In today’s fast-paced financial world, information isn’t just power—it’s protection. With investment fraud and financial misconduct making headlines, the question investors must ask is: Do I really know who’s managing my money?

Enter FINRA Broker Check, a free, publicly accessible tool that gives you the insights you need to make informed, confident decisions about your financial advisor or brokerage firm.

At Bakhtiari & Harrison – Trusted Securities Lawyers, we’ve represented both investors and financial professionals in the high-stakes world of securities law. From arbitration to litigation, we’ve seen how one bad actor can destroy years of hard-earned wealth. That’s why we believe Broker Check isn’t optional—it’s essential.

What Is FINRA Broker Check?

FINRA Broker Check is a service provided by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), a government-authorized organization that oversees U.S. broker-dealers. The tool allows investors to verify a broker’s:

Registration and licensing status
Employment and exam history
Disciplinary actions or regulatory investigations
Civil or criminal disclosures
Customer disputes and arbitration awards

It’s designed to help you make educated choices by providing transparent access to a broker’s background. Think of it as the financial equivalent of checking online reviews before hiring a contractor—but with much more serious consequences if you skip the step.

Why Broker Check Is More Important Than Ever

The Stakes Are High

Financial advisors have significant control over your money. One poor recommendation, one misrepresentation, or one act of negligence can result in catastrophic losses. Whether you're an experienced investor or just starting to build your portfolio, the financial stakes are too high to rely on trust alone.

The Data Doesn’t Lie

Even the most polished and professional brokers can have disciplinary histories, prior complaints, or other red flags that they won’t voluntarily disclose. Broker Check gives you facts—not sales pitches.

It’s Free and Easy

You don’t need to be a lawyer or finance expert to use Broker Check. With just a broker’s name or CRD number, you can access their complete profile in minutes. And best of all? It’s completely free.

Real Risk, Real Consequences

At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we’ve seen firsthand what happens when investors don’t check their broker’s background. From unauthorized trades to Ponzi schemes, many of our clients came to us after the damage was done.

Too often, we hear statements like:

“I had no idea they had multiple complaints.”

“I trusted the firm name and didn’t ask questions.”

“I thought regulators would have caught them by now.”

These experiences underscore a hard truth: the responsibility to vet your broker ultimately falls on you.

How to Use FINRA Broker Check: A Step-by-Step Guide

You don’t need technical skills or financial training to use FINRA Broker Check. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Step 1: Visit the Website

Go to brokercheck.finra.org — this is FINRA’s official site.

Step 2: Search by Name

Enter the name of your broker or the firm. You can also use a CRD number if available.

Step 3: Review the Profile

Look for:

Licensing and registration status
Exams passed and states registered in
Past and current employer history
Disclosures (complaints, investigations, fines, or terminations)

Step 4: Evaluate Patterns

One complaint may be explainable. Multiple similar complaints? That’s a red flag. Pay attention to trends, not just totals.

Step 5: Ask Questions

If you see something concerning, bring it up. A good broker won’t shy away from transparency. If they become defensive, it’s a sign to proceed with caution—or walk away.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

Despite your best efforts, financial misconduct can still occur. That’s when legal experience becomes invaluable.

Bakhtiari & Harrison is a nationally recognized, “AV” rated law firm that represents:

Individual investors harmed by broker misconduct
Financial services professionals under regulatory investigation
Broker-dealers and registered investment advisors (RIAs) in employment and industry disputes

We have a long track record of success in FINRA arbitration, state and federal litigation, and AAA proceedings. Whether you’re trying to recover losses or protect your professional license, we offer strategic, experienced representation.

For Professionals: Broker Check and Your Reputation

It’s not just investors who should care about Broker Check. For brokers and advisors, your profile is a permanent digital footprint that can either build or break your business.

At Bakhtiari & Harrison, we help financial professionals:

Respond to and resolve customer complaints
Defend against regulatory investigations
Clean up inaccurate or unfair disclosures
Navigate employment disputes or firm terminations

Your professional reputation is everything. A single disclosure can affect your career, your earnings, and your credibility. That’s why having a securities law team by your side isn’t just beneficial—it’s crucial.

Common Misconceptions About Broker Check

❌ “It only matters if I’m investing a lot of money.”

Truth: Even small investments deserve protection. Scams don’t discriminate based on portfolio size.

❌ “If a broker is working, they must be licensed.”

Truth: Brokers have been known to operate while suspended or under investigation. Always verify.

❌ “It’s just for checking the past.”

Truth: Broker Check is a real-time tool that’s updated regularly. It reflects current registration status and ongoing investigations.

Conclusion: The First Step Toward Financial Security

In a world of financial complexity, FINRA Broker Check is your first, and often most important, defense against fraud and negligence. It costs nothing. It takes minutes. And it can save you from years of financial hardship.

At Bakhtiari & Harrison – Trusted Securities Lawyers, we’ve made it our mission to fight for transparency, accountability, and justice in the securities industry. Whether you’re an investor looking to protect your future or a financial professional defending your reputation, knowledge is your greatest ally.

So, before you sign that agreement, wire that money, or follow that recommendation—pause and check. Because when it comes to your financial future, it’s not about who sounds the best. It’s about who has the record to back it up.