Complaints about advisors
Complaints about investment firms or representatives can range from problems with service quality or errors in account handling, to concerns that you have received poor investment advice or that securities rules may have been broken. The nature of your complaint, and the type of firm involved, will determine your best course of action and which organization can help.
Get started
All investment firms have formal processes and qualified personnel to deal with complaints. It is always best to first address any problem with your firm directly. Most complaints can be resolved in this way. Learn more
Find the right regulator
Various organizations supervise the conduct and business practices of investment firms and representatives. Each organization has authority over a specific professional group, or groups, and a formal process for investigating allegations of misconduct. Here’s how the regulatory system works. Learn more
Approach your investment firm
Complain first to the firm that holds your account. It should have a record of all transactions on your account and is closest to the people involved. Learn more
Seek financial compensation
If you have not been successful resolving your dispute with the firm, or through the ombudsman (if the firm is a bank-owned investment dealer), and you are seeking financial compensation, your next step is to consider legal action. Your legal options depend on the amount you are seeking and whether the firm involved is part of an arbitration program. Learn more