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Broker Misconduct Investigation: Valence M Williams (J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc.)

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Updated on: March 25, 2024

National investment loss lawyers KlaymanToskes is investigating Valence M Williams of J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc. (CRD #1389729).

According to FINRA, Valence M Williams, a former broker for J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc., was suspended due to allegations of exercising discretionary authority to effect trades in customer accounts without obtaining written authorization from the customers and without his member firm accepting the accounts as discretionary, also causing his firm to maintain inaccurate books and records by marking some trades as unsolicited.

Investors that suffered losses with Valence M Williams (J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc.) are encouraged to contact attorney Lawrence L. Klayman, Esq., at 888-997-9956 or by email at lawrence@klaymantoskes.com to discuss recovery options. We do not collect attorney’s fees unless we are able to obtain a financial recovery for you.

Former J.H. Darbie Broker Suspended by FINRA for Unauthorized Trades

Valence M Williams, a former broker at J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc. in New York, has been handed a suspension by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). The suspension came after Williams agreed to the sanctions and the entry of findings that demonstrated he had violated key industry regulations.

According to FINRA’s findings, Williams had been exercising discretionary authority to carry out trades in customer accounts. This was done without obtaining the necessary written authorization from the customers to exercise such discretion.

Moreover, his member firm, J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc., had not accepted the accounts as discretionary. It’s worth noting that the use of discretionary authority in this manner is a clear breach of FINRA rules, which require brokers to obtain explicit written authorization from clients before making discretionary trades on their behalf.

Adding to his violations, Williams reportedly marked some of these trades as unsolicited. This action resulted in his firm maintaining inaccurate books and records, another serious breach of industry regulations. Inaccurate record-keeping can potentially lead to a variety of problems, including difficulties in auditing and regulatory compliance, and can even raise suspicions of fraudulent activity.

Who is Valence M Williams of J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc.?

Valence M Williams (CRD# 1389729) is a financial advisor previously employed with J.H. Darbie & Co., Inc. Williams was suspended by FINRA after consenting to sanctions due to exercising discretionary authority to make trades in customer accounts without obtaining required written authorization from the customers and without his firm having accepted the accounts as discretionary.

Signs Investors Should Look Out For About Their Brokerage Accounts

As an investor, there are a few signs that you should look out for if you believe you may have a claim against Valence M Williams. These signs could potentially indicate misconduct, negligence, or investment fraud. Investors are encourage to contact our firm immediately if you have experienced any of the following:

  • You have substantial losses in your investment accounts
  • You received a call, email, or other communication from your broker’s supervisor or manager regarding your portfolio
  • Your broker misrepresented investment opportunities, or failed to disclose details about investments
  • You notice unauthorized transactions in your investment accounts
  • Your broker is not returning your calls or emails
  • You filed a complaint with your brokerage firm that has not been resolved
  • You see a mistake on your statement, or receive a fraudulent statement

Some investors have close relationships with their brokers due to the time and trust built over the course of their investment relationship. However, it is crucial to remember that financial decisions should be based on careful analysis and due diligence rather than solely relying on personal relationships.

Engaging the services of an experienced securities attorney to evaluate your specific circumstances is strongly advised. At KlaymanToskes, our team of experienced securities attorneys has a deep understanding of this complex area of law, allowing us to provide invaluable insight and tailored guidance that directly addresses your individual needs.

If you suffered losses with Valence M Williams, or have concerns regarding your investment portfolio at J.H. DARBIE & CO., INC., contact KlaymanToskes at 888-997-9956 or fill out a short contact form for a free and confidential consultation.