FINRA Finds Schwab Liable to Investor For Recommending Unsuitable Complex ETF

Posted on March 2nd, 2023 at 12:11 PM
FINRA Finds Schwab Liable to Investor For Recommending Unsuitable Complex ETF

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel has ordered Charles Schwab to pay an investor and his designated beneficiary plan $144,000 in damages plus interest. 

The investor had alleged a “flawed investment recommendation” when he filed his FINRA arbitration claim against Schwab in August 2020. According to the claim, the investor purchased the U.S. Oil Fund ETF between March 2020 and June 2020, which resulted in a loss of $500,000. 

Schwab defended its actions. While FINRA has been closely monitoring complex products, the arbitration award did not include the reasoning behind the arbitrators’ decision. 

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

Tags: Eccleston, Eccleston Law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

Jim, Stephany and the whole team were a God send.  We felt like we were put into a situation where we had no advocate. Jim’s team came in with a strong, well laid out strategy on how to get our story heard. Where our outside compliance company had no ability to help, our Broker Dealer was impenitent, and the regulators were aggressive pursuing vague rules, Jim came like a barricade against an assault we did not understand. Though you pay member dues to be affiliated with FINRA and a B/D, you have no voice. The only thing that is truly heard in this un-level playing field is a bulldog’s bark like Jim’s. I would encourage anyone to call Jim and his team to find a real ally in the tough and complicated world of securities regulation. They are truly the best.

Greg P.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

June 30, 2025
SEC Charges New Mexico Investment Advisor with Fee Fraud and Fiduciary Breaches

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has charged David A. Nagler and his firm, New Line Capital LLC, with defrauding clients through deceptive fee disclosures and undisclosed conflicts of interest.

 

June 27, 2025
FINRA Sanctions Advisor for Accepting $1 Million Inheritance from Client Without Firm Approval

FINRA has fined and suspended veteran advisor Kenneth J. Malm for accepting a $1 million inheritance from a client without receiving the necessary firm approval.

June 26, 2025
SEC Charges Marine Veteran in $2.5 Million Ponzi Scheme

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has charged Marine Corps veteran Christopher Aubin with fraud, accusing him of running a $2.5 million Ponzi scheme that defrauded dozens of investors, including several of his former military colleagues.