With specialized experience in representing financial professionals during critical career transitions, Reif Law Group, P.C. has become a cornerstone for advisors and teams navigating the complex journey from one firm to another.
Through our extensive involvement litigating transition disputes in both courts, JAMS and FINRA, we've pinpointed common pitfalls...
The financial advisory landscape is fraught with complexities and challenges, particularly for investors navigating the myriad of investment options available. In the spotlight is Cynthia Couyoumjian, a Tustin, California-based financial advisor with a history of investor complaints alleging the recommendation of unsuitable investments. This blog post delves into the details surrounding these...
A former veteran financial consultant with an extensive tenure at SagePoint Financial Inc., now known as Osaic Wealth Inc., was recently permanently excluded from the sector. This decision came after the consultant was let go by Osaic in December due to alleged violations of industry norms related to the sale of promissory...
California, long standing as a champion of employee freedom and the right to compete, distinguishes itself from many other states with its robust pro-competition laws, thus strengthening employee rights.
The beginning of 2024 marked a significant stride for employees with the introduction of two pivotal amendments to the California...
In the complex world of investment products and investment advice, disputes can arise that challenge the trust between investors and financial institutions. A current case against Centaurus Financial, Inc. and filed by a group of eleven investors brings to light the legal battles that can emerge from real estate investments gone wrong.
David Sheldon Wells (CRD # 6774493) “voluntarily resigned” from Fifth Third Securities, Inc. in July 2021 after admitting to misappropriating funds from three clients. In a resignation letter to his employer, Wells confessed to using his clients' money for "very risky" options trading.
On September 20, 2022, the United...
Howard Hao-Chung Hsieh (CRD # 4947882) is a stockbroker and FINRA-registered investment advisor with Cetera Investment Advisors in the firm’s Irvine, CA branch office.
FINRA BrokerCheck lists several pending claims against Hao-Chung Hsieh:
On December 27, 2022, a customer alleged Hao-Chung Hsieh made an...
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney FA Notes Holding Holdings LLC (MSSBFAN), a subsidiary of Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., and an affiliate of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (MSSB) and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financing LLC (MSSBF) (collectively, Morgan Stanley) offered promissory note loans to employees and prospective employees as an inducement to...
Reif Law Group., P.C., is investigating claims of breach of financial duty, financial elder abuse, constructive fraud, breach of contract, and unfair business practice claims against Vereit, Inc., formerly known as American Realty Capital Partners, and formerly known as Cole Capital Partners, LLC, plus Vereit Operating Partnership, L.P. (collectively, Vereit), EFA Asset...
Last updated March 30, 2023
Last updated March 30, 2023
Former Independent Financial Group Stockbroker and Investment Adviser John P. Mendes Barred From the Securities Industry for Insider Trading ViolationsJohn P. Mendes (CRD #5409060) was a previously registered FINRA broker and investment adviser associated with Independent Financial Group. On...
Last updated March 20, 2023
Former Morgan Stanley Investment Advisor Allen Israel Hershberg Charged with Soliciting Unapproved InvestmentsAllen Israel Hershberg (CRD#: 1112312), of Beverly Hills, California, was “permitted to resign” from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC’s Beverly Hills office in July 2022 due to...
Last updated March 30, 2023
Former Southport Capital Founder and Former Oppenheimer & Co. Financial Advisor John Justin Woods Charged in $100 Million Horizon Private Equity Ponzi Scheme John Justin Woods...
Last updated March 30, 2023
Cetera Investment Services LLC Stockbroker Leo Chen Charged with Unsuitable Investment RecommendationsLeo Li-Yuan Chen (CRD#: 4169619) is a stockbroker and FINRA-registered investment advisor associated with Cetera Investment Services since 2012. Chen, currently working out of Cetera’s San Gabriel, CA...
Last updated March 30, 2023
Former Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo Investment Advisor Shawn Good Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Customers of $7 MillionShawn Edward Good (CRD#: 2022168), formerly with Morgan Stanley, pleaded guilty on September 15, 2022 to defrauding clients of more than $7...
