What to do first
Document and route a complaint about an adviser or broker to the firm and the regulator that covers the conduct.
State facts and requested resolution
Write what happened, when, who was involved, the account and transaction, money affected and what response you seek. Attach copies rather than surrendering originals. Separate observed facts from conclusions and record any immediate risk to assets or personal information. Next step: Retrieve adviser and firm records.
Protect the record now
- Preserve original records
- Write a dated factual timeline
- Identify person, firm and account
- State the requested response
- Use the correct regulator channel
- Track deadlines and case numbers
Choose the right route
A brokerage complaint may go to the firm and FINRA; investment-adviser concerns may involve the SEC or state securities regulator depending on registration. A regulator report is not always a way to recover money, and arbitration, mediation or court deadlines may differ. Next step: Secure affected information.
Track and protect
Save submission confirmation, case numbers, dates, responses and promised actions. Continue reviewing accounts and secure access if credentials may be compromised. Do not let an internal review cause you to miss a legal or contractual deadline; seek qualified legal guidance when rights or recovery are at stake. Next step: End the relationship safely.
Primary sources
How the response comes together
A client disputes unauthorised trades. The complaint lists transaction dates, statement pages and prior messages and requests the firm's written response. The client also uses the appropriate regulatory channel and changes compromised access through the custodian.
Questions about next steps
Will a regulator recover my money?
A complaint can inform supervision or enforcement, but recovery may require a separate firm process, arbitration, mediation or legal action. Understand each channel's role.
Should I confront the adviser first?
Use judgment based on asset and safety risk. Preserve records and secure accounts before a conversation that could change access or evidence.
Keep the case clear
- Preserve original records
- Write a dated factual timeline
- Identify person, firm and account
- State the requested response
This page is general education, not individual financial, investment, insurance, mortgage, legal or tax advice.