Investment adviser & private bank claims·Florida-based · Available nationally · Free initial case evaluation
Investor Claims Counsel Investment Adviser, Private Bank & Fiduciary Misconduct Call directly (305) 792-9100
FINRA Dispute Resolution · Investor side only

FINRA arbitration lawyer for investors against brokers and broker-dealers.

If your dispute is with a FINRA-member broker-dealer, you almost certainly agreed to arbitration when you opened the account. That means your claim is decided by a FINRA arbitration panel, not a court. We represent investors — never the firms — in FINRA Dispute Resolution proceedings nationwide.

Broker Conduct We Pursue

The claims that arbitration panels actually award on.

FINRA arbitration exists to resolve customer disputes against member broker-dealers and their registered representatives. The strongest claims are grounded in specific, documented conduct — not disappointment with performance.

i.

Unsuitable recommendations

Investments that did not match your objectives, time horizon, liquidity needs, or risk tolerance under FINRA Rule 2111 and Reg BI — including illiquid alternatives sold to retirees and complex products sold to unsophisticated investors.

ii.

Misrepresentation & omission

Misstatements or omissions of material fact in the sale of a security under FINRA Rule 2020 — misrepresented risk, inaccurate returns, undisclosed liquidity restrictions, or mischaracterized fees.

iii.

Excessive trading & churning

Trading driven by the generation of commissions rather than the customer's interest, measured by turnover and cost-to-equity ratios in the account's own trade history.

iv.

Failure to supervise

Claims against the broker-dealer under FINRA Rule 3110 for failing to supervise the representative, review the account, or act on red flags in its own compliance records.

The FINRA Process

How a customer arbitration moves to award.

FINRA arbitration follows a defined path. Understanding it early lets us build the record and position the claim before the first filing.

i.

Statement of claim

The proceeding begins with a statement of claim describing the conduct, the rule violations, and the damages. Arbitrator selection follows from FINRA's neutral list.

ii.

Discovery

FINRA's discovery rules require production of specified documents. The firm's own records — supervisory files, compliance correspondence, and internal notes — often substantiate the customer-facing record.

iii.

Mediation

Many matters resolve at mediation before a final hearing. We prepare for hearing as though mediation will fail, which is frequently what produces a favorable settlement.

iv.

Hearing & award

A panel hears the evidence and issues an award. FINRA awards are final and binding, with very limited grounds for appeal, and member firms are required to pay them promptly.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about this claim.

Do I have to go to FINRA arbitration instead of court?
If your claim is against a FINRA-member broker-dealer and you signed a customer agreement with a pre-dispute arbitration clause — as nearly all investors do — then yes, arbitration is generally mandatory. Claims against registered investment advisers and private banks, which are not FINRA members, proceed in court or AAA/JAMS instead.
How long does FINRA arbitration take?
Most FINRA customer arbitrations run roughly 14 to 18 months from the filing of the statement of claim to a final award. Many cases resolve earlier through mediation or direct negotiation.
What can I recover in FINRA arbitration?
Depending on the case, recovery can include compensatory damages for the losses caused by the misconduct, and in some cases interest, costs, and — where the conduct warrants it — other relief. A panel's award is final and binding on the firm.
How much does a FINRA arbitration lawyer cost?
The initial case review is free. Many customer arbitration claims proceed on a contingent or hybrid fee basis tied to recovery. Fee structure is discussed transparently before any engagement.
Is there a deadline to bring a FINRA claim?
Yes. FINRA's eligibility rule generally bars claims brought more than six years after the events giving rise to the dispute, and separate statutes of limitation may apply to the underlying legal claims. Earlier consultation is strongly preferable.
Request a Review

Request a confidential case review.

Initial inquiries are reviewed personally and treated as confidential whether or not we ultimately work together. We respond to substantive case inquiries within one business day. There is no cost or obligation associated with the initial review.

Florida-based, available nationally for court, AAA, and FINRA matters across the United States.

Useful information for first contact
  • The advisory firm, private bank, or broker-dealer involved
  • The approximate time period of the conduct
  • The nature of the relationship (advisory, trust, brokerage, hybrid)
  • The investments at issue and approximate loss
  • Whether any complaint, claim, or regulatory inquiry has already been filed

Or reach us directly at rafael@recaldelaw.com · (305) 792-9100