AMW LAW PLLC BLOG

NEWS & ANALYSIS

Welcome to AMW Law PLLC’s legal blog, where we break down the complexities of securities laws, rules and regulations for investors and financial professionals alike.

Our posts are organized into four focused categories: Smart Investor Insights offers practical guidance on fraud risks, recovery options, and protecting your investments; Broker Compliance Center provides financial professionals with updates and strategies for staying compliant and defending against regulatory actions; Securities Law Updates highlights key developments from FINRA, the SEC, and the courts that shape the legal landscape; and Our Legal Services gives an inside look at how we help clients pursue and defend securities-related claims.

Whether you're safeguarding your portfolio or your professional standing, our goal is to keep you informed, prepared, and empowered.

Should You Resign While Your Firm Is Investigating You? Form U5 Pitfalls for Registered Reps.

Should You Resign While Your Firm Is Investigating You? Form U5 Pitfalls for Registered Reps. If you are a registered representative under internal investigation and you find yourself thinking, “I did nothing wrong, I’m just going to resign and move on,” this is exactly the moment to slow down. Voluntarily walking away while an investigation is still pending feels like taking control. In reality, however, it is one of the easiest ways to end up with damaging Form U5 disclosu

Artur M. Wlazlo

When Bad Privilege Advice and One Rule 8210 Violation Is Enough to End a Career: Lessons from FINRA’s Fetherston Case.

When Bad Privilege Advice and One Rule 8210 Violation Is Enough to End a Career: Lessons from FINRA’s Fetherston Case. The Fetherston disciplinary matter is the kind of case that makes practitioners sit up straight. After an initial Extended Hearing Panel decision, the National Adjudicatory Council (NAC) reversed the decision, sending the case back with unusually specific and pointed instructions to the Panel about how to weigh evidence, how to apply the preponderance standa

Artur M. Wlazlo

FINRA Rule 8210: FINRA’s New Reminder that Jurisdiction Follows You - Wherever You Are.

FINRA Rule 8210: FINRA’s New Reminder that Jurisdiction Follows You - Wherever You Are. On September 25, 2025, FINRA issued Regulatory Notice 25-11, titled “FINRA Reminds Members and Associated Persons, Wherever Located, of Their Obligation to Comply With Rule 8210.” At first glance, this notice may appear to restate familiar obligations. But for professionals and firms with any international dimension, registered representatives working abroad, dual-licensed entities, or f

Artur M. Wlazlo

“Willful” Violations, Statutory Disqualification, and the Path Back: What Financial Professionals Need to Know.

“Willful” Violations, Statutory Disqualification, and the Path Back: What Financial Professionals Need to Know. In securities regulation,...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Reg BI, Options, and Senior Clients: Lessons from FINRA’s Taylor AWC

Reg BI, Options, and Senior Clients: Lessons from FINRA’s Taylor AWC FINRA’s recent Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent (AWC) involving...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Supervision That Works: Practical Lessons from a Former FINRA Enforcement Attorney

Supervision That Works: Practical Lessons from a Former FINRA Enforcement Attorney If you work as a financial or compliance professional...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Failure to Supervise in Action – Arbitration Case Examples and Evidentiary Proof (Part II)

Failure to Supervise in Action – Arbitration Case Examples and Evidentiary Proof (Part II) In Part I , we explained the supervisory...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Failure to Supervise: Rules, Legal Standards, and Claim Elements (Part I)

Failure to Supervise: Rules, Legal Standards, and Claim Elements (Part I) When a brokerage firm fails to detect or prevent a broker’s...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Supervision of Electronic Communications: FINRA Attorney Discusses Recent FINRA Enforcement Actions

Supervision of Electronic Communications: FINRA Attorney Discusses Recent FINRA Enforcement Actions Electronic communications have...

Artur M. Wlazlo

GWG L Bonds and FINRA Enforcement: A Stark Warning for Investors and Financial Professionals

GWG L Bonds and FINRA Enforcement: A Stark Warning for Investors and Financial Professionals The collapse of GWG Holdings, Inc. and its...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Avoiding Unfair FINRA Proceedings: Defending Against FINRA Charges in Delayed Regulatory Proceedings

Avoiding Unfair FINRA Proceedings: Defending Against FINRA Charges in Delayed Regulatory Proceedings Although FINRA disciplinary actions...

Artur M. Wlazlo

When Annuity Exchanges Go Wrong: FINRA Enforcement Action Highlights Risks of Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs) Recommendations

When Annuity Exchanges Go Wrong: FINRA Enforcement Action Highlights Risks of Registered Index-Linked Annuities (RILAs) Recommendations...

Artur M. Wlazlo

FINRA Sanctions David Lerner Associates and Its Supervisors Over Illiquid Investment Sales: A Cautionary Tale for Investors and Firms Alike

FINRA Sanctions David Lerner Associates and Its Supervisors Over Illiquid Investment Sales: A Cautionary Tale for Investors and Firms...

Artur M. Wlazlo

FINRA Rule 8210 Inquiries and Regulatory Investigations: What to Know and Other Insights from a FINRA Regulatory Defense Attorney.

FINRA Rule 8210 Inquiries and Regulatory Investigations: What to Know and Other Insights from a FINRA Regulatory Defense Attorney. FINRA...

Artur M. Wlazlo

FINRA Rule 2010’s Broad Business-Related Scope Affirmed: The Iannazzo Case’s Implications for Personal Misconduct and Professional Consequences.

FINRA Rule 2010’s Broad Business-Related Scope Affirmed: The Iannazzo Case’s Implications for Personal Misconduct and Professional...

Artur M. Wlazlo

The Expansive Reach of FINRA Rule 2010: Ethical Standards Beyond Securities Transactions

The Expansive Reach of FINRA Rule 2010: Ethical Standards Beyond Securities Transactions In the highly regulated world of financial...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Investment & Regulatory Risks in Private Placements: Due Diligence, Investor Fraud and Protections

Private Placement Offerings Private placements are a method of raising capital in which securities are sold directly to a select group of...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Understanding Variable Annuities: Features, Risks, and Legal Considerations

Variable Annuities: Features, Risks and Legal Options Variable annuities are unique financial products that blend insurance and...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Understanding FINRA Rules on Outside Business Activities and Private Securities Transactions

FINRA Rules on Outside Business Activities and Private Securities Transactions: What You Need to Know. Navigating FINRA’s rules on...

Artur M. Wlazlo

Cryptocurrency Assets: Investment and Regulatory Risks that Investors and Financial Professionals Should Know.

Cryptocurrency Assets: Investment and Regulatory Risks that Investors and Financial Professionals Should Know. Cryptocurrency is a type...

Artur M. Wlazlo