Understanding the Stakes: Your Money, Their Responsibility

In an age where every click counts and financial decisions can make or break your future, trusting someone with your hard-earned money is no small feat. Investors, retirees, and professionals alike rely on financial advisors and brokers to guide them through complex markets. But how can you really know whether the person managing your portfolio has your best interests at heart—or if they’re hiding a problematic past?

This is where FINRA Broker Check becomes not just helpful, but essential.

FINRA Broker Check is a free tool provided by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) that allows consumers to investigate the professional backgrounds of brokers, financial advisors, and firms. At Bakhtiari & Harrison – Trusted Securities Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how powerful this tool can be in identifying red flags and helping victims pursue justice.

What Is FINRA Broker Check?

FINRA Broker Check is an online database that provides detailed reports about the employment history, qualifications, and disciplinary records of brokers and brokerage firms. Launched as part of FINRA's broader mission to protect investors and maintain market integrity, the tool is publicly available and incredibly easy to use.

By simply entering a name or firm, users can:

Review a broker’s current and past licenses
Check employment history
Identify regulatory actions and complaints
See bankruptcy filings or terminations
Uncover arbitration awards or civil judgments

This transparency empowers consumers to make informed choices, whether they’re hiring a new financial advisor or investigating concerns about an existing one.

Why It Matters: The Hidden Risks in the Financial Industry

Despite the rigorous licensing and compliance requirements imposed on financial professionals, bad actors still find ways to manipulate, mislead, or outright defraud investors. Misrepresentations, unauthorized trading, excessive fees, or placing clients in unsuitable investments are just a few of the ways investor trust can be violated.

At Bakhtiari & Harrison, an AV-rated law firm, we routinely represent individuals and institutions harmed by these deceptive practices. Many of these cases could have been prevented—or at least mitigated—had investors used FINRA Broker Check earlier in the process.

The Role of Bakhtiari & Harrison in Securities Disputes

Founded on integrity and backed by decades of litigation and arbitration experience, Bakhtiari & Harrison is a leading advocate for investors and financial professionals alike. Our attorneys represent clients in disputes before:

FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)
AAA (American Arbitration Association)
State and Federal Courts

But our work doesn’t stop there. We also represent registered investment advisors (RIAs), broker-dealers, and financial services professionals in employment-related claims, internal investigations, and regulatory defense matters.

Whether you’re an investor seeking restitution or a financial professional facing an unjust claim, we bring a strategic, aggressive, and deeply knowledgeable approach to every case.

When to Use FINRA Broker Check

Even savvy investors often overlook the simple step of vetting a broker. Here are five situations where you should absolutely use FINRA Broker Check:

Before hiring a broker or investment advisor: Don’t just rely on glossy brochures or polished LinkedIn profiles—verify credentials and look for red flags.
When something feels off: Suspicious activity, hidden fees, or vague responses to your questions warrant a deeper look.
During a firm transition: Brokers switching firms may be running from previous issues. Always check their record.
If your portfolio suffers unexpected losses: Not all losses are legitimate. Broker Check may reveal a pattern of misconduct.
When recommending a broker to someone else: Protect your reputation by ensuring you’re endorsing someone credible.

Case Example: What One Search Can Reveal

One of our clients came to Bakhtiari & Harrison after suffering significant losses due to unsuitable investment strategies. Before reaching us, they had trusted their broker implicitly—never once checking their background.

After running a quick search on FINRA Broker Check, we discovered that the broker had a long history of customer disputes, regulatory investigations, and even prior terminations for misconduct. That single search changed the entire course of the case—and helped our client recover a substantial portion of their losses.

The Broader Impact: A Culture of Accountability

FINRA Broker Check doesn’t just protect individual investors; it helps elevate industry standards. By shining a light on unethical behavior, the tool incentivizes honesty and transparency among financial professionals. It also empowers the public to hold firms accountable, which is critical in maintaining a healthy, functioning financial ecosystem.

And when misconduct does occur, Bakhtiari & Harrison is ready to act. Our deep understanding of FINRA arbitration procedures, coupled with a results-oriented litigation strategy, makes us uniquely positioned to fight for justice.

Limitations to Be Aware Of

While powerful, FINRA Broker Check isn’t perfect. Some limitations include:

Incomplete data: Not all financial professionals are required to register with FINRA (e.g., some investment advisors may only register with the SEC).
Delayed reporting: Disciplinary actions or terminations may take time to appear.
Lack of context: A complaint doesn’t always mean wrongdoing, and not every issue is accurately reflected.

That’s why it’s important to supplement your research with legal guidance, especially if you suspect malpractice.

How Bakhtiari & Harrison Can Help You Navigate FINRA Disputes

Whether you’re preparing for arbitration, responding to a FINRA investigation, or considering legal action against a negligent broker, Bakhtiari & Harrison is here to support you. Our team of securities lawyers understands the nuances of industry regulations and leverages that insight to protect your interests.

We assist with:

Filing FINRA arbitration claims
Evaluating suitability and churning cases
Handling broker-dealer employment disputes
Guiding RIAs through regulatory investigations
Recovering losses due to fraud or breach of fiduciary duty

Conclusion: Know Who You're Trusting—Before It's Too Late

In a world where information is power, FINRA Broker Check is one of the most accessible and effective tools investors have at their disposal. But like any tool, it’s most powerful when used proactively.

Don’t wait until the damage is done. One search can prevent a financial disaster, uncover patterns of misconduct, and potentially save years of stress and financial loss. And when you need more than just a background check—when you need advocacy, strategy, and results—Bakhtiari & Harrison – Trusted Securities Lawyers are ready to stand by your side.

Because in the end, trust isn’t just earned—it’s verified.