SEC Report Highlights Concerns Over Mandatory Arbitration Clauses In RIA Practices

Posted on June 30th, 2023 at 1:05 PM
SEC Report Highlights Concerns Over Mandatory Arbitration Clauses In RIA Practices

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

A recent report from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to Congress has expressed concerns regarding using mandatory arbitration clauses in retail customer agreements by registered investment advisory (RIA) firms. The report questions the adequacy of current disclosure requirements and raises considerations about the potential impact on investors.

According to the staff report, approximately 61 percent of RIA firms that cater to retail investors include mandatory arbitration clauses in their investment advisory agreements. However, determining the exact prevalence of these clauses is challenging due to limited publicly available information.

The report also highlights a stark contrast in disclosure requirements between investment advisor representatives and brokers registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Investment advisor representatives' disclosures regarding arbitrations were found to be significantly less comprehensive compared to the obligations placed on FINRA-registered brokers, who must disclose pending complaints, hearing outcomes, and settlement details. According to AdvisorHub, the report's findings indicate a need for closer examination and potential revisions to the disclosure requirements surrounding mandatory arbitration clauses in RIA agreements.

 

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

 

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I have the best legal firm in the country to defend me. Awesome job!

Cindy C.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

September 5, 2025
Merrill Lynch Advisor Faces FINRA Disciplinary Action for Refusing to Cooperate with Investigation

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against former Merrill Lynch broker Ali F. Chehab of Portland, Oregon. According to ThinkAdvisor, FINRA alleges that he refused to cooperate in an investigation into potential misconduct, including unauthorized trading and material misrepresentati...

September 4, 2025
Wells Fargo Ties $2,000 Bonus to Non-Solicitation Clause, Raising Advisor Concerns

Wells Fargo & Co. recently issued a $2,000 bank-wide award to its 215,000 employees, following the Federal Reserve’s June decision to lift its asset growth restrictions.

September 3, 2025
Kansas City Advisory Firms Agree to $25.5 Million Settlement Over No-Poach Allegations

Mariner Wealth Advisors, along with two other Kansas City-area firms, has agreed to a $25.5 million class action settlement over allegations that they illegally agreed not to solicit each other’s advisors.