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.

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

Retirement Ruined: The Dangers of Broker Negligence and Fraud

For many hardworking Americans, the dream of a secure and comfortable retirement is built over decades of diligent saving. From the first paycheck, they set aside earnings in individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k)s, annuities, or other retirement plans, sacrificing present luxuries for future financial stability. These individuals trust that when the time comes, their nest egg will be available to support them in their later years, covering essential expenses such as h

Artur M. Wlazlo

Investing in Penny Stocks: Why Low Prices Can Mean High Risks, Costs and Fraud.

Investing in Penny Stocks: Why Low Prices Can Mean High Risks, Costs and Fraud. Low-priced securities, commonly referred to as penny stocks or microcap securities, are shares of small companies that typically trade at low prices, often under $5 per share. They are usually listed on over-the-counter (OTC) markets rather than on major stock exchanges like the New York Stock Exchange or NASDAQ. These stocks are characterized by low market capitalization, limited liquidity, and a

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

The Curious Case of XRP: How One Digital Currency Can be Simultaneously Security and Non-Security under SEC v. Ripple Labs

Cryptocurrency: Security and Non-Security under SEC v. Ripple Labs In the evolving landscape of digital assets and cryptocurrencies, whether a particular token qualifies as a security remains a contentious legal issue. The United States District Court’s decision in SEC v. Ripple Labs, Inc. (Case No. 20 Civ. 10832) sheds light on how a single digital asset—XRP—can be deemed both a security and not a security, depending on the context in which it is sold. This seemingly parado

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

The Hidden Dangers of High-Risk Trading: What Retail Investors Should Know and Understand About Their Legal Options.

The Hidden Dangers of High-Risk Trading: What Retail Investors Should Know and Understand About Their Legal Options. High-risk trading strategies, such as trading on margin, selling uncovered options or puts, frequent or daily trading of stocks, and short-term trading of mutual funds, promise the allure of rapid profits. However, these methods are akin to walking a financial tightrope where the stakes are often far higher than many investors realize. While these strategies

Artur M. Wlazlo

Alpine Securities v FINRA: Narrow Holding Lets FINRA to Live and Fight Another Day.

Alpine Securities v FINRA: Narrow Holding Lets FINRA to Live and Fight Another Day. The United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia recently delivered its highly anticipated ruling in the Alpine Securities case, a decision with significant implications for FINRA and the broader framework of securities regulation. Alpine challenged FINRA’s constitutionality on two critical grounds. First, it contended that FINRA’s appointment of hearing officers violates the Ap

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

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