Did you know you can check on your stockbroker, to see if he's gotten in hot water in the past? The National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) aims to protect investors and has a public disclosure program. It's designed to help investors gather information on brokers and brokerages to help them steer clear of the Snidely Whiplashes of the brokerage world.
Information available includes employment history, criminal felony charges and convictions, bankruptcies, consumer complaints, formal investigations, terminations of employment, outstanding liens or judgments, and much more.
The program isn't perfect, though. Last time we checked, not all the information investors might want is available, and not all information is accessible online. Still, this is a big step toward protecting investors.
On a related topic, for more information on brokerages in general and how to select one, visit our Broker Center.
