As a seasoned financial analyst and writer, I have followed many complex stories in the finance world, but the recent developments involving Robert Krakower (CRD #: 2075184) are particularly captivating. If you’re curious about the inner workings of the finance world, you might be interested to learn that Krakower has been embroiled in an investor dispute. By visiting his BrokerCheck record, you can see this information for yourself, updated as of March 20, 2024. Alarmingly, this is the fourth such dispute in his career.
The Turmoil of Allegations
On December 19, 2023, an investor complaint surfaced, accusing Krakower of recommending an investment that was hard to sell and did not align with the investor’s needs. Imagine investing in something that you can’t convert into cash when you need it, and to make matters worse, it’s completely out of sync with your financial goals. That’s the predicament we’re discussing here, and understandably, it’s not a situation anyone would want to find themselves in.
Steering Through FINRA’s Guidance
For those who are uncertain about whether Krakower’s actions were out of bounds, let’s look into FINRA Rule 2111. This regulation is at the heart of the financial industry, ensuring that brokers prioritize their clients’ objectives. Krakower may have breached several rules, such as excessive trading (akin to incurring unnecessary costs by getting on and off a bus repeatedly without getting closer to your destination), suggesting investments that don’t match a client’s profile, and recommending high-risk or hard-to-sell investments that can come with hefty, unforeseen costs.
Why This Matters to You
If Krakower was acting as your financial advisor, these issues could be all too personal. Even if you haven’t been directly affected, knowing about these situations empowers you to protect yourself from similar problems. Investigating an advisor’s previous work and affiliations can reveal much about their career—for instance, Krakower’s 28-year history includes associations with multiple firms, such as LPL Financial (CRD #: 6413).
Identifying Warning Signs
Avoiding malpractice starts with recognizing red flags, such as unsolicited frequent investment advice, a lack of transparency about investment products, and advisors dodging responsibility. In Krakower’s situation, there were allegations of unsuitable recommendations and other discrepancies, which shine a light on the need for better oversight of financial advisors.
If you’re navigating the choppy waters of global finance or just managing your personal savings, my aim is to ensure you have the tools to face potential challenges. As the saying goes, “If you don’t know, the thing to do is not to get scared, but to learn.” Any doubts or concerns you have merit discussion, and if something feels wrong, don’t hesitate to speak up or file a report. It may be a tough conversation, but it’s better than facing tougher consequences later.
While loss is a natural part of investing, excessive and unethical losses shouldn’t be. If you believe you’ve suffered due to a broker’s improper conduct, FINRA arbitration is an avenue available to you for seeking restitution. It can be likened to a lifeline that pulls you from treacherous waters not of your making.
Did you know that a financial fact to be wary of is that bad financial advisors cost their clients about 3% in returns every year, according to a 2016 study by the Securities and Exchange Commission? That alone illustrates why it’s so important to vet your financial advisor thoroughly and ensure they adhere to ethical standards. And remember, you can always check your advisor’s record through their FINRA CRM number to get a full picture of their professional conduct.
