Wednesday, 12 April 2023

Peter Shen: A Closer Look at the Complaints and Lawsuits Against This Financial Advisor

Financial advisors play an essential role in helping individuals make informed investment decisions. However, when a financial advisor is involved in lawsuits or complaints, it’s crucial to investigate and understand the situation. This article will look closely at Peter Shen, a financial advisor from Independent Financial Group, and the complaints and lawsuits against him.

Background on Peter Shen

Peter Shen (CRD# 5769894) is a financial advisor based in Orange, California. He is registered as a broker with NI Advisors, previously affiliated with Independent Financial Group. You can learn more about Shen’s employment history, certifications, licenses, and any violations on BrokerCheck.

Complaints and Lawsuits Against Peter Shen

Peter Shen (CRD# 5769894) is a financial advisor who has faced investor complaints. One recent investor complaint alleges that his conduct resulted in damages exceeding $1 million. Another investor complaint, filed on August 2nd, 2021, claimed $950,000 in damages and stated that the REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) sold by Shen were unsuitable while he was associated with Independent Financial Group and LPL Financial. This complaint was settled in favor of the investor for $625,000.

These complaints highlight the importance of being cautious when dealing with financial advisors and keeping an eye on their conduct to ensure they are acting in the best interest of their clients.

What to Do If You Have Concerns About Your Financial Advisor

If you have concerns about your financial advisor or believe you have been a victim of investment fraud, it’s essential to seek help from experienced professionals. Haselkorn & Thibaut, InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, specializes in fighting for investors nationwide and has a 98% success rate.

With over 50 years of experience and offices in Florida, New York, North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas, our team of investment fraud lawyers is here to help you. Call us now for a free consultation at 1-800-856-3352 or email us at case@htattorneys.com. No recovery, no fee.



source https://financialadvisorcomplaints.com/peter-shen-a-closer-look-at-the-complaints-and-lawsuits-against-this-financial-advisor/

Wednesday, 5 April 2023

Dana Davis, Financial Advisor at Newbridge Securities, SUSPENDED By FINRA

A broker boasting over three decades of experience has been suspended due to improper use of margin trading in customer accounts. Dana Davis, who spent almost half his 33-year career at a Newbridge Securities Corp. New York branch, agreed to a 12-month suspension and a restitution payment of $75,000, according to a consent document filed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) last week.

Finra accused Davis of inappropriately utilizing margin trading for three inexperienced, modestly invested clients, resulting in over $268,000 in combined trading costs and losses. Of the 737 trades executed for these customers, all but 13 involved margin trading.

One client, a South Carolina-based pastor, opened a Newbridge account in May 2017 for his retirement. Over the following 37 months, Davis executed 457 trades in the account, with all but 10 being margin trades. The customer’s account suffered trading losses of $93,676.24 against average month-end equity of $132,097.12.

Another client, a pastor from New York, opened a Newbridge account in January 2018, seeking a conservative investment approach. Over the next 29 months, he paid a total of $5,909.92 in costs, commissions, and interest for 28 margin trades executed by Davis, despite having an average month-end equity of $8,943.47. Only three non-margin trades were executed during this time.

The third client, a New York police officer, opened a Newbridge account in July 2015. Over the next five years, Davis executed 249 margin trades in her account, which incurred trading losses of $14,340.58 compared to an average month-end equity of $19,802.50.

Finra charged Davis with violating its rules 2111 and 2010 concerning the suitability of recommended investments and adherence to high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable trade principles, respectively. While not admitting or denying the allegations, Davis agreed to the suspension and partial restitution of $75,000. FINRA waived a fine due to Davis’s limited ability to pay.

Efforts to contact Davis for comment were unsuccessful. Newbridge, not a party to the action, did not respond to requests for comment. Davis first entered the securities industry in 1989 and registered with seven firms before joining Newbridge in 2006. In October 2022, he left Newbridge for Alexander Capital, but his registration there ended last month.

Davis’s record includes nine customer complaints, eight resulting in settlements. All complaints alleged excessive, unsuitable, and/or unauthorized trading. Davis denied liability in five settlements, claimed voluntary dismissal in one, contributed $25,000 towards an attorney’s fee in another, and settled the last to avoid litigation costs.

Who is Dana Davis?

Dana Davis is a financial advisor currently employed by Newbridge Securities Corporation, based in Boca Raton, Florida. Newbridge Securities Corporation is a full-service broker/dealer and investment banker that offers a broad spectrum of financial services and products to individuals and corporate clients.

Customer Complaints and Lawsuits

According to BrokerCheck records kept by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Dana Davis has been subject to seven customer complaints and one termination for cause. Many of these complaints concern allegations of high-frequency trading activity.

Dispute 1

  • Date: 8/18/2021
  • Status: Settled
  • Allegations: Overconcentration, misrepresentation, omissions, unsuitable recommendations
  • Damage Amount Requested: $50,000.00
  • Settlement Amount: $14,999.00
  • Broker Comment: Mr. Davis vehemently denies the allegations in the Statement of Claim and expressly denies any wrongdoing concerning servicing the client’s accounts.

Dispute 2

  • Date: 9/5/2018
  • Status: Settled
  • Allegations: Sale of unsuitable securities, use of margin, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty
  • Damage Amount Requested: $150,000.00
  • Settlement Amount: $46,750.00
  • Broker Comment: The customer had 3 accounts with Newbridge Securities. In one of the accounts, the customer had an energy company that lost most of its value when the oil sector collapsed. In order to avoid legal costs, the parties settled the arbitration.

Dispute 3

  • Date: 1/8/2018
  • Status: Settled
  • Allegations: Misrepresentation, unsuitable and excessive trading, negligent supervision, and breach of fiduciary duty
  • Damage Amount Requested: $250,000.00
  • Settlement Amount: $55,000.00
  • Broker Comment: For litigation purposes, both parties agreed to settle, I contributed $25K towards the attorney.

Dispute 4

  • Date: 10/24/2011
  • Status: Closed-No Action
  • Allegations: Excessive number of transactions in customer’s account between February 2009 and October 2011
  • Damage Amount Requested: $9,078.55
  • Broker Comment: Customer wanted to close account due to loss in market value over 2 1/2 years. (25) trades done overall, (3) in 2011. Total commissions were $97.00.

Dispute 5

  • Date: 10/10/2007
  • Status: Settled
  • Allegations: Unauthorized trading, churning, breach of fiduciary duty, fraud, misrepresentation, and negligence in customer’s accounts
  • Damage Amount Requested: $150,000.00
  • Settlement Amount: $75,000.00
  • Broker Comment: As part of the settlement, Mr. Davis was voluntarily dismissed.

Dispute 6

  • Date: 9/22/2006
  • Status: Employment Separation After Allegations
  • Firm Name: First Montauk Securities Corp.
  • Termination Type: Discharged
  • Allegations: Unauthorized trading and failure to follow firm policies and procedures
  • Broker Comment: Rep voluntarily resigned from First Montauk Securities on 9/22/2006 and was unaware of any allegations until U5 was received. Rep vehemently denies the charges and is conducting further investigation.

Dispute 7

  • Date: 5/3/2006
  • Status: Settled
  • Allegations: Excessive and unauthorized trading in the customer’s account
  • Damage Amount Requested: $25,000.00
  • Settlement Amount: $7,500.00
  • Broker Comment: The firm and the broker deny the allegations. The client was suitable for the transactions recommended and authorized all trades in the account. The client is seeking to blame others for his own investment decisions and for market forces beyond

Dispute 8

  • Date: 10/28/2003
  • Status: Settled
  • Allegations: Unauthorized trading
  • Damage Amount Requested: $15,000.00
  • Settlement Amount: $1,860.00
  • Broker Comment: No unauthorized trading occurred in the customer’s account. The customer signed a margin agreement authorizing the firm to effect margin

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you or someone you know has experienced investment losses as a customer of Dana Davis, several law firms can help you discuss your specific situation and explore the legal options available:

Haselkorn & Thibaut, InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, is another leading investment fraud law firm specializing in fighting for investors nationwide, with a 98% success rate. Call for a free consultation at 1-800-856-3352 or email case@htattorneys.com. No recovery, no fee.



source https://financialadvisorcomplaints.com/dana-davis-financial-advisor-at-newbridge-securities-suspended-by-finra/

Monday, 3 April 2023

Unraveling Broker Daniel Beech’s Customer Disputes

Broker Daniel Beech (CRD #: 6169844) has been involved in multiple customer disputes during his career with Innovation Partners LLC (CRD#: 146344) of Charlotte, NC. He has also worked with various previous employers, including Western International Securities (CRD#:39262) of Westlake Village, CA, Independent Financial Group, LLC (CRD#:7717) of Sherman Oaks, CA, and Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (CRD#:23131) of Los Angeles, CA. This article will examine the various customer complaints, lawsuits, and regulatory actions related to Beech’s career.

Daniel Beech’s Customer Complaints and Lawsuits

The customer complaints against Daniel Beech mainly revolve around allegations of unsuitability and negligence. While not all the details about these complaints are available in the provided search results, we can gain some insight into the nature of these disputes from the following examples:

  1. A customer dispute filed on 6/27/2022 accused Daniel Beech of “unsuitability,” with the claim amount totaling $300,000. This complaint is currently pending.
  2. Another complaint filed on 6/9/2022 alleged “negligence” on Beech’s part, with the claim amount set at $300,000. This claim is also pending.
  3. A third complaint, filed on 7/25/2022, accused Beech of “unsuitability” and sought a claim amount of $258,900. This dispute remains pending as well.

In the context of financial advisors, unsuitability refers to a situation where a broker or investment advisor recommends investment products or strategies that are not in the best interests of their clients, considering the client’s financial situation, investment objectives, and risk tolerance. Negligence refers to a failure to exercise the proper care and diligence expected of a financial professional, leading to financial harm to the client.

Many of the customer complaints against Daniel Beech are believed to involve the sales of GWG L Bonds. His former brokerage firm, Western International Securities, has also faced an SEC lawsuit involving GWG Holdings L bonds.

It’s important to note that customer complaints don’t necessarily imply that a broker or investment advisor is guilty of misconduct. However, a pattern of complaints or regulatory actions may indicate potential issues that warrant further investigation by investors and regulatory authorities.

FINRA Fines and Barred Advisors

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) oversees brokerage firms and their registered representatives. While there is no specific information about FINRA fines against Daniel Beech in the provided search results, it is crucial to keep an eye on the BrokerCheck website for any updates on regulatory actions. If a broker is barred, they are no longer allowed to work in the securities industry.

SEC Actions and Fines

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the federal agency responsible for regulating the securities industry. It can impose fines and other penalties on firms and individuals for violations of securities laws. Daniel Beech’s former brokerage firm, Western International Securities, has sued the SEC involving GWG Holdings L bonds. When GWG Holdings filed for bankruptcy, it is believed that many of the customer complaints involving Beech were related to the sales of GWG L Bonds.

Protecting Your Investments

As an investor, staying informed about your financial advisor’s background and any potential disputes or regulatory actions they may be involved in is essential. You can use FINRA’s BrokerCheck website to research brokers and investment advisors like Daniel Beech.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of investment fraud or have experienced financial losses due to unsuitable advice from a broker, it’s crucial to seek legal assistance. Haselkorn & Thibaut, a leading investment fraud law firm, specializes in fighting for investors nationwide and boasts a 98% success rate. With over 50 years of experience and offices in Florida, New York, North Carolina, Arizona, and Texas, their team can help you navigate the complex world of investment disputes.

For a free consultation, call Haselkorn & Thibaut at 1-800-856-3352 or email case@htattorneys.com. They operate on a “No Recovery, No Fee” basis, ensuring you only pay if your case succeeds.

Conclusion

Daniel Beech’s customer disputes, lawsuits, and regulatory actions remind investors to be vigilant when it comes to their investments. By staying informed about your financial advisor’s history and seeking legal assistance when necessary, you can protect your assets and avoid potential pitfalls in the financial industry.



source https://financialadvisorcomplaints.com/unraveling-broker-daniel-beechs-customer-disputes/

Complaint Filed Against Stock Broker Brian Napier For GWG Holdings Sales

In the world of finance, the role of a stockbroker is crucial. They act as intermediaries between investors and the stock market, providing ...