Former Customers of Barred American Trust Investment Services Broker Austin Dutton May Still Have Time To Sue For Damages. If You Sustained Serious Portfolio Losses While Working With This Ex-Financial Advisor, Contact Our Broker Fraud Lawyer Team Today
Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Broker Fraud Lawyer teams (investorlawyers.com) are investigating claims of investment losses by former customers of Austin Richard Dutton, who was most recently an American Trust Investment Services registered representative.
According to Dutton’s CRD, there have been more than 30 investor loss recovery claims involving him. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority permanently barred Dutton from in June 2024.
Over his 25 years in the industry, Austin Dutton has been registered with different firms. If you were his customer and suffered unnecessary losses, you still may be able to file your own investment loss recovery claim if you do so within the statute of limitations.
In one FINRA lawsuit filed last year against American Trust Investment Services and Newbridge Securities, Dutton allegedly unsuitably recommended that customers invest in high-risk, speculative alternative investments, including GWG L Bonds, United Development Funding IV, and Morgan Stanley-linked notes.
The allegations made against him include breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, negligent supervision, best interest violation, failure to supervise, and more.
Other investments that Dutton purportedly sold to customers included business development companies (BDCs), structured products, non-traded real estate investment trusts (non-traded REITs), and other illiquid securities.
A number of those who purchased these alternative investments included conservative retirees and retail investors for whom such products were likely too high risk.
What Should You Do If You Sustained Serious Losses While Working With Ex- American Trust Investment Services broker Austin Dutton?
Contact the Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Broker Fraud Lawyer Team today so that we can help you explore your legal options. While not all investor losses are due to broker negligence, if you have cause for a claim, we know how to assess your portfolio losses and whether you can and should sue for damages.
Even if the broker-dealer was unaware of their registered representative’s careless or wrongful actions, you still may be able to pursue your case in FINRA arbitration. This is where such disputes between financial advisors and their customers are made.
You want to work with savvy FINRA attorneys who understand this legal forum and have a strong record of financial recovery for investors.
More than 90% of our clients have secured awards or settlements due to our seasoned efforts and dedication to protecting investors and their right to financial recovery.
FINRA arbitrator rulings are generally final. This is all the more reason why you should work with an experienced securities law firm that knows how to maximize your chances for a full financial recovery.
Most brokers and their firms would rather deny any claims of wrongdoing, perhaps even blame you for losses that should have never happened were it not for financial advisor misconduct or negligence.
How To Reach Our Broker Fraud Lawyer Team At Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas
Call (800) 259-9010 or fill out this contact form. Our securities law firm works on a contingency basis, which means you would only pay for our legal services if we obtain your financial recovery. Payment would come out of your settlement or award and not directly from your own pocket.