Alan J. Foxman

Regulators will conduct surveys and sweep exams to assess how your firm’s BCP handled — or didn’t — the COVID-19 pandemic

Yes, they’ll be going up in September — but not as much as you may have heard.

Despite recent upheaval, some clients will still be shocked their portfolios have shown declines.

My broker-dealer warned that since it’s a forgivable loan it could be seen as a compromise with creditors.

That would be a big “no,” in most cases, according to FINRA, but gives rise to another question…

Make sure not to confuse it with the SEC’s self-reporting program.

The SEC says broker-dealers may treat investment advisors as if they were subject to the AML Rule — under certain conditions.

Not a great idea, says Alan Foxman, but if you’re determined, there may be a way.

Deciding what does or doesn’t constitute a “material change” can be a tough call.

Due to a 2010 FINRA rule change the answer is — with difficulty.

At this stage it's not an actual data breach, but it could become one.

There are red flags that may be pointing to elder fraud in a client account.

FINRA Rule 3210 typically requires permission for brokerage accounts.

An advisor was terminated after accepting money from a brother, who was also a client. Is such a loan allowed?

Having ‘fessed up to improper 12b-1 fee disclosures, dually registered advisors might still be excluded by FINRA.

It may seem like your interests are aligned but there could be conflicts.

Not knowing a FINRA rule can’t save an advisor from statutory disqualification.

Even the best clients in the most appropriate investments can panic when they’re watching their hard-earned savings shrink on a daily basis.

There are no “alternative facts” in the law, just truth, opinion and lies. Two you can’t sue for. And the third? Well, brokerages are very careful with their words.

A niece thought her aunt’s caretaker was stealing. How much can an advisor do?