Legal Defense
When FINRA opens an investigation or brings an enforcement action, the cost of qualified counsel is often the first casualty. The Investment Professionals Legal Defense Fund exists so that no advisor stands alone because they cannot afford a defense.
How it works
The moment a FINRA inquiry, examination request, or Wells notice arrives, timing matters. Contact the fund before you respond — early counsel shapes everything that follows.
A caseworker reviews the nature of the inquiry, your licensing status, and the stage of the proceeding to determine how the fund can help.
Qualified professionals receive legal representation during investigations and lawsuits at minimal or no cost — counsel, strategy, and an advocate standing between you and the charge.
Common questions
A FINRA investigation is not an informal conversation. Statements made early in an inquiry can shape the entire proceeding, and outcomes can include fines, suspension, or a bar from the industry. Representation from counsel experienced in securities regulation is strongly advisable before responding.
The fund covers legal representation for financial advisors and licensed professionals during FINRA investigations and lawsuits, at minimal or no cost to those who qualify.
The fund serves financial advisors and licensed professionals facing FINRA investigations or enforcement actions. Contact a caseworker to discuss your situation and eligibility.
This page is educational. It is not legal advice, and contacting the fund does not by itself create an attorney-client relationship.