In order to determine your eligibility to make and file a securities arbitration claim for the recovery of your securities and investment losses, you will generally need the following items to the extent you have them available:

1. All current monthly, quarterly and/or annual securities brokerage account statements for all of the brokerage accounts going back for the last six years (if you have them);
2. All documents related to the opening of your brokerage accounts.  This includes the documents that were given to you by the broker and/or brokerage firm when you either first opened the account(s) or you transferred the account(s) to the brokerage firm. These are the documents that have your personal information contained on them such as your address, age, education, investment experience, risk tolerance, investment objective, net-worth, etc.;
3. Any and all letters, cards and/or correspondence you received from the brokerage firm regarding any issue (even a birthday or holiday card or note) with respect to any matter regarding you and/or the account(s).  This will include any monthly, quarterly; and/or semi-annual newsletters, promotional materials, investment and research reports, brochures, prospectus, trade confirmations and tickets, etc;

What Documents Do You Need To Evaluate A Securities Arbitration Claim? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

A Uniform Submission Agreement is a written agreement between parties to an arbitration to submit the dispute to an arbitrator or arbitration panel in accordance with relevant arbitration forum’s By-Laws, Rules, and Code of Arbitration Procedure.  Significantly, the parties agree to abide by and be bound by any arbitration award(s) rendered.

The following are sample Uniform Submission Agreement for various arbitration forums:  

• FINRA Uniform Submission Agreement
• NYSE Uniform Submission Agreement
• CBOE Uniform Submission Agreement

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, Find Out How You May Be Able To Recover Your Losses Through The Securities Arbitration Process.

-File A Securities Arbitration Claim-

What Is A Uniform Submission Agreement? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

Securities and investor related disputes can be mediated, arbitrated or both. Mediation and arbitration have much in common. Both mediation and arbitration are dispute resolution mechanisms intended to be fair, expedient, and cost effective. There are, however, several differences between the securities arbitration process versus the securities mediation process.

The Securities Mediation Process:

Securities mediation is, among other things, voluntary, informal, less expensive, and non-binding.

• Mediation Is Voluntary. The mediating parties decide who the mediator will be, when the mediation will take place, and how the mediated dispute will be settled or resolved.
• Mediation Is Informal. In mediation, an impartial person referred to as a mediator participates in negotiations between the mediating parties. The mediation process is quite informal.
• Mediation Is Inexpensive. The mediation process is typically less expensive than arbitration or litigation.
• Mediation Is Non-Binding. Unlike other forms of dispute resolution, such as arbitration and litigation, the mediator typically does not impose a solution or decide your case. Instead, the mediator guides or helps the parties to reach or create their own solution. Mediation parties may still arbitrate their dispute if they are unable to agree on a mediation settlement.

Mediation can be a true “win-win” solution. The mediator’s role is to help or assist the mediation parties find a mutually acceptable solution, settlement or resolution to their controversy or dispute. According to FINRA, since the inception of it mediation program in 1995, more than 6,000 cases have been filed in mediation. According to FINRA, parties who mediate in FINRA’s mediation forum resolve four out of every five disputes, an 80% settlement rate.

The Securities Arbitration Process:

Securities arbitration is, among other things, impartial, quick and expedient, cheap, informal, convenient, fair and final and binding.

• Arbitration Is Impartial. Based on the size of your securities claim, your arbitration dispute will be heard by one or more impartial arbitrators. Arbitrators are typically selected by the parties through an automated system that produces arbitrator lists. Parties may remove any listed arbitrator for any reason. They are encouraged to rank the remaining arbitrators, according to preference. Securities arbitration is impartial.
• Arbitration Is Fast, Cost-Effective and Informal. Arbitration is generally faster, less expensive, and less formal than litigation in court. Arbitrators typically try to issue their securities arbitration award within 30 business days after the close of the securities arbitration proceeding.
• Arbitration Is Convenient. Arbitrations can be heard by FINRA, for example, in 47 cities nationwide. In cases involving securities investors, hearing locations are typically closest to the investor’s residence at the time the dispute arose. Securities arbitration is convenient.
• Arbitration Is Fair. Securities arbitration is fair.During the securities arbitration hearing, parties make brief opening statements explaining what they intend to prove and what relief (e.g., money damages) is sought. Parties have the opportunity to present documents and witnesses in support of their positions, to object to documents and to question witnesses presented by other parties, and to make closing remarks to summarize their positions.
• Arbitration Is Final and Binding. Securites arbitration is final and binding.Arbitrators evaluate the evidence and arguments presented and reach a final and binding decision (the “award”). Awards are only subject to court review, if at all, on very limited grounds.

According to FINRA, it handles 7,000 arbitration cases annually.

If You Have Questions About Securities Arbitration or Mediation, Or Believe You May Have A Claim That You Would Like Arbitrated Or Mediated, Contact A Securities and Investment Attorney.

-Mediate or Arbitrate A Securities Claim-

What Is The Difference Between Mediation and Arbitration? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA, is the largest independent regulator for securities firms doing business in the United States.  The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA regulates some 4,750 securities brokerage firms, 167,000 securities branch offices and nearly 633,500 registered securities representatives.

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA was created in July of 2007 through the consolidation of the NASD and the member regulation, enforcement and arbitration functions of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)  has approximately 2,800 employees and operates in Washington, DC, and New York, NY, with 15 District Offices around the country.

FINRA administers the largest dispute resolution, arbitration and mediation forum for investors and registered securities firms.  FINRA also registers and educates securities industry participants, examines securities firms; writes rules; enforces those rules and federal securities laws; informs and educates the investing public; provides trade reporting.  FINRA also performs market regulation for NASDAQ Stock Market, the American Stock Exchange, the International Securities Exchange, among others.

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, You May Be Entitled To Recover Your Investment Losses.

-Recover Investment Losses.  Contact A Securities Lawyer-

What is the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

Typically, a controversy is not eligible for submission to securities arbitration if six (6) or more years have elapsed from the date of the event giving rise to the dispute.  The arbitrators also may dismiss a securities arbitration claim barred by shorter applicable state or federal statutes of limitations or statute of repose.   

Statutes Of Limitations, Statutes of Repose And Other Deadlines

You should promptly seek and retain the advice of counsel if you intend to pursue any potential claims to avoid having your potential case barred by relevant statutes of limitation, statutes of repose, or other similar deadlines by which you must bring a lawsuit or arbitration or lose the right to do so.  

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, You May Be Entitled To Recover Your Investment Losses.

-Recover Investment Losses.  Contact A Securities Lawyer-

Is There A Time Limit For Filing A Securities Arbitration Claim? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

The appointment, determination or selection of securities arbitrators and securities arbitration panels can vary depending on the forum where the arbitration was filed.   The parties to a securities arbitration can typically participate actively in the selection of the arbitrators.  However, the arbitrator selection rules of the sponsoring organization may vary regarding the degree of party participation in arbitrator selection.

Striking, Ranking and Appointing Arbitrators

Under the NASD arbitrator selection rules, an automated process called the Neutral List Selection System (NLSS) generates lists of arbitrators for parties to either strike or rank according to their preference.  NLSS generates these lists by sorting and searching for arbitrators according to public and non-public classification, geographic hearing location, rotation, conflict of interest, and upon request, subject-matter knowledge.  Once parties rank arbitrators, NLSS is used to consolidate  rankings and appoint arbitrators.

At other sponsoring organizations, an arbitrator or a panel of arbitrators may be appointed, subject to challenges by the parties.  The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) offers parties, upon their agreement, the option of selecting how arbitrators are selected. They will notify the parties of the names, current affiliations, and 10 years’ business histories of the proposed arbitrators.  In addition, parties are informed of any information disclosed pursuant to the Uniform Code and the Code of Ethics for Arbitrators by any arbitrator. The arbitrators are informed of the names of the parties to the dispute, counsel, witnesses, and the nature of the issues raised. If an arbitrator determines that he or she cannot render a fair and impartial award, a substitute arbitrator will be appointed.

Challenging, Rejecting Or Striking An Arbitrator

Typically, a party has an absolute right to a peremptory challenge, i.e. to reject or strike an arbitrator from the arbitrator list without giving a reason.   This right may typically be exercised by filing a written notice of a challenge with the appropriate authority within the time period set in the rules. 

In addition, a party is entitled to an unlimited number of challenges for cause.  A challenge for cause to an arbitrator may be granted where it is reasonable to infer an absence of impartiality, the presence of bias, or, the existence of some interest on the part of the arbitrator in the outcome of the arbitration.  The interest or bias of the arbitrator should be direct, definite, and capable of reasonable demonstration, rather than remote or speculative.

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, You May Be Entitled To Recover Your Investment Losses Through Securities Arbitration.

-Recover Investment Losses.  Contact A Securities Lawyer-

How Are Arbitrators Determined, Selected, Or Appointed? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

A Statement of Claim is a legal document that is filed with FINRA or other self-regulatory organization or SRO that sets forth the claims that an investor (the “Claimant”) has against a broker and/or brokerage firm (the “Respondent” or “Respondents”). 

A Statement of Claim should set forth the factual and legal reasons as to why you believe you are entitled to monetary or other relief against your stockbroker, advisor or investment professional.  Although there are no formal pleading requirements in securities arbitration, the Statement of Claim, is essentialy the equivalent of a Complaint that would otherwise be filed in a court of law.  The Statement of Claim should describe the types of claims being made and the investment losses suffered, including the dollar amount of damages being sought or requested.

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, You May Be Entitled To Recover Your Investment Losses Through Securities Arbitration.

-Recover Investment Losses.  Contact A Securities Lawyer-

What is a Statement of Claim? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

A self-regulatory organization or SRO is an organization that exercises some degree of regulatory authority over an industry or profession.  A self-regulatory organization or SRO is responsible for regulating its members by adopting and enforcing rules that govern its members’ business conduct.

On July 26, 2007 the SEC approved a merger of the enforcement arms of the NYSE and the NASD, to form a new self-regulatory organization or SRO, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, You May Be Entitled To Recover Your Investment Losses Through Securities Arbitration! 

-Recover Investment Losses.  Contact A Securities Lawyer-

What Is A Self Regulatory Organization or SRO? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

A securities arbitrator is a neutral and impartial third party who presides over a securities arbitration proceeding.  A securities arbitrator  hears all sides of the issues being arbitrated.  A securities arbitrator studies the evidence.  A securities arbitrator then decides how the securities arbitration should be resolved. 

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, You May Be Entitled To Recover Your Investment Losses Through Securities Arbitration! 

-Recover Investment Losses.  Contact A Securities Lawyer-

What Is A Securities Arbitrator? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com

Securities arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution mechanism that allows aggrieved investors an opportunity to obtain damages and recover investment losses without filing a lawsuit in court.  Rather than have a matter decided by a judge and jury, participants to a securities arbitration proceeding have their dispute resolved by impartial persons (a securities arbitrator) or securities arbitration panel, who hears all sides of the issues being arbitrated as presented by the arbitrating parties, studies the evidence, and then decides how the arbitration should be resolved.  Securities arbitration is final and binding, subject to review by a court, if at all, only on a very limited basis.

If You Lost Money In Your Investment, Retirement Or Brokerage Account, You May Be Entitled To Recover Your Investment Losses Through Securities Arbitration! 

-Recover Investment Losses.  Contact A Securities Lawyer-

What Is A Securities Arbitration? is a post from: YourSecuritiesArbitrationLawyer.com