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Unauthorized Trading

Unauthorized trading means that your broker has been trading within your account(s) without asking your permission.

Even if a security was discussed between you and your broker in a general sense, a customer must give permission for the specific security, in the specific amount and on the specific day the order is placed (which must be contemporaneous with that discussion, not at a different time in the day because markets can move and firms must provide customers with the “best execution,” a term of art and rule in the industry. FINRA Rule 5310 requires your broker to seek “best execution” when trading in your accounts. This requires your broker to do their reasonable diligence in obtaining the best market for the security at issue, whether you are buying or selling the security.) If you notice trades in your account that you did not authorize it is likely that your broker engaged in unauthorized trading. A New York unauthorized trading law firm like Malecki Law can review your transactions at no cost.

Whether you have a discretionary account, or a nondiscretionary account impacts the type of control your broker has over your accounts. If you have a discretionary account, your broker has more control when trading. However, if you have a nondiscretionary account, your broker should ask for your express consent before executing a trade. If you notice trades that you did not give permission to make or ask to execute, this is an indication that your broker is engaging in unauthorized trading. A New York unauthorized trading attorney at Malecki Law will tell you about telltale signs of unauthorized trading in a free consultation. There are only a few exceptions when your broker has the ability to sell securities without your consent. If the value of your margin account falls below the firm’s requirements, if the account agreement allows for securities to be sold in order to collect money that has been borrowed, or if the account has a written discretionary trading authorization flagging the account for heightened supervisory review.

If you notice trades in your account that you did not authorize, it is likely that your broker engaged in unauthorized trading. An unauthorized trading lawyer in New York at Malecki Law can review your securities accounts to determine if you have been damaged due to this form of misconduct. Unauthorized trading is a violation of FINRA Rule 2010 and may also be considered securities fraud under SEC Rule 10b-5. By engaging in unauthorized trading, your broker can also be liable for other causes of action, such as a breach of fiduciary duty.

FINRA holds brokers accountable for engaging in unauthorized trading. For example, Charles Harper Bridgers, formerly associated with Wells Fargo Clearing Services, Inc., was reportedly suspended from the industry for three months and ordered to pay a fine in the amount of $10,000. FINRA found that Bridgers entered municipal-bond orders in a customer’s account, without specific consent to enter the order and without consent to exercise discretion within the account itself. Further, FINRA found that Bridgers falsified his notes to the firm, to make it seem as though he spoke with the client before entering the trades, which he in fact did not. This was likely an attempt to hide the unauthorized trades from the firm. Upon the client’s death, the firm determined these municipal-bond trades were not authorized by the client. Unfortunately, the concealed unauthorized trades were discovered too late for the client… It does not have to be too late for you.

When you have a brokerage account, you have the right to be well-informed about your investments. A New York securities law unauthorized trading law firm like Malecki Law has the experience to assess your case and hold your brokerage firm or registered investment advisor accountable for taking that control away from you and not following what was in your best interest.

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Testimonials From Former Clients
★★★★★
I highly recommend Jenice and her team at Malecki Law. I had a challenging, and lengthly case. Jenice was professional, very knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with. She managed to make the process far less stressful during a very difficult time. They care about their clients, and it definitely shows. Mario
★★★★★
Jenice is truly a miracle worker and one of the top securities lawyers. She handled a very difficult case for us, displaying her legal knowledge, intelligence, and savviness throughout the process. I cannot recommend her enough. The quality of work from her team rivals that of corporate law firms. She was always available, extremely professional, and made sure to know all the details of the case. We were very fortunate to have been referred to Jenice and highly recommend her for any securities related legal issues. Nathan A.
★★★★★
An excellent professional who represented us in trial regarding a bank fraud, an unexpected and difficult time. A professional that worked hard, persevering and who stood toe to toe against firms that had a team of excellent lawyers backing them up. Her unflinching determination really stands out, it makes you feel you have someone who really cares about trying to recover what you lost from the people that wronged you. Salomon Levi
★★★★★
It is difficult to thank you in words when gratitude comes from the heart, so I will try to link feelings with writing. It is essential for us to mention your excellence as a professional, your aptitude on legal fields, and your unavoidable persistence. All of these virtues that elevate the profession you exercise in such an admirable way, go hand in hand with your sense of ethics, your human warmth and the transparency in your actions. To sum up, thank you for being a listening ear and for having the right word while transmitting information about the legal process. Having you as our representative during such an adverse situation was a privilege and enough reason for our eternal gratitude. Angeles Aparain
★★★★★
To say that my securities litigation was complex would be a severe understatement. With multiple parties involved and spanning many years, trying to understand the issues was daunting to say the least. Jenice and her team broke down the transactions by segment and by party uncovering every hidden expense. In the end, I was more than happy and could not thank Jenice and her team enough. I would not hesitate to recommend Jenice to anyone. She is highly professional, incredibly knowledgeable, well connected to industry experts, has a tireless work ethic and is so pleasant and easy to communicate with. Five stars for sure! Andrew Loughrane
★★★★★
Jenice was also special in giving us all the personal attention we needed, plus the tireless support of her crack team, over the course of ~18 mos. She talked us through every step of the way, and was open to discussing specific negotiation tactics, not glossing over anything. Dave Bliss
★★★★★
I recently worked with Jenice to negotiate a business buyout, and I couldn't be more pleased with the experience. From the start, Jenice was incredibly helpful and deeply invested in achieving the best possible outcome for me. Her expertise and dedication were evident in every step of the process. David
★★★★★
I can’t say enough about Jenice and her team- they set the standard. As an Army veteran, I deeply respect the values they reinforce while operating at a level of tenacity that is unmatched. They handled the entire process with empathy and kindness- yet were firm and honest regarding expectations and outcomes. Communication was clear and swift. Their breadth of knowledge and experience provided comfort during a stressful time and was impressive to watch unfold. I’m very happy with the outcome. Thank you Jenice and team for making giants seem extremely small. Sharron Todd
★★★★★
My experience with jenice was incredible. You want a lawyer who is advocate for you and fights for you with passion. She came along a time in my life that I needed an advocate who truly cared about me and my case. Highly recommend. Pat Brown
★★★★★
I had the privilege of working with Malecki Law, and I must say it was an outstanding experience. Jenice, Jacqueline, and Adam consistently demonstrated remarkable responsiveness, offering excellent advice that reflects their diligence and precision. Their bold and intelligent approach, combined with an excellent attitude, truly sets them apart. I highly recommend Malecki Law to anyone seeking top-notch legal assistance. Mohsen Chitsaz
★★★★★
Jenice Malecki, is one of the most helpful individuals Ive had the pleasure of speaking with. She is super knowledgeable. She helped me navigate the ever changing world of securities law. You will find her understanding of complex matters helpful and insightful. She is straightforward and candid. She makes your options easy to understand. I would recommend her without any hesitation. 10/5 stars! Enrique Tiburcio