Missouri investors have access to both federal securities laws and state-level regulatory oversight designed to protect them from financial misconduct. When brokers, advisors, or firms engage in fraudulent practices, investors need a legal team that understands the complexities of securities litigation.
Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. represents investment fraud victims across Missouri, including Kansas City, St. Louis. No recovery, no fee — contingency representation with no upfront costs. 98% success rate recovering losses for securities fraud victims. We handle cases on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we recover your losses.
Common types of investment fraud in Missouri
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Investment fraud takes many forms. The following are among the most common cases our attorneys see involving Missouri investors:
- Ponzi schemes and affinity fraud — Fraudsters target religious, ethnic, or community groups with fabricated returns, often in Missouri’s tight-knit investment communities.
- Unauthorized trading and churning — Brokers execute trades without investor consent or excessively trade accounts to generate commissions.
- Misrepresentation and omission — Failure to disclose material risks, fees, or conflicts of interest when recommending investments.
- Unsuitable recommendations — Advisors recommend high-risk or illiquid investments to conservative or elderly investors.
- Failure to supervise — Brokerage firms fail to monitor their registered representatives, allowing misconduct to persist.
- Elder financial abuse — Targeting retirees and senior investors through deceptive annuity sales, promissory notes, or private placements.
- Variable annuity switching — Brokers encourage unnecessary annuity exchanges that generate commissions while harming the investor.
- REIT and private placement fraud — Misleading marketing of non-traded REITs and unregistered securities to unsuspecting investors.
How Missouri regulates securities and protects investors
The state securities regulator for Missouri is the Securities Division of the Missouri Secretary of State.
Its role in protecting investors from fraud includes:
– Licensing and regulating brokers, investment advisers, and firms
– Reviewing and registering certain securities offerings
– Investigating complaints and suspected investment fraud and taking enforcement action
– Attempting to recover investor losses when possible
– Providing investor education and tools (such as broker/adviser background checks) so investors can verify credentials before investing.
Investors in Missouri are also protected by federal regulators:
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) — Enforces federal securities laws and prosecutes fraud involving publicly traded securities.
- Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) — Oversees brokerage firms and registered representatives, administers arbitration for investor disputes.
- North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) — Coordinates state-level enforcement and provides investor education resources.
Securities arbitration and litigation options for Missouri investors
Most investment fraud disputes are resolved through FINRA arbitration rather than traditional court litigation. Arbitration is generally faster, less expensive, and produces binding decisions. Our attorneys are experienced FINRA arbitration practitioners who have recovered significant awards for clients.
The arbitration process typically takes 12 to 18 months from filing through final award. Haselkorn & Thibaut handles every phase: document discovery, witness preparation, hearing presentation, and enforcement of awards.
In cases involving fraud, negligence, or breach of fiduciary duty, investors may also pursue claims in state or federal court. We evaluate each case to determine the most effective forum for recovery.
Why Missouri investors choose Haselkorn & Thibaut
Our firm brings a unique perspective to investment fraud recovery. We are former Wall Street defense attorneys who have seen how brokerage firms build cases against investors. Now we apply that knowledge to protect investor rights.
- Former defense attorneys with insider knowledge of brokerage firm strategies
- Proven track record across thousands of securities cases
- Personalized attention from experienced trial attorneys
- Contingency fee representation — no upfront costs
- Nationwide practice with local insight
Contact our Missouri investment fraud lawyers
If you believe you have been the victim of investment fraud or broker misconduct in Missouri, contact Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. for a free, confidential case evaluation.
Call 1-888-885-7162 or complete the online contact form below. Time limits apply to securities claims, so act promptly to preserve your rights.
