Understanding FINRA Expungement: A Vital Service by Bakhtiari & Harrison

When it comes to securities industry disputes, professionals and institutions face not only financial and reputational risks but also the challenge of maintaining a clean professional record. One crucial aspect that can significantly impact a financial professional’s career is the ability to seek FINRA Expungement the process of removing certain information from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) public BrokerCheck database. Bakhtiari & Harrison, a premier nationwide law firm specializing in securities arbitration and litigation, provides expert representation for clients seeking FINRA expungement and other securities-related legal remedies.

What Is FINRA Expungement?

FINRA maintains a public database called BrokerCheck, which contains information about registered brokers, their employment history, qualifications, and any disciplinary events, including customer disputes, arbitration claims, and regulatory actions. While BrokerCheck is a valuable resource for investor protection and transparency, some information in arbitration awards or regulatory disclosures may be inaccurate, misleading, or resolved in the professional’s favor but still visible to the public.

FINRA expungement is the legal procedure used to remove or “expunge” such information from BrokerCheck reports. Expungement helps protect a financial professional’s reputation by ensuring that erroneous or outdated claims do not affect their career prospects or client relationships.

Why FINRA Expungement Matters

For financial advisors, brokers, and investment professionals, maintaining a clean BrokerCheck report is essential. Potential clients and employers often review BrokerCheck reports before deciding to engage with a professional. Negative information—even if unfounded or resolved—can hinder career advancement, damage reputations, and lead to lost business opportunities.

However, achieving FINRA expungement is not automatic or easy. It requires a thorough understanding of FINRA rules, detailed knowledge of securities arbitration procedures, and strong legal advocacy to prove that the information in question is factually inaccurate, defamatory, or unrelated to customer harm.

Bakhtiari & Harrison’s Expertise in FINRA Expungement

Bakhtiari & Harrison is a leading law firm nationwide, specializing in securities arbitration, litigation, and regulatory matters. The firm’s partners have extensive experience representing financial services professionals in FINRA expungement proceedings, leveraging their deep knowledge of FINRA’s regulatory framework and arbitration process to deliver effective results.

The firm advocates for its clients before FINRA arbitration panels, the FINRA National Arbitration and Mediation Committee, and state and federal courts. Their strategic approach is tailored to each case, carefully assessing the facts to build a compelling argument for expungement, while also considering the client’s broader professional goals.

The Process of Seeking FINRA Expungement

The journey to obtaining FINRA expungement typically begins during or after a FINRA arbitration case or regulatory investigation. Bakhtiari & Harrison guides clients through each step:

1. Case Review and EvaluationThe firm reviews the arbitration award or regulatory findings to identify information eligible for expungement under FINRA Rule 2080 and related guidelines.

2. Filing a Motion for ExpungementAn expungement request is filed with the FINRA Arbitration Department, including supporting evidence that the disputed information is inaccurate, false, or irrelevant to customer harm.

3. Hearing Before an Arbitration PanelThe firm represents the client at hearings where arbitrators evaluate the merits of the expungement request. Strong legal advocacy and thorough presentation of evidence are crucial here.

4. Court ApprovalEven if the arbitration panel grants expungement, the decision must be reviewed and approved by a state court to finalize removal from BrokerCheck.

Beyond Expungement: Comprehensive Legal Support

While FINRA expungement is a critical part of protecting a securities professional’s career, Bakhtiari & Harrison offers a full spectrum of legal services tailored to the securities industry. The firm represents clients in employment disputes, regulatory investigations, and litigation before FINRA, AAA (American Arbitration Association), and courts nationwide.

Their client-centric approach ensures each solution is strategic and creative, prioritizing long-term career preservation and regulatory compliance. Whether representing financial professionals or institutions, Bakhtiari & Harrison is committed to delivering outcomes that safeguard reputations and secure favorable resolutions.

Conclusion

Navigating the complexities of securities arbitration and regulatory investigations requires expert legal guidance, especially when pursuing FINRA expungement. Bakhtiari & Harrison stands out as a trusted partner, offering nationwide expertise and a proven track record in helping clients remove damaging or incorrect information from FINRA records.