In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of finance, reputation is everything. For financial advisors, brokers, and registered representatives, even a single mark on their BrokerCheck report can have lasting consequences. Whether it’s a customer dispute, a termination disclosure, or an unfounded complaint, such entries can damage a professional’s credibility and career trajectory. That’s where the guidance of a FINRA Expungement Lawyer becomes indispensable.

This article explores how FINRA expungement works, why it matters, and how experienced legal advocates like Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. help financial professionals navigate this complex and sensitive process to protect what matters most—their professional integrity.

Understanding FINRA Expungement

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) maintains a public database known as BrokerCheck, designed to give investors transparency about the background of financial professionals. While this promotes accountability, it can also lead to situations where advisors are unfairly penalized by inaccurate, misleading, or baseless complaints.

Expungement is the process of removing such information from the Central Registration Depository (CRD) and BrokerCheck system. However, obtaining expungement is no simple task—it is considered an extraordinary remedy, granted only under specific and narrow circumstances.

FINRA requires an arbitration panel to find that one or more of the following apply:

The claim, allegation, or information is factually impossible or clearly erroneous.
The registered person was not involved in the alleged misconduct.
The claim, allegation, or information is false.

Even if the arbitration panel recommends expungement, the decision must then be confirmed by a court. This two-step process reflects FINRA’s intent to balance investor protection with fairness to industry professionals.

The Stakes: Why Reputation Matters in the Financial Industry

In finance, trust is the foundation of every client relationship. Even a single negative disclosure can cause prospective clients, employers, or business partners to question a professional’s integrity.

What’s particularly challenging is that BrokerCheck records are public, easily searchable online, and often misunderstood. A client dispute—no matter how baseless—can linger for years, deterring new opportunities and damaging hard-earned credibility.

This is why the services of a FINRA Expungement Lawyer are so critical. Skilled attorneys understand not just the legal framework, but also the nuances of FINRA arbitration, the evidentiary standards required, and the best strategies to present a compelling case for expungement.

The Role of a FINRA Expungement Lawyer

Expungement proceedings are highly specialized, requiring a deep understanding of both securities law and FINRA arbitration procedure. A FINRA Expungement Lawyer assists clients at every stage of the process—from evaluating the strength of their case to representing them in arbitration and court.

Here’s what a qualified expungement attorney typically does:

1. Case Evaluation

Before filing, the attorney reviews the client’s CRD records, complaint details, and related documentation to determine whether expungement is legally viable. Not all cases meet FINRA’s strict criteria, so early evaluation is essential.

2. Filing a FINRA Arbitration Claim

The expungement request is typically initiated through FINRA arbitration. The lawyer drafts and files the necessary statements of claim, clearly articulating why the disputed disclosure meets one of FINRA’s expungement grounds.

3. Gathering and Presenting Evidence

Success often hinges on evidence. A skilled attorney will gather witness statements, correspondence, client agreements, and other supporting documentation to demonstrate that the complaint was false, erroneous, or without merit.

4. Arbitration Hearing

At the arbitration hearing, the lawyer presents arguments and evidence before a panel of FINRA arbitrators. Effective advocacy here is crucial, as the panel must agree unanimously to recommend expungement.

5. Court Confirmation

After the arbitration panel recommends expungement, the attorney must petition a state or federal court to confirm the award. Only after court confirmation will FINRA remove the disclosure from the CRD and BrokerCheck.

This process requires not only legal acumen but also strategic insight into how FINRA panels evaluate evidence and credibility.

Why Choose Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C.

When your professional reputation is at stake, experience matters. Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. is a U.S.-based law firm with a national reputation for excellence in securities-industry disputes. The firm represents both investors and financial professionals in FINRA arbitration, state and federal court litigation, and regulatory matters.

Their team of attorneys brings deep industry knowledge and a client-centered approach to each case. For financial professionals facing unfair BrokerCheck disclosures, Bakhtiari & Harrison’s FINRA Expungement Lawyers provide:

Extensive FINRA experience: The firm’s lawyers have represented clients in hundreds of arbitration cases involving expungement, broker misconduct claims, and employment disputes.
Comprehensive support: From evaluating the case to post-award court filings, the firm handles every step of the expungement process with precision.
Balanced perspective: Having represented both sides—investors and advisors—the firm understands how to navigate the complexities of the industry and anticipate opposing arguments.
Commitment to reputation restoration: The firm’s goal isn’t just legal victory—it’s restoring confidence and professional standing for their clients.

Common Misconceptions About FINRA Expungement

Because expungement is a complex legal remedy, many professionals misunderstand what it can—and cannot—do. Here are a few key clarifications:

Expungement doesn’t happen automatically. It requires a formal arbitration process and court confirmation.
Settling a customer complaint does not remove it from BrokerCheck. Even if a dispute is settled without admission of fault, it can still appear on your record unless expunged.
Expungement is not guaranteed. Panels apply high scrutiny, and each case must demonstrate clear evidence under FINRA’s criteria.
Time limits may apply. While FINRA recently extended some deadlines, delaying too long can complicate or prevent expungement efforts.

The Broader Impact: Protecting Fairness in the Financial Industry

The expungement process isn’t merely about protecting individuals—it’s about ensuring fairness and accuracy within the broader financial system. A transparent and reliable BrokerCheck system benefits everyone: investors can make informed decisions, and financial professionals are shielded from the lasting damage of false or misleading information.

By working with experienced legal advocates, financial professionals can help uphold that balance—defending their reputation while maintaining the integrity of the disclosure system.

Looking Forward: Taking Control of Your Professional Future

For financial professionals, reputation is both an asset and a lifeline. When that reputation is threatened by false or inaccurate disclosures, inaction can be costly. Partnering with a knowledgeable FINRA Expungement Lawyer ensures that your voice is heard, your rights are protected, and your professional record reflects the truth.

Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. stands ready to guide you through every step of this critical process. With deep experience in securities arbitration and an unwavering commitment to fairness, the firm helps clients reclaim control of their professional narratives—one expungement at a time.

In an era where information is permanent and public, safeguarding your reputation isn’t optional—it’s essential. The path to restoration begins with understanding your rights and seeking the right representation to protect them.