The words “market volatility” seem to be used now more than ever. One recent report from The New York Times said, “Market Swings Are Becoming New Standard,” a scary sentiment for investors. One possible explanation for the increased volatility is the use of computerized high frequency automated trading, which accounts…
The investment world can be a scary place, especially for inexperienced investors. Meanwhile, many savvy investors fall into the dangerous trap of believing they are safe. However, the fact is that with volatile markets comes an increased opportunity for criminals to take advantage of even the savviest of investors. One…
John A. “Jack” Grant, a former stockbroker, was barred from associating with investment advisers, brokers and dealers in 1988, following an action that accused him of selling unregistered securities and misappropriated funds totaling $5,500,000. Grant, however, did not withdrawal from the securities business and continued advising small business and individuals…
Complaints were filed with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI in connection to a group of 30 New Zealand investors who lost nearly $7 million. The investors claim to have lost $6.7 million investing with Tony Lusby. Lusby, a Hamilton, New Zealand, man who is now living in Panama,…
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s “Disciplinary and Other FINRA Actions” report for August 2011, Bluechip Securities Inc. and Muhammad Akram Khan were disciplined and fined. Bluechip was censured and fined the amount of $15,000, while Khan was suspended from association with FINRA members for 18 months and fined…
Roy Fluker Jr. was finally sentenced to 15 years in federal prison in connection with an investment and mortgage fraud scheme, something that should have taken place last December. Fluker’s son, Roy Fluker III, and daughter, Ronnanita Fluker, are already serving eight-year prison terms for the scheme. Fluker Jr., who…
As is required by the Dodd-Frank Act, the SEC has adjusted rule 205-3’s performance fee eligibility thresholds for inflation. These adjustments were announced by the SEC on July 12. The order will be published in the Federal Register and will go into effect 60 days post-publication, or September 19, 2011.…
Securities arbitration ended this month for a claim made by three clients against Neuberger Berman. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) panel ruled on July 15th that Neuberger Berman must pay $5 million in damages, $450,000 in (3 percent annual) interest and $7,500 in legal fees. Investment attorneys stated that…
Steven T. Kobayashi, a former financial adviser for UBS, was charged by the SEC on March 3, 2011. He was charged with misappropriating investors’ funds totaling $3.3 million. Allegedly, Kobayashi established a pooled life insurance policy investment fund, Life Settlement Partners LLC, and then solicited funds from many of his…
While stock broker fraud is always a despicable crime to the victims of the fraud, the case of Joshua Gould's broker misconduct seems infinitely worse for the close relationship between victim and perpetrator, as well as the vulnerable nature of other investors. Gould, a former independent broker for Woodbury Financial…