In the high-stakes world of finance, reputation is everything. For brokers, advisors, and financial professionals, even a single customer dispute or disciplinary mark on a Form U4 or BrokerCheck record can damage years of hard-earned credibility. These public records are accessible to clients, employers, and regulators — and once tarnished, they can hinder future opportunities, client trust, and professional growth.

But not every disclosure tells the full story. Sometimes, false claims, misunderstandings, or resolved disputes leave behind permanent marks that do not reflect a broker’s true conduct. That’s where a FINRA Expungement Lawyer becomes indispensable.

At Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C., a U.S.-based law firm with deep experience in securities-industry disputes, attorneys advocate for financial professionals and investors alike — including helping qualified clients navigate the complex process of expunging inaccurate or unjust FINRA records.

Understanding FINRA Expungement

FINRA expungement is the formal process by which a broker or financial advisor can remove false, erroneous, or meritless information from the Central Registration Depository (CRD) and BrokerCheck system. These databases are maintained by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and serve as public-facing records of an advisor’s regulatory and disciplinary history.

While transparency in the financial industry is essential, the system can sometimes capture complaints or allegations that are unsubstantiated or resolved without wrongdoing. Even if the case was dismissed or the claim was settled without admission of fault, the disclosure may remain on the record indefinitely — misleading prospective employers and clients.

A FINRA Expungement Lawyer helps correct these injustices, ensuring that only accurate, fair information remains in the public domain.

Why Expungement Matters

The importance of a clean professional record cannot be overstated. A single misleading disclosure can have far-reaching consequences:

• Loss of client trust: Investors often review BrokerCheck reports before choosing an advisor. A blemish can drive clients elsewhere.

• Career advancement hurdles: Employers may hesitate to promote or hire brokers with any mark on their record, regardless of context.

• Reputational damage: In a reputation-driven industry, perception often carries as much weight as performance.

For these reasons, financial professionals facing inaccurate disclosures must act swiftly — and strategically — to protect their name.

The Expungement Process: Complex but Navigable

Expungement is not automatic, nor is it simple. The process involves multiple steps, detailed filings, and adherence to FINRA Rule 2080 and Rule 12805. These rules outline the conditions under which expungement may be granted, such as:

1. The claim, allegation, or information is factually impossible or clearly erroneous.

2. The registered person was not involved in the alleged misconduct.

3. The claim, allegation, or information is false.

To pursue expungement, the broker typically files a request for arbitration with FINRA, presenting evidence and arguments supporting their claim. The case is reviewed by a panel of arbitrators who determine whether expungement is appropriate. If the panel grants the request, the decision must then be confirmed by a court order — adding another layer of complexity.

A seasoned FINRA Expungement Lawyer guides clients through every stage, ensuring procedural accuracy and persuasive advocacy.

The Role of Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C.

Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. stands out for its specialized focus on securities-industry disputes. The firm’s attorneys bring decades of combined experience representing both financial professionals and investors in matters before FINRA, as well as in state and federal courts.

Their work covers:

• Broker and advisor defense in regulatory investigations.

• Investor claims involving fraud, misrepresentation, or unsuitable investments.

• Employment and termination disputes within financial firms.

• Advisory/RIA conflicts involving fiduciary duties and compliance.

• FINRA expungement petitions for brokers seeking to restore their professional reputation.

What sets the firm apart is its dual perspective — representing both sides of the financial equation. This insight allows their attorneys to anticipate opposing arguments, craft stronger strategies, and deliver favorable outcomes in arbitration and litigation.

Why You Need an Experienced FINRA Expungement Lawyer

The expungement process is highly technical. Even small procedural errors can derail a case. An experienced attorney knows how to:

• Evaluate eligibility: Not every disclosure qualifies for expungement. A lawyer can assess the facts and determine the likelihood of success.

• Prepare compelling evidence: Success often depends on well-documented facts, affidavits, and expert testimony.

• Navigate FINRA arbitration: Understanding the nuances of arbitration rules and how arbitrators evaluate claims is key.

• Secure court confirmation: A favorable arbitration award must be confirmed by a court — an essential final step to make the expungement effective.

Without legal representation, brokers risk missing critical deadlines, failing to meet the burden of proof, or having their petition denied due to technicalities.

Common Scenarios Leading to Expungement Requests

A FINRA expungement petition may arise from various circumstances, including:

• False or mistaken claims from dissatisfied clients.

• Administrative errors in recordkeeping or data entry.

• Settlements made without admission of guilt that still reflect negatively.

• Dismissed arbitration cases that remain listed on BrokerCheck.

In each of these situations, a FINRA Expungement Lawyer can analyze the unique facts and build a case that demonstrates the unfairness or inaccuracy of the disclosure.

The Broader Implications for Financial Professionals

Expungement is more than a procedural remedy — it’s a second chance. For many advisors, it’s an opportunity to rebuild trust, revive stalled careers, and reestablish credibility in a highly competitive market.

Moreover, successful expungement contributes to the integrity of the financial industry itself. By ensuring that only accurate information remains on public record, it helps maintain transparency while protecting professionals from unjust harm.

Taking the Next Step

If you are a financial professional burdened by inaccurate or misleading information on your FINRA record, the first step toward clearing your name is consulting with a qualified FINRA Expungement Lawyer.

The attorneys at Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. have the experience, insight, and dedication needed to navigate the complex expungement process and advocate effectively on your behalf. With their guidance, you can move forward confidently, knowing that your record accurately reflects your integrity and professionalism.

Conclusion: Restoring Truth and Trust

In the financial world, reputation is both an asset and a responsibility. False disclosures or misleading records can erode that foundation — but with skilled legal counsel, they can be corrected.

Expungement isn’t about hiding the truth; it’s about ensuring that the truth is what remains visible. Firms like Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. play a critical role in upholding fairness, accuracy, and accountability within the securities industry.

As the financial sector continues to evolve, the demand for transparency and ethical conduct will only grow. In that landscape, protecting one’s professional integrity through expungement is not just a legal action — it’s a reaffirmation of trust in the system itself.