elder Financial Abuse

Published on: April 14, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

A recent New York Times article spotlights a renewed approach and increased legislative response to financial elder abuse. Featured in the article are personal accounts of real people whose family members and close friends have been affected by elder financial abuse.

Investment fraud and financial abuse directed towards seniors and the elderly has been a rising concern. We recently featured an issue focusing on the problem of increased elder financial abuse. Most elder abuse is perpetrated against those between the ages of 80-90, suffering from degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Now, the issue is getting legislative attention. According to the Times article, 33 states have considered the issue of specific laws directed at financial abuse against the elderly. Other states are revisiting their existing laws.

What to Know About Shortened Securities Transaction Settlement Cycles

Published on: April 3, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

Last week, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) amended standing rules regarding broker-dealer securities transaction settlement cycles. The new rules shorten the amount of time between when an investment transaction is placed and when it is actually processed.

Previously, the transaction settlement cycle was set as “T+3”. This refers to the time, in days, that lapse before a transaction is settled. For instance, if you buy or sell a security on Monday, Thursday would be the day the transaction is settled.

The SEC has set the new settlement cycle to “T+2”, meaning only two days bass between transaction and settlement. This change is set to take effect for all transactions on or following September 5, 2017.

USCIS Reaches the H-2B Cap for Fiscal Year 2017 | USCIS

Published on: March 20, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has received a sufficient number of petitions to reach the congressionally mandated H-2B cap for fiscal year 2017.

March 13, 2017 was the final receipt date for new H-2B worker petitions requesting an employment start date before October 1, 2017.

What Happens After Reaching the Cap

Tips for Successful Dispute Resolution

Published on: March 17, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

It’s Not Personal, Its Just Business

In business, there are bound to be disagreements. Whether it is a contract dispute or failed negotiation, business disputes are going to occur. It’s usually not personal, but business disputes can be a major roadblock and source of stress, especially when handled improperly. Settling disputes fairly and effectively is imperative. If handled poorly, dispute resolution can become a lengthy and costly ordeal involving weeks, months and sometimes even years of litigation and trial.

While business disputes are unavoidable, litigation is. Here are some means of alternative dispute resolution that can help settle business disputes and avoid the headache and cost of trial.

Investors and Traders Await Interest Rate Hikes

Published on: March 10, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

Rate hikes on the way

The Federal Reserve recently announced that interest rate hikes likely, causing trading and investing to slow. Fed Chairwoman, Janet Yellen will most likely announce increases later this week, with several more expected throughout 2017. Rates will likely increase 0.75-1.00 percent, initially, according to a Reuters report.

The Fed’s announcement considerably slowed the recent tech and industrial market rally Wall Street has been experiencing. Investors and securities traders are waiting to see how these increased rates will affect market holdings.

What Investors Should Know About Customer Advisory Centers

Published on: March 3, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

Customer Advisory Centers vs. Call Centers

Although they sound similar, customer advisory centers differ from call centers in several important ways. Securities firms and investment broker-dealers typically rely on call centers to handle basic customer service issues and administrative functions. They do not provide investment or trading advice, nor do they earn commissions on trades and deals.

Customer advisory centers, meanwhile, are call centers staffed by securities professionals. They are able to provide trade and investment advice as well as sell securities services.

What to Know About About Robo-Advisor Investing

Published on: February 24, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released an investor bulletin for investors to understand the fundamentals of robo-advisor investing, or the practice of using automated investment platforms.

Robo-advisor investing has risen in popularity, especially among d-i-y and at-home investors due to the relatively low cost compared to traditional investing and expedited nature of deals.

With this rise in popularity, however, risks are bound to follow. Automated trading platforms may be vulnerable to hacking and computer fraud.

Top 10 Senior Scams to Avoid

Published on: February 17, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

Senior Scams: Preying on the Nation’s Vulnerable

Senior scams being perpetrated against some the country’s seniors and the elderly has been on the rise over the past few years. Seniors are especially vulnerable to fraud due to health issues or the natural effects of aging.

A USA Today report states that a hotline set-up by the Senate Aging Committee received twice as many calls for senior scams involving claimed tax debts in 2016 than any other complaint. The “tax debt” senior scam also topped the Committee’s annual report comprising reported financial scams for the year.

Stock Market Growth Continues Under ‘Trump Trade’

Published on: February 10, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

U.S. stock markets continue to rally this week amid optimism around President Trump’s economic plans. Reaching a historic high on Monday, S&P 500 topped $20 trillion. This latest rally is a part of the ongoing boost stock market indices have been enjoying as economists wait for the Trump Administration to roll out its economic plan.

Despite a slight stall last week, the stock market has a renewed optimism, with financial and industrial stocks benefiting most from the ‘Trump trade’.

Despite stock market optimism from Wall Street, economists remain wary of the President’s economic plan. According to a Reuters report, some experts are starting to express concern over when he will actually introduce his plan.