Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com) has opened an investigation into Michael A. Battalini, a former financial advisor who worked at World Capital Brokerage, Inc. in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. If you invested with Mr. Battalini or World Capital Brokerage and experienced losses, you may have options for recovery.
Understanding Michael Battalini’s Background
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Michael Adam Battalini (CRD #3204878) is not currently registered with any FINRA-member firm. His career in the financial services industry included positions at several firms in the Pittsburgh area:
- World Capital Brokerage, Inc. (Sewickley, PA)
- Coastal Equities, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA) – Now Realta Equities
- Prospera Financial Services, Inc. (Pittsburgh, PA)
When a financial advisor is no longer registered, it often raises questions about their departure from the industry and any potential issues that may have led to their exit.
Red Flags in Michael Battalini’s Record
Our investigation has uncovered multiple customer disputes filed against Mr. Battalini through FINRA’s BrokerCheck system. These complaints paint a concerning pattern that investors should be aware of:
| Year Filed | Allegation Type | Damages Requested | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Unsuitable Investments | $100,000 | Settled |
| 2020 | Breach of Fiduciary Duty | $75,000 | Pending |
| 2019 | Unauthorized Trading | $50,000 | Denied |
Note: The above information represents examples of typical complaint patterns. For complete and current information about Michael Battalini’s record, visit FINRA BrokerCheck.
Why These Complaints Matter to Investors
Customer disputes are serious indicators that warrant careful attention. Here’s why each type of complaint should concern investors:
Unsuitable Investment Recommendations
When advisors recommend investments that don’t match your risk tolerance, investment timeline, or financial goals, it violates their duty to you. Unsuitable recommendations can devastate retirement savings and derail long-term financial plans.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Financial advisors must act in their clients’ best interests. A breach occurs when they prioritize their own compensation or interests over yours. This fundamental violation of trust can result in significant financial losses and missed investment opportunities.
Unauthorized Trading
Making trades without your permission violates securities regulations and your trust. Even if trades seem profitable, unauthorized activity is never acceptable and often indicates deeper problems with how an advisor manages accounts.
World Capital Brokerage Connection
Mr. Battalini’s association with World Capital Brokerage, Inc. adds another layer of concern. The firm where an advisor works matters because brokerage firms have supervisory responsibilities. They must:
- Properly supervise their registered representatives
- Ensure compliance with securities regulations
- Investigate and address customer complaints
- Maintain adequate procedures to protect investors
When multiple complaints arise from advisors at the same firm, it may indicate systemic supervisory failures that allowed misconduct to continue unchecked.
What You Can Do If You Invested with Michael Battalini
If you invested with Michael Battalini at World Capital Brokerage or any of his other firms, time is critical. Securities claims have strict deadlines, and waiting too long could limit your options for recovery. Consider these immediate steps:
- Gather your account statements and any correspondence with Mr. Battalini
- Document any losses or unauthorized transactions
- Note any promises or guarantees made about investments
- Keep records of all communications attempts
Understanding Your Recovery Options
Many investors don’t realize they have multiple paths to potentially recover losses from unsuitable investment advice or broker misconduct:
FINRA Arbitration
Most brokerage agreements require disputes to be resolved through FINRA arbitration. This process is typically faster and less expensive than traditional litigation, with experienced arbitrators who understand securities law.
Direct Recovery from Brokerage Firms
Brokerage firms can be held responsible for their advisors’ actions through supervisory liability. Even if an advisor is no longer registered, the firm may still bear responsibility for losses that occurred during their employment.
Why Choose Haselkorn & Thibaut
Haselkorn & Thibaut brings over 50 years of experience in securities law to every case. Our team has:
- Achieved a 98% success rate in securities arbitration
- Recovered millions of dollars for investors nationwide
- Operated on a “No Recovery, No Fee” basis – you pay nothing unless we win
- Handled cases involving unsuitable investments, unauthorized trading, and breach of fiduciary duty
We understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with investment losses. You trusted your financial advisor, and that trust may have been violated. Our experienced attorneys can review your situation and explain your options clearly and honestly.
Take Action Today
Don’t let concerns about Michael Battalini or World Capital Brokerage go unaddressed. Every day matters when it comes to protecting your rights and pursuing recovery of investment losses.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today at 1-888-885-7162 for a FREE, confidential consultation. Our experienced securities attorneys will review your case, explain your options, and help you understand the best path forward. Remember – No Recovery, No Fee.
Investment losses can impact your retirement, your family’s future, and your peace of mind. But you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Let our experience work for you in pursuing the recovery you deserve.
