Jim Eccleston: State Actions Against Registered Investment Advisers On The Rise
From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law Offices:
Financial advisers with $100 million or less in assets are now regulated by the states. In the past, states have been responsible for advisers with $25 million or less in assets. This expansion in oversight for the states has seen an increase in actions against registered investment advisers.
Investment advisers now make up 23.9% of regulatory actions taken by states, and broker dealers make up 29.2%. Unlicensed individuals who sell securities are the biggest offenders making up 42.5% of these actions. Although the exact number is unclear, this increase in actions is significant enough to raise concerns.
Supervision is essential in ensuring advisers act appropriately. Unfortunately, the current industry shift from broker dealers to investment advisers has fostered this growth in regulatory action. More and more, advisers are leaving large firms to practice independently. This change carries a great deal of risk as solo practitioners do not have the same structure and compliance support as large financial institutions. Some of these practices may adhere to regulations and find success, but there are others who make poor investments, sometimes unknowingly, at the expense of their clients. The investment industry should heed the warnings of these trends.
The attorneys of Eccleston Law represent investors and advisers nationwide in securities and employment matters. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 50 years in delivering the highest quality legal services.
Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston
