The Financial Industry Regulatory Association, usually called FINRA, which was formerly known as the National Association of Securities Dealers, and usually called the NASD, is a national organization of licensed stock brokerage firms.  FINRA is a registered self regulatory organization that is charged by law with the regulation and oversight of its member stockbrokers, which include virtually all of the registered securities broker-dealers in the United States.  FINRA administers a forum for arbitrations to decide claims that investors can bring against stockbrokers who have been guilty of fraud or misconduct.

FINRA's staff will not usually help you to get your money back when your stockbroker has been guilty of fraud or misconduct.  While you can file a complaint with the FINRA's enforcement staff, the regulatory arm of FINRA is mainly concerned with punishing and preventing violations of its rules, not with helping particular investors.  The arbitration arm of FINRA does provide a forum in which arbitrations filed by customers of its members can be heard, but the staff of FINRA will not act as your lawyer, advisor, or attorney, and will not help you to draft, file, pursue, and present your claim.

If you to wish recover your losses , you must file a claim, either on your own or with the help of an attorney or lawyer, preferably one who is experienced with representing investors and conducting investment arbitrations before FINRA. There are many such lawyers who are willing to give you a free consultation without any obligation.

You can learn more about how investors can recover losses resulting from broker fraud or misconduct by starting at our home page .

DISCLAIMER: Vincent DiCarlo, who authored and maintained this site, has entered government service and, as of September 1, 2008, is no longer engaged in the private practice of law.  Therefore, this site is no longer being maintained,  may not be accurate, and should not be relied upon.  It is not now and was not ever intended as legal advice.  It is being provided for historical purposes, and for the benefit of those lawyers who are capable of independently verifying the information and judging the opinions in it, and then reaching their own conclusions.  You are strongly advised to consult qualified legal counsel before adopting any of the ideas or suggestions in this material, which may or may not be applicable in your jurisdiction or to your specific situation, and may no longer be accurate or prudent in any case.  The opinions and statements at this site were solely those of the author.  They were not and are not those of, nor were they nor are they made on behalf of, any agency of government or anyone else.

Copyright © 1998-2008 Vincent DiCarlo