In the highly regulated world of financial services, your professional reputation is everything. For brokers, advisors, and financial professionals, even a single blemish on a FINRA record can derail career opportunities, damage client trust, and jeopardize years of hard-earned credibility. Fortunately, there’s a legal pathway to address false, misleading, or erroneous information on a BrokerCheck report — and this is where an experienced FINRA Expungement Lawyer becomes indispensable.

At Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C., a leading U.S. law firm specializing in securities-industry disputes, protecting and restoring the professional integrity of financial advisors and firms is more than just a service — it’s a mission. With extensive experience representing both investors and industry professionals before FINRA, in state and federal courts, and in arbitration, the firm has developed a reputation for excellence in expungement proceedings and securities litigation.

Understanding FINRA Expungement: What It Means and Why It Matters

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) maintains records on registered representatives through the Central Registration Depository (CRD) and BrokerCheck. These databases are public and serve as transparency tools for investors. However, they can also contain inaccurate, outdated, or unfounded allegations — often arising from customer disputes that were dismissed, withdrawn, or settled without any finding of wrongdoing.

When false or misleading disclosures appear, the repercussions can be devastating. Prospective employers, clients, and business partners often rely on BrokerCheck reports to evaluate credibility. A single negative disclosure can raise doubts, even when it’s baseless.

FINRA expungement is the process by which a financial professional can petition to have such inaccurate information permanently removed from the CRD record. Yet, the process is far from simple. FINRA treats expungement as an extraordinary remedy — one that requires compelling evidence, precise legal arguments, and a deep understanding of the nuances of securities arbitration.

That’s why the guidance of a seasoned FINRA Expungement Lawyer is essential.

The Complex Landscape of FINRA Expungement

FINRA expungement is not automatic, nor is it guaranteed even in cases of clear error. The process must meet stringent legal and procedural standards, including compliance with FINRA Rule 2080 and, in some cases, court confirmation.

Key Requirements Under FINRA Rule 2080

To obtain expungement, an arbitrator must make an affirmative finding that:

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

Even after arbitration panels make these findings, the award must typically be confirmed by a court — an additional layer of judicial scrutiny that underscores the importance of experienced legal representation.

Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. has guided numerous financial professionals through this demanding process, ensuring that each petition meets FINRA’s evidentiary and procedural requirements. Their lawyers meticulously prepare every case to demonstrate not only the factual inaccuracies of the disputed record but also the broader harm caused by its presence.

Why You Need an Experienced FINRA Expungement Lawyer

Attempting to navigate the expungement process without expert legal support can be a costly mistake. Each case requires a strategic blend of legal precision, evidentiary support, and advocacy before FINRA arbitration panels.

1. Mastery of FINRA Procedures and Arbitration Strategy

A FINRA Expungement Lawyer understands the intricate arbitration rules, submission requirements, and evidentiary standards that govern expungement. Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. attorneys leverage years of experience in securities arbitration to present cases effectively before FINRA panels.

2. Tailored Legal Arguments Based on Case Facts

Every expungement case is unique. The firm’s attorneys conduct thorough factual investigations, collect supporting documentation, and develop tailored arguments designed to meet the specific criteria of Rule 2080.

3. Court Confirmation and Follow-Through

After an arbitration panel grants expungement relief, the process isn’t complete. The award must usually be confirmed by a court to become effective. Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. handles the full lifecycle of the case — from arbitration through judicial confirmation — ensuring that no procedural missteps delay or derail the result.

4. Protection Against Regulatory Pitfalls

FINRA and state regulators scrutinize expungement requests carefully. An experienced attorney ensures compliance with all procedural safeguards, helping clients avoid rejections or regulatory challenges.

Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C.: A Trusted Partner in Securities Litigation

Founded on a deep understanding of the securities industry, Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. represents a wide range of clients — from financial advisors and brokers to investors and firms — in disputes before FINRA, state courts, and federal courts nationwide.

Their practice areas include:

FINRA Arbitration and Expungement – Advocating for financial professionals to remove false or misleading records.
Securities Fraud and Broker Misconduct – Representing investors harmed by unethical or negligent practices.
Employment and Regulatory Disputes – Handling cases involving wrongful termination, Form U5 disclosures, and compliance investigations.
Advisory and RIA Disputes – Resolving conflicts involving registered investment advisors and fiduciary obligations.

This multifaceted expertise allows Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. to approach each expungement case with a comprehensive understanding of the broader legal and regulatory landscape.

The Human Impact: Restoring Trust and Opportunity

For financial professionals, reputation is currency. The presence of a false claim on a public record can lead to lost clients, diminished career prospects, and reputational harm that lingers for years. Expungement is not merely a legal victory — it’s a chance to reclaim professional dignity and rebuild trust.

Clients who work with Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. often describe the experience as transformative. Through careful advocacy, the firm helps restore not only records but also confidence in the fairness of the regulatory system.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Fairness and Reform

As the financial industry evolves, so too must the mechanisms for accountability and fairness. The expungement process continues to attract attention from policymakers, with ongoing debates about how to balance investor transparency with the rights of financial professionals to correct inaccuracies.

Law firms like Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. play a vital role in this conversation — ensuring that justice is not only available in theory but achievable in practice. By combining legal acumen with a commitment to integrity, they help shape a more balanced and transparent financial system.

Conclusion: The Power of Skilled Representation

A tarnished record doesn’t have to define your future. With the right legal guidance, you can take control of your professional narrative, remove false allegations, and move forward with confidence.

Partnering with a FINRA Expungement Lawyer from Bakhtiari & Harrison, P.C. ensures that your case is handled with precision, strategy, and care — from the first filing to the final court confirmation.

In a profession where reputation is everything, protecting your name is not just an option — it’s a necessity.