In the highly regulated world of finance, reputation is everything. For brokers, advisors, and other financial professionals, a single mark on a FINRA record can jeopardize not just current employment but future opportunities. Unfortunately, even unfounded customer complaints, dismissed claims, or misunderstandings can leave lasting damage on a broker’s Central Registration Depository (CRD) or BrokerCheck report.
This is where the expertise of a FINRA Expungement Lawyer becomes invaluable. Firms like Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C., with decades of experience in securities arbitration and financial litigation, specialize in helping financial professionals clear their records, restore their reputations, and safeguard their careers.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is a self-regulatory organization that oversees broker-dealers and registered representatives across the United States. One of its core functions is maintaining the CRD system, a comprehensive database that tracks a broker’s employment history, licensing information, and any customer disputes or regulatory actions.
When a customer files a complaint, even if the claim is meritless or withdrawn, the record can remain visible on BrokerCheck — a public database accessed by employers, clients, and regulators. This can have severe professional repercussions, including lost clients, damaged reputation, and difficulty securing future positions.
Expungement is the legal process of removing such inaccurate or unfounded disclosures from a broker’s record. However, achieving expungement through FINRA arbitration is neither automatic nor simple. It requires demonstrating that the claim was false, erroneous, or misleading, and that its continued existence on the record would be unjust.
That’s where a FINRA Expungement Lawyer comes in — guiding professionals through the intricate legal and procedural maze to achieve a clean slate.
For financial professionals, reputation is currency. Every client interaction, investment recommendation, and compliance decision relies on the perception of integrity and competence.
Even a single mark on a BrokerCheck report can:
Undermine client trust and confidence.
Limit job mobility within the financial sector.
Trigger additional scrutiny from compliance departments.
Impact professional licensing and registration renewals.
In an industry built on trust, a tarnished record — even one based on false or frivolous claims — can have far-reaching consequences.
By working with a seasoned FINRA Expungement Lawyer, brokers can not only protect their livelihood but also ensure that their professional history accurately reflects their integrity and performance.
Expungement is not granted lightly. FINRA and state regulators view the process as an extraordinary remedy meant to balance two important goals: protecting investors through transparency and preventing unjust harm to financial professionals.
A typical expungement process involves several stages:
Initial Evaluation
The attorney reviews the nature of the disclosure, the arbitration or complaint history, and determines whether the case meets FINRA’s stringent standards for expungement.
Filing for Arbitration
A formal request for expungement is filed through FINRA’s Dispute Resolution Services, usually as part of a new arbitration or after a previous case concludes.
Arbitration Hearing
Evidence and testimony are presented to an independent arbitration panel. The goal is to demonstrate that the complaint was factually impossible, false, or that the registered individual was not involved in the alleged misconduct.
Arbitrators’ Recommendation
If the panel agrees, it will issue a recommendation for expungement. However, this does not automatically clear the record — the recommendation must be confirmed by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Judicial Confirmation
A state or federal court must approve the expungement recommendation, ensuring the decision meets all legal requirements and investor protection standards.
Navigating these steps demands a deep understanding of both securities law and FINRA’s procedural framework — expertise that firms like Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. bring to every case.
Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. is a U.S.-based law firm known for its strong advocacy in securities-industry disputes. The firm represents both investors and financial professionals in arbitration and litigation before FINRA, as well as in state and federal courts.
Their experience spans a wide range of issues, including:
Fraud and broker misconduct claims
Advisory and RIA disputes
Employment and regulatory defense for financial professionals
Customer arbitration and compliance matters
When it comes to expungement, Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. takes a strategic, evidence-driven approach. The firm’s attorneys understand that each case is unique — and that success often depends on precise legal argumentation, expert testimony, and a persuasive presentation before FINRA arbitrators.
By blending technical expertise with aggressive advocacy, the firm helps brokers and advisors navigate the complex expungement process efficiently and effectively.
Before pursuing expungement, financial professionals should consider several key factors:
Eligibility: Not every disclosure qualifies. The claim must meet specific criteria under FINRA Rule 2080, such as being factually impossible or clearly erroneous.
Timing: Expungement requests must often be filed within a certain timeframe, depending on the nature of the complaint and the underlying arbitration.
Cost vs. Benefit: While expungement can be an investment in one’s future, it requires legal fees and procedural costs. Working with an experienced FINRA Expungement Lawyer ensures these resources are used wisely.
Impact on Future Claims: Successful expungement can help prevent the lingering effects of old disputes, but it does not prevent future complaints. Maintaining proactive compliance and documentation remains essential.
Expungement is more than a legal process — it’s an opportunity for financial professionals to reclaim their reputation and move forward without the burden of unfair allegations.
For many brokers, the emotional toll of a public dispute can be as damaging as the professional impact. Working with a trusted advocate like Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. provides not only legal representation but also peace of mind — knowing that every step is being handled with precision, integrity, and discretion.
In an industry where trust defines success, clearing your record isn’t just about optics — it’s about fairness, accuracy, and professional dignity.
As investor transparency and regulatory oversight continue to evolve, the importance of maintaining a clean professional record will only grow. Firms, clients, and regulators alike rely on accurate disclosures to make informed decisions — but accuracy must also mean fairness.
A single error or unfounded complaint should not dictate the trajectory of a professional’s career. With the right guidance, financial professionals can restore balance, ensure justice, and rebuild their reputation with confidence.
For those facing the challenges of an unfair or misleading record, consulting an experienced FINRA Expungement Lawyer like those at Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. is the first step toward a brighter professional future.
