RIAs Increasingly Rely on Non-Competes Borrowed From Broker-Dealers

Posted on December 22nd, 2022 at 12:15 PM
RIAs Increasingly Rely on Non-Competes Borrowed From Broker-Dealers

Registered investment advisory firms (RIAs) have borrowed a legal tactic from the broker-dealer space, as RIAs increasingly take defectors to court with allegations of non-compete clause violations, according to a recent article published by AdvisorHub

RIA non-compete disputes are different, however.  First, the disputes are not adjudicated at Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Dispute Resolution, because neither party is associated with FINRA. Typically, the disputes start in court, and they will remain in court unless there is an arbitration clause, such as an American Arbitration Association (AAA) arbitration clause. 

Notwithstanding where they dispute is adjudicated, competent counsel must examine the contractual restrictions carefully, and then must test the enforceability of such restrictions against applicable state law.  There is no national jurisprudence, nor any one-size fits all approach. Finally, legal requirements and proofs vary in each state as to whether a plaintiff, in these cases a RIA firm, can obtain a TRO or injunctive relief.

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, regulatory and disciplinary matters, including disputes nationwide in courts and in arbitration surrounding restrictive agreements.

Tags:

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

If the regulators are after you, and are trying to make a case against you, and you are going to contest their allegations against you, make sure you have the best securities industry defense lawyers, Eccleston Law Firm. My case was spun into a combination of penalties including fines, cash settlements, CE courses and suspension. They were the best I have seen in action. When all was said and done, they had done their magic, my situation was negotiated and settled with a simple "letter of caution" and a case closed without action. It is the most important legal business decision you will ever make, make it Eccleston Law.

Rick R.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

August 13, 2025
FINRA Suspends Financial Advisor for Outsourcing Continuing Education Requirements

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has suspended advisor Francis G. Smith for one month and fined him $5,000 after finding he had someone else complete required continuing education (CE) coursework on his behalf.

August 12, 2025
Margin Debt Hits $1 Trillion as Investor Risk Appetite Surges

According to Barron’s, investors are borrowing against their portfolios at record levels.

August 11, 2025
FINRA Suspends Broker for Impersonating Clients During Account Transfers

Chad M. Rogers, a former broker with Independent Financial Partners (IFP) in Oklahoma City, received a 45-day suspension and a $5,000 fine from FINRA after impersonating clients during phone calls to facilitate account transfers.