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.

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 services, much attention is paid to the detailed, technical requirements imposed by FINRA’s rulebook. Yet, beneath these specific provisions lies one of the most powerful and flexible rules in the entire securities regulatory framework: FINRA Rule 2010. Though its language is sparse, its reach is expansive, and its enforcement has proven to be a

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 investors, typically institutional or accredited, instead of through a public offering. These transactions are usually exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, enabling issuers to bypass the extensive disclosures and regulatory challenges associated with public offerings. Private placements are commonly utili

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 investment elements. They offer a combination of market-based growth potential and retirement income. These products are often utilized as a component of retirement planning, appealing to those seeking market returns while securing an income stream in later years. However, variable annuities are also costly and complex and come with certain risks tha

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 Outside Business Activities (OBAs) and Private Securities Transactions (PSTs) can be confusing, as both involve financial professionals engaging in activities outside their primary brokerage firms. However, these two categories have distinct regulatory implications. This blog will clarify the differences, the applicable FINRA rules, and the compli

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 of digital asset that uses cryptography for security. Cryptography secures communication and information through complex codes, ensuring transaction authenticity, integrity, and confidentiality. By leveraging cryptographic techniques, cryptocurrencies ensure secure peer-to-peer transactions without the need for intermediaries like banks. Cryp

Artur M. Wlazlo

Regulation Best Interest: Understanding and Compliance

Regulation Best Interest: Understanding and Compliance The promulgation of the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) marked a significant moment in the broker-dealer industry, reflecting a transformative shift in how brokers are expected to interact with retail investors. Before Reg BI, broker-dealers operated under a suitability standard, which required them to ensure that any investment recommendation was appropriate for the client's financial situation and goals. However

Artur M. Wlazlo

FINRA Registration Forms U-4 and U-5: Purpose, Disclosure Obligations and Regulatory Risks.

FINRA Registration Forms U-4 and U-5: Purpose, Disclosure Obligations and Regulatory Risks. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) plays a vital role in regulating and overseeing the securities industry in the United States. Central to FINRA's regulatory framework are forms such as the Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U-4) and the Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration (Form U-5). These forms are

Artur M. Wlazlo

The Expungement Process for FINRA Forms U-4 and U-5: Removing Customer Dispute Information from the Central Registration Depository (CRD) System

The Expungement Process for FINRA Forms U-4 and U-5: Removing Customer Dispute Information from the Central Registration Depository (CRD) System. The expungement process for FINRA Forms U-4 and U-5 is an essential mechanism in the securities industry, aimed at addressing and potentially removing inaccurate or false entries from a broker's or registered person’s public record. This process plays a critical role in maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the information avail

Artur M. Wlazlo

Understanding On-the-Record Interviews and Requests for Documents Under FINRA Rule 8210.

Understanding On-the-Record Interviews and Requests for Documents Under FINRA Rule 8210. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) plays a vital role in overseeing broker-dealers and registered representatives to ensure compliance with securities laws and regulations. One of the tools FINRA uses to carry out its regulatory functions is FINRA Rule 8210, which grants FINRA the authority to request information, documents, and testimony from member firms and associated

Artur M. Wlazlo

Understanding FINRA Disciplinary Hearings: An Overview.

Understanding FINRA Disciplinary Hearings: An Overview. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) plays a critical role in regulating the securities industry. Part of its mandate involves conducting disciplinary hearings to address violations of securities laws and FINRA rules. The process of a disciplinary hearing encompasses several stages, including investigation, on-the-record (OTR) interviews, hearings, and potential appeals to the National Adjudicatory Council

Artur M. Wlazlo

Free Experienced Securities Attorney Consultation: Empowering Your Financial Future.

AMW Law PLLC | Experienced Securities Attorney Are you an investor navigating the complex landscape of the securities industry? Perhaps you're a financial professional, adviser, or broker seeking advice and guidance relating to securities laws and regulations. In today's financial world, the stakes are high, and having a knowledgeable ally on your side can make all the difference. That's why we're offering a free consultation with an experienced securities attorney. This inva

Artur M. Wlazlo