Haselkorn & Thibaut (investmentfraudlawyers.com) has opened an investigation into Morgan Stanley financial advisor James David Garrity (CRD #2005714) based in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’ve invested with Mr. Garrity and experienced losses or have concerns about your account management, this report provides essential information about his professional background and regulatory history.
Understanding James David Garrity’s Professional Background
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James David Garrity has been a registered financial advisor for over two decades, currently working with Morgan Stanley since December 2015. His office operates out of Salt Lake City, Utah, where he serves as a stockbroker and financial advisor.
Before joining Morgan Stanley, Mr. Garrity spent 12 years at Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC from 2003 to 2015. His extensive experience in the financial services industry spans major investment firms, which typically suggests deep knowledge of financial markets and investment strategies.
Key Red Flags for Investors to Consider
When evaluating any financial advisor, investors should be aware of certain warning signs that may indicate potential issues:
- Frequent firm changes – While Mr. Garrity has shown relative stability, any advisor who changes firms frequently may raise questions
- Customer complaints – Multiple disputes can signal pattern behavior
- Regulatory actions – Sanctions from FINRA or state regulators indicate serious violations
- Unexplained losses – Significant portfolio declines during stable market periods
- Communication issues – Difficulty reaching your advisor or getting clear answers
Complete Complaint History and Regulatory Record
According to publicly available records on FINRA BrokerCheck, investors should review any complaints, regulatory actions, or disclosures associated with their financial advisor. Every complaint matters because it represents a real investor who felt wronged enough to take formal action.
When reviewing complaint records, pay attention to:
| Complaint Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Unsuitable Recommendations | Indicates advisor may have recommended investments inappropriate for client’s risk tolerance or financial situation |
| Unauthorized Trading | Shows potential breach of fiduciary duty and client trust |
| Misrepresentation | Suggests advisor may have provided false or misleading information about investments |
| Excessive Trading | Could indicate churning to generate commissions at client’s expense |
| Breach of Fiduciary Duty | Represents failure to act in client’s best interests |
Why Morgan Stanley’s Oversight Matters
Morgan Stanley, as one of the largest wealth management firms globally, has specific supervisory responsibilities. The firm must ensure their advisors follow all securities regulations and act in clients’ best interests. When advisors engage in misconduct, the firm may share liability for failing to properly supervise.
Large firms like Morgan Stanley typically have:
- Compliance departments monitoring advisor activities
- Regular audits of client accounts
- Training programs on regulatory requirements
- Systems to detect unusual trading patterns
Despite these safeguards, issues can still arise, making it crucial for investors to stay vigilant.
Protecting Your Investment Portfolio
If you’ve worked with James David Garrity or any financial advisor, regularly reviewing your account statements and investment performance is essential. Consider these protective steps:
- Document everything – Keep all correspondence, account statements, and trade confirmations
- Ask questions – Never hesitate to request clarification about investments or fees
- Review statements monthly – Look for unauthorized trades or unusual activity
- Understand your investments – Ensure you comprehend the risks and potential returns
- Trust your instincts – If something feels wrong, investigate further
When to Seek Legal Help
Certain situations warrant immediate consultation with a securities attorney:
- Significant unexplained losses in your portfolio
- Discovery of unauthorized trades in your account
- Evidence of misrepresentation about investment risks
- Excessive fees or commissions
- Advisor refusing to return calls or provide information
- Concentration in unsuitable or high-risk investments
Your Rights as an Investor
Securities laws provide strong protections for investors. You have the right to receive suitable investment recommendations based on your financial situation, risk tolerance, and investment objectives. Advisors must disclose conflicts of interest and cannot make trades without your authorization in non-discretionary accounts.
If these rights have been violated, you may be entitled to recover losses through FINRA arbitration, which provides a faster and less expensive alternative to court proceedings.
Take Action to Protect Your Financial Future
Haselkorn & Thibaut brings over 50 years of experience exclusively representing investors nationwide. With a 98% success rate and millions recovered for clients, the firm operates on a “No Recovery, No Fee” basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they recover money for you.
If you’ve invested with James David Garrity at Morgan Stanley and have concerns about your account or experienced losses, don’t wait to seek help. Time limitations apply to securities claims, and early action often leads to better outcomes.
Call Haselkorn & Thibaut today for a FREE consultation:
1-888-885-7162
InvestmentFraudLawyers.com
Your financial security matters. Taking action now can help protect your retirement savings and investment portfolio from further harm. The experienced attorneys at Haselkorn & Thibaut understand the complexities of securities law and will evaluate your case at no cost to determine if you have grounds for recovery.
