Featured Investigation

Barred Equitable Advisors Broker Ejiro Ode Okuma, Accused of Stealing $9.8M From Older Investor, Is Ordered To Pay $13M

Published on: March 10, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas is investigating former Equitable Advisors representative Ejiro Ode Okuma, who was recently barred by the SEC and FINRA for allegedly misappropriating over $9.8M from an elderly client. The firm is now seeking to assist other potential victims of Okuma’s misconduct in recovering losses resulting from senior financial exploitation and a failure of supervision by his former brokerage firms.

Our Elder Financial Abuse Attorneys Are Investigating

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas (investorlawyers.com) is looking into allegations of senior financial exploitation against former Equitable Advisors registered representative Ejiro Ode Okuma. Also an investment adviser with the firm, Okuma was barred by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last month and by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) in December 2025. He has agreed to pay more than $13M, including over $9M in disgorgement, more than $1M in prejudgment interest, and a $3M civil penalty to settle the SEC charges.

I’m A Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) Investor. How Can I Recover My Losses?

Published on: March 10, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Northstar Bermuda Lawsuit Attorneys are representing international investors seeking to recover losses from Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) through FINRA arbitration against the US broker-dealers who unsuitably marketed the high-risk products. Despite the ongoing liquidation of the offshore entity, the firm is filing lawsuits based on allegations of misrepresentation, negligence, and breach of fiduciary duty to help retirees and foreign nationals recoup their savings.

Our Northstar Bermuda Lawsuit Attorneys May Be Able To Help You

Five years after Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda) entered liquidation proceedings in March 2021, there is still time for you as an investor to sue for your financial recovery. This offshore investment was unsuitably marketed by US brokers, mostly to foreign nationals who were misled into thinking this was a safe, low risk, protected investment. Instead, these international investors, many of them seniors and retirees, have suffered serious losses.

Inspired Healthcare Capital Investors Sue Emerson Equity and Broker Robert Scott Smith

Published on: March 10, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas is filing FINRA arbitration claims against Emerson Equity and broker Robert Scott Smith following the Chapter 11 bankruptcy of Inspired Healthcare Capital (IHC). The lawsuits allege that the firm unsuitably recommended risky, illiquid Delaware Statutory Trusts to retirees, leading to significant overconcentration and the loss of life savings.

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Represents IHC Fund and DST Investors Against This Brokerage Firm and Others

In the wake of Inspired Healthcare Capital’s (IHC) recent bankruptcy filing, Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas (investorlawyers.com) is continuing to file investment loss recovery claims on behalf of IHC investors that suffered losses in this alternative investment. This includes a six-figure FINRA arbitration claim against brokerage firm Emerson Equity, its control person Dominic Julio Baldini, and broker Robert Scott Smith.

Dallas Institutional Investor Law Firm

Published on: March 10, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas is a seasoned Texas securities law firm that helps institutional investors—including pension funds and municipalities—recoup losses caused by broker misconduct and negligence. Their Dallas-based team provides customized legal representation through mediation, arbitration, and litigation to hold financial advisors accountable for fraud and unsuitable investment recommendations.We Represent Pension Funds, Municipalities, Retirement Plans, and Other Texas Investors.

The Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Dallas Institutional Investor Law Firm

(investorlawyers.com) is a seasoned Texas securities law firm that works with institutional investors and high-net-worth investors to recoup their losses caused by broker misconduct and negligence. With over a century’s worth of collective experience handling the most complex investment loss recovery claims, our Dallas institutional investor lawyers have the skills, resources, and experience to represent you.

New Orleans Regulation Best Interest Law Firm

Published on: March 10, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas is a New Orleans-area law firm that helps Louisiana investors recover damages when brokers prioritize their own profits over client interests, in violation of the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest. With over 30 years of experience, the firm provides expert representation in FINRA arbitration and litigation to hold financial advisors accountable for misconduct like unsuitable recommendations and hidden conflicts of interest.

The Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas New Orleans Regulation Best Interest Law Firm Provides Skilled Securities Representation To Louisiana Investors

If you reside in the Bayou State and sustained losses because your financial advisor ignored your best interests, you may be able to pursue damages from them. Our Louisiana Regulation Best Interest law firm is made up of a seasoned securities law team that can help you determine whether you have grounds for this type of legal claim. Contact Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas (investorlawyers.com) today to request your free case consultation. Our securities law office is conveniently located in the New Orleans area in Metairie.

Did You Suffer Investor Losses While Working With Former USB Financial Broker Dimitrios Michelis?

Published on: March 10, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Former customers of broker Dimitrios Michelis are seeking $5.8 million in damages following allegations of “selling away” and the recommendation of high-risk real estate investment trusts (REITs). The law firm Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas is currently investigating these claims to help affected investors recover losses through FINRA arbitration.

Former Customers Allege Selling Away and Are Suing for $5.8M in Damages

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Selling Away Attorneys (investorlawyers.com) is speaking with former customers of former UBS Financial Services broker Dimitrios Michelis, who is now an Aegis Capital investment adviser out of New York. Michelis, who has worked 28 years in the industry, has two pending customer disputes listed in his BrokerCheck CRD. The claimants are alleging selling away, and they are collectively seeking $5.8M in damages over what appears to involve real estate investment trusts (REITs).

UBS Group Ordered to Pay $5.5M To Investor For Alleged Stock Option Mismanagement

Published on: February 26, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

A FINRA arbitration panel ordered UBS Financial Services to pay $5.5M to a client for the improper handling of Compass Inc. shares and options during its 2021 IPO. The article highlights UBS’s history of high-value losses in litigation and invites affected investors to seek recovery through Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas.

Broker-Dealer Held Liable Over Handling of Investor’s Portfolio

A FINRA arbitration panel has ordered UBS Financial Services (UBS) to pay $5.5M to one client over its allegedly improper handling of his shares and options in real estate brokerage firm Compass Inc. around its 2021 initial public offering. The claimant happens to be a Compass real estate broker. He accused the brokerage firm of breach of fiduciary duties, deliberate and negligent misrepresentations, Regulation Best Interest violation, negligence, and other broker misconduct involving UBS’ recommendations and management of his portfolio.

Dallas, TX Financial Product Failure Law Firm

Published on: February 26, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas is offering legal representation to Texas investors who have suffered significant financial losses due to product failures, fraud, or broker misconduct. The firm specializes in recovering assets through FINRA arbitration by investigating claims of unsuitable recommendations, lack of due diligence, and negligent supervision by brokerage firms.

Are You A Texas Investor Whose Suffered a Failed Investment That Was Sold To You By A broker?

The Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Financial Product Failure Law Firm represents investors throughout Texas who suffered losses because of a financial product failure. Contact our Dallas securities law firm if you want to explore your legal options.

Judge Recommends Upholding of $133M Arbitration Awards Against Stifel Financial

Published on: February 26, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

A federal magistrate judge has recommended upholding a historic $133 million FINRA arbitration award against Stifel Financial, rejecting the firm’s attempt to vacate the ruling related to former broker Chuck Roberts. The article details how Roberts allegedly misled wealthy clients into high-risk structured note strategies, leading to massive losses and his permanent bar from the financial industry.

The Claimants Of This Investment Loss Recovery Case Worked With Former Broker Chuck Roberts

A federal magistrate judge is recommending that a federal trial court judge reject Stifel Financial’s motion to vacate the $133M arbitration award it was ordered to pay to clients of former Stifel financial advisor Chuck Roberts. The claimants are a family that sued Stifel broker-dealer subsidiary Stifel, Nicolaus & Co for $5M in damages over structured note losses. The award granted is significantly greater.

What Inspired Healthcare Capital Investors Should Know About The Company’s Bankruptcy

Published on: February 26, 2026 | by Shepherd Smith Edwards & Kantas, LLP

Inspired Healthcare Capital (IHC) has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, leaving many private equity funds and Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) investors facing significant financial losses. The law firm Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas is actively filing arbitration claims against brokerage firms, such as Emerson Equity, for allegedly making unsuitable recommendations and failing to disclose the high risks and fees associated with these alternative investments.

Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas Represents IHC Investors Against Broker-Dealers

Earlier this month, senior living private equity firm Inspired Healthcare Capital (IHC) filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The news left many IHC Fund and Delaware Statutory Trust (DST) investors in the lurch and scrambling to recover their money.