Market Decline Exposes Unsuitable Margin Accounts

Posted on April 21st, 2020 at 4:45 PM
Market Decline Exposes Unsuitable Margin Accounts

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC:

Securities regulators are expecting a steep increase in the number of complaints related to margin accounts.  Specifically, regulators expect to see a dramatic increase in complaints about the suitability of such accounts.  Margin accounts are suitable for a scant few; for most investors, they are unsuitable.  In any turbulent market, losses in those accounts, due to forced liquidations, for example, can cause great financial damage.   

Christopher Gerold, president of the North American Securities Administrators Association (“NASAA”), believes that many margin accounts are unsuitable and require investigation by regulators.  Additionally, losses in some margin accounts have been exacerbated by trading delays caused by remote staffing and other coronavirus-related issues.  Gerold expected a continuation of the recent market volatility.

Regulators are also warning the public that they should expect an increase in coronavirus-related scams.  Eccleston Law posted previously about coronavirus related investment scams and the red flags associated with these scams. 

Finally, arbitration is available to investors in order to seek recovery of their investment losses.  Investors who have lost money in margin accounts should contact the professionals at Eccleston Law to discuss their options.

The attorneys of Eccleston Law LLC represent investors and advisors nationwide in securities and employment matters. The securities lawyers at Eccleston Law also practice a variety of other areas of practice for financial investors and advisors including Securities FraudCompliance ProtectionBreach of Fiduciary DutyFINRA Matters, and much more. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 65 years in delivering the highest quality legal services. If you are in need of legal services, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.

Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, james eccleston, market decline, margin accounts, nasaa

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