Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

Examining Firm Liability for Third-Party and Client Misdeeds

Posted on June 24th, 2024 at 12:01 PM
Examining Firm Liability for Third-Party and Client Misdeeds

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

FinancialPlanning.com recently asked, “How much liability can a firm have for the actions of third-party vendors or clients?” This question has surfaced in various legal contexts, most recently in a lawsuit against Wells Fargo, which faces allegations of failing to detect a $300 million Ponzi scheme perpetrated by a client.

FINRA arbitration panels previously held Bank of New York Mellon's Pershing subsidiary accountable for a notorious Ponzi scheme, demonstrating that firms can be liable for client actions. On the vendor side, regulators consistently remind firms that their liability extends beyond their operations. FinancialPlanning.com also reports that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has proposed a rule that would require wealth managers to ensure their third-party vendors comply with fiduciary standards.

The evolving regulatory landscape underscores that liability does not end at a firm's threshold. Firms must remain vigilant and proactive in monitoring their clients and third-party vendors to mitigate potential risks and uphold industry standards.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

If you find yourself in trouble with the regulators, call Eccleston Law, you won't regret it.

Rick R.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1791996515 Law
October 14, 2026
FINRA Study Finds Advanced Investment Knowledge Does Not Eliminate Fraud Risk

Research using the FINRA Investor Education Foundation's 2024 National Financial Capability Study found that fewer than one in five investors with non-retirement investments demonstrate advanced investment literacy.

1791918358 Law
October 13, 2026
LPL Financial Faces Investor Claims Tied to Former Broker's Outside Activities

LPL Financial faces at least nine pending investor claims involving former El Paso, Texas broker Michael C.

1791818498 Law
October 12, 2026
SEC Targets Companies in Alleged $15 Million Social Media Investment Fraud Schemes

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged entities behind two alleged investment fraud schemes that raised more than $15 million from investors through WhatsApp, Facebook and other online platforms.