Why Investors Can No Longer Afford to Trust Without Verifying
Investing isn’t just about numbers. It’s about trust—trust that your financial advisor is working in your best interest, trust that your broker is qualified, and trust that your hard-earned money is being handled responsibly.
But as history has shown, misplaced trust can be devastating.
Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing inherited wealth, or exploring new market opportunities, knowing who’s behind your investments is crucial. That’s where the FINRA Broker Check tool becomes invaluable.
At Bakhtiari & Harrison – Trusted Securities Lawyers, we’ve represented countless investors and financial professionals in complex securities disputes. One common thread we’ve seen? Investors too often skip the simplest but most powerful tool at their disposal: verifying their broker through FINRA Broker Check.
What Is FINRA Broker Check?
FINRA Broker Check is a free, publicly available tool provided by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). It allows anyone—investors, employers, and regulators—to research the background and qualifications of financial brokers, investment advisors, and brokerage firms.
Accessible at brokercheck.finra.org, the platform offers critical information, including:
Professional background and years of experience
Current and past firm affiliations
State licenses and industry exams
Disciplinary actions, arbitration claims, and regulatory investigations
Customer complaints and settlements
This information provides a clear snapshot of a broker’s integrity, reliability, and history.
How FINRA Broker Check Empowers Investors
1. Transparent Insight Into Broker Histories
When it comes to financial advice, appearances can be deceiving. A polished LinkedIn profile or an upscale office doesn’t guarantee ethical conduct. Broker Check allows investors to identify red flags—such as repeated customer complaints or unresolved arbitration claims—that might not be evident elsewhere.
2. Protection Against Fraud and Misconduct
According to FINRA’s annual reports, thousands of brokers are disciplined each year for actions ranging from misleading clients to outright fraud. Using Broker Check gives investors the upper hand in avoiding those with questionable histories.
3. Confirming Licenses and Registrations
Not all individuals offering financial advice are legally allowed to do so. Broker Check ensures that your advisor is licensed and registered with appropriate regulatory bodies. If their name doesn’t appear—or shows a revoked license—that's your cue to walk away.
The Legal Perspective: Why It Matters More Than Ever
At Bakhtiari & Harrison, our experience in securities arbitration has taught us that many disputes could have been prevented if investors had simply researched their brokers beforehand.
In some cases, we’ve represented clients who unknowingly worked with advisors under investigation or with multiple past infractions. These investors lost not only their savings but also years of financial stability and peace of mind.
Using FINRA Broker Check is a small step that can prevent massive financial fallout.
What Broker Check Can’t Do—And Why You May Still Need Legal Help
While powerful, FINRA Broker Check isn’t foolproof. It doesn’t list:
Ongoing but unreported investigations
Internal firm complaints not yet escalated
Subtle misconduct that falls outside regulatory thresholds
Additionally, just because a broker has a clean record doesn’t mean they won’t make poor investment choices or engage in negligent behavior.
This is where experienced securities attorneys come in. At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we don’t just react—we help clients proactively assess risk, respond to warning signs, and pursue compensation when wrongdoing occurs.
When to Use Broker Check—and What to Do Next
Before You Invest
Always check your broker or advisor’s background before entrusting them with your money. Look for:
Multiple disclosures in a short time frame
Unexplained firm changes
Suspensions or fines from regulatory bodies
If You Suspect Misconduct
If you experience unexplained account losses, unauthorized trades, or poor communication, it’s time to investigate. Start with FINRA Broker Check, then consult a securities attorney to determine whether your losses stem from negligence, fraud, or unsuitable investment practices.
The Role of Bakhtiari & Harrison in Investor Advocacy
As one of the nation’s leading securities litigation firms, Bakhtiari & Harrison – Trusted Securities Lawyers has built a reputation for excellence in:
Representing investors in FINRA and AAA arbitration
Defending financial professionals in regulatory investigations
Resolving employment and industry disputes for advisors and firms
Our “AV” rating—a distinction for the highest level of legal ability and ethics—is matched by our commitment to protecting the financial well-being of both individuals and institutions.
Beyond Broker Check: Creating a Safer Financial Industry
FINRA Broker Check is part of a broader effort to bring accountability and transparency to the financial services industry. But it only works when used consistently—and when investors know what to do with the information they find.
At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we believe in a two-tiered approach:
Empower the Public – Encourage use of tools like Broker Check and promote financial literacy.
Enforce Accountability – Hold brokers, firms, and institutions responsible when they fail in their duties.
Together, these efforts create a system where ethical advisors thrive and misconduct is swiftly punished.
Conclusion: Trust Is Earned, Not Assumed
In a world where billions of dollars are traded every day, trust must be more than a handshake or a business card. It must be backed by facts, transparency, and verification.
FINRA Broker Check is more than a database—it’s a shield for your financial future. But like any tool, its power lies in how you use it.
We urge all investors to take five minutes to run a Broker Check before making any investment decision. And if you find yourself questioning a past decision—or suffering losses you don’t fully understand—know that Bakhtiari & Harrison is here to help.