Keep Good Records in Case of a Broker Dispute

While you never enter a relationship with your broker thinking it will eventually end in a dispute, it is always a good idea to be prepared. The more detailed the records you keep, the greater the chances of recovering your financial losses.

According to the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), many state regulators have checklists you can use, to help you keep good records. These checklists provide guidelines as to what information needs to be collected from your broker, such as the date the conversation with the broker took place and the investment that was proposed. You can contact your state securities regulator to inquire about this checklist.

NASAA also has its own investor checklist, which includes the following:

• Name of the security
• Reasons the broker recommended the investment
• The risks involved
• Whether the investment met your financial objectives

By collecting this information and more, you can stay one step ahead if a broker dispute arises. Whether you someday file a claim regarding the unsuitability of an investment or improper asset allocation, the more details you can provide during arbitration, the better.

Know Your Broker
Before doing business with any financial advisor or broker, make sure you do your homework first. For tips on what to look for and questions to ask, read our following informative articles:

• The Truth About Financial Designations Revealed
• Smart Tips for Hiring a Financial Advisor
• Should You Trust Your Adviser's Credentials? Regulators Say: Maybe Not.
• A Big Name Firm Doesn't Mean Little Risk
• Reducing Your Odds of Financial Loss Starts with Choosing the Right Investment Professional

About Our Law Firm
If you have lost money because of the actions of your broker, you should contact an experienced securities fraud attorney at our office for a free case evaluation by calling toll-free 1.866.827.6537 or filling out our online form. Our securities fraud attorneys are licensed in Ohio and California and we represent investors nationwide in securities arbitration and litigation claims.

Be sure to order a FREE copy of attorney David Meyer's book, Five Signs of Investment Fraud...And What to Do if it's Happened to You.