Our securities attorneys at Eccleston Law can guide you through the process, assist you in preparing responses and defenses and ensure the process proceeds as smoothly and quickly as possible. By engaging Eccleston Law, we may be able to help prevent
The securities attorneys at Eccleston Law have significant experience in helping brokers and financial advisors navigate the FINRA Rule 8210 Enforcement process. If you have received a letter from
These “inquiry” letters are made under FINRA Rule 8210, which requires the member, a person associated with the member, or any other person subject to FINRA's jurisdiction to provide information orally, in writing, or electronically. FINRA Rule 8210 also authorizes FINRA to take the person’s testimony, if requested, which is commonly known as an “On The Record” Interview or “OTR”. Failing to comply with the information and document requests by FINRA under Rule 8210 can lead to sanctions, including hefty fines, suspensions, or even a bar from the industry.
If the inquiry was the result of a recent termination, this unwelcomed surprise can cause a significant burden and interference with any pending or new transition to a new firm. Separations of employment are serious, life-altering matters. Oftentimes, state regulators and other self-regulatory agencies and professional organizations such as the CFP Board, will also send inquiries into the same or similar triggering circumstances, each of which are on a separate track and timeline that can be difficult to navigate and defend as you are scrambling to secure new employment or transition your book of business.
As the securities attorneys of Eccleston Law have an acute understanding of regulatory and employment matters unique to the financial industry, our experience can help you manage this overwhelming process and reduce your stress so you can get back to business as a broker.
In addition to terminations and separations of employment, financial advisors may receive inquiry letters due to a variety of other circumstances. Some of the most common events include:
Form U4 and U5 disclosures may include criminal charges and convictions; liens, bankruptcies, and compromises with creditors; outside business activities; and regulatory actions.
Hiring Eccleston Law has been one of the best career decisions I have made and this "investment" to maintain my sterling regulatory record has been returned many times over. If you are in a situation where you've been unfairly accused, don't hesitate to talk with Eccleston Law. They are the best.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed 348 enforcement actions in fiscal year 2026, including 235 standalone actions and 113 follow-on administrative proceedings.
Morgan Stanley is developing AI-powered "super agents" that could eventually build investment portfolios, manage client accounts and handle many of the routine tasks that wealth management professionals perform today.
The SEC has charged two entities with operating a cryptocurrency investment scheme that raised more than $130 million from tens of thousands of retail investors.
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.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed 348 enforcement actions in fiscal year 2026, including 235 standalone actions and 113 follow-on administrative proceedings.
Morgan Stanley is developing AI-powered "super agents" that could eventually build investment portfolios, manage client accounts and handle many of the routine tasks that wealth management professionals perform today.
The SEC has charged two entities with operating a cryptocurrency investment scheme that raised more than $130 million from tens of thousands of retail investors.
