Tim O'Connor's Blog

On Tuesday, June 28, 2011, the New York State Court of Appeals handed down its decision in ABN AMRO Bank N.V. v. MBIA, Inc., affording victimized insurance policyholders and customers access to the courts for their losses. Notably, the lower court had held that certain preemption provisions under New York State law prevented victimized policyholders […]

Effective October 3, 2011, the Banking Department and the New York State Insurance Department will soon merge to become the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS).  A press release from the New York State Banking Department states: “Integrating these agencies under a single leadership and management structure will allow for greater efficiency and […]

1.  Do they carry liability insurance and fidelity bonding in the event that your account is abused or your funds are embezzled? 2.  What professional certifications does the advisor have?   3.  Does the brokerage firm or clearing firm with whom your advisor domiciles and custodies your account have adequate financial backing in the event […]

For the past ten years tens of thousands of stockbrokers have left brokerage firms to become independent registered investment advisors.  So what’s the difference?   Stockbrokers are required to be registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a self-regulatory existing under the auspices of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  FINRA maintains a comprehensive set of […]

What happens when a stockbroker or registered investment advisor steals money or securities from a customer’s account?  Does this happen often?  Unfortunately, the theft of customer monies and investments by stockbrokers and registered investment advisors occurs in less than 1% of all accounts.  When theft does happen, getting your money back may not be easy […]