broker fraud Tag Archives — Securities Fraud Lawyers Blog

The Fiduciary Rule is Dead – Here's What It Means for Your Retirement Planning

Published on: June 15, 2018 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

The Fiduciary Rule is Dead! Long Live the Fiduciary Rule!

Well… it didn’t get quite such a commemorative send-off. In fact, it got the sort of ignominious sentence fit for a mongrel animal or a disowned family member. Yes, the Department of Labor (DOL)’s fiduciary rule is dead and it doesn’t look like we’ll be seeing anything resembling a revival.

If you have not been following, the demise of the fiduciary rule follows a months-long saga that has gripped the investment industry. If you have been following but you’re a little lost, that’s okay. The events leading to the recent outcome have been full of so many twists and turns it’s easy to lose the trail.

Diversified Portfolio Investor or Salad Bar Investor: Which Are You?

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

You’ve probably heard the term “diversified portfolio” before. The term brings to mind the image of a robust, varied assortment of assets and securities that not only generate generous returns, but act as a cushion against any one stock or security’s downturn.

Everyone wants a diversified portfolio, from fledgling investors to seasoned pros. However, there’s a fine line between your portfolio being diversified and it just being a hodge-podge.

Diversified portfolio or salad bar portfolio?

Bad Actors: Tips for Spotting the Financial Industry’s Bad Apples

Published on: June 9, 2017 | by Savage Villoch Law, PLLC

We’ve all seen bad actors in movies and T.V., but did you know that bad actors can be found on Wall Street and other financial industry institutions? The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) recently released a statement outlining the need for checks-and-balances against bad actors.

What are bad actors?

FINRA defines a bad actor as one within the financial industry “who seeks to evade regulatory requirements and harm investors for their own personal gain”. Essentially, they’re con artists; fraudsters.

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.