Let’s delve into a recent event that has shaken the otherwise stable grounds of finance. I’m talking about Jonathan Massey, a well-known broker with Equitable Advisors, now entangled in an investor dispute made evident through his BrokerCheck record as of February 28, 2024.
Peeling Back the Layers of the Investor Complaint
On November 21, 2023, this story unfolded as an investor pointed a finger at Massey for recommending a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) that appeared not to align with their needs. So, what’s the big deal with such a recommendation, you might wonder?
Unsuitable Investments and Financial Goals
Under FINRA Rule 2111, brokers are expected to only suggest investments that match an investor’s goals. Cross this line, and one might land in hot water for recommending strategies that don’t line up, or pushing investments that come with big costs and risk, like aggressively volatile or hardly liquid ones.
Now, it’s not uncommon for investors to lean on their brokers’ advice. However, this trust can sometimes be exploited. But don’t lose hope—victimized investors have the right to pursue a recovery of their losses through FINRA arbitration.
REITs and Their Tricky Nature
REITs offer a chance to be part of the real estate scene without the hassle of managing properties. But here’s the hitch—their often sticky liquidity situation might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially with non-traded REITs that stay off the stock exchange and thus, can be quite the challenge to sell.
Turning the spotlight to Massey, we find a broker who has passed exams like the Series 65 and Series 7, is registered in 16 states, and brings 29 years of fieldwork to the table. His expertise spans two firms, Equitable Advisors, and Mony Securities Corporation. His credentials are no doubt impressive.
Seeking Justice for Misguided Investments
Have you invested with Massey and now question your choices? Rest assured, expert legal help is within reach. A thorough evaluation of your investments may uncover irregularities or rule violations that call for action.
For over 18 years, some legal teams have been the crusaders for investors to win back their investment losses from brokers and their firms, working on a “no win, no fee” basis. They are dedicated to ensuring that instances of securities fraud don’t permanently mar your financial journey. Remember, it’s never too late to start the road to recovery.
Warren Buffett once said, “Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.” In the maze of financial decisions, it’s essential to be aware and question the suitability of every investment recommended to you. It’s a sobering financial fact that hiring a bad financial advisor can cost you big—studies suggest individuals who entrust their investments to less scrupulous advisors could end up, on average, 3% poorer in returns annually.
If you need to check your advisor’s credentials, you can always verify their FINRA CRM number for peace of mind.