California rep files class action suit against Morgan Stanley

Former broker in San Francisco claims firm did not reimburse reps for expenses.
MAY 15, 2018

A former Morgan Stanley broker in San Francisco has filed a class action suit against the firm, saying that it violated California labor law and "unlawfully undercompensated" its reps in California for their work. The suit filed by Brandon Harvey, who worked for Morgan Stanley from 2013 until this year, when he affiliated with LPL Financial in Sacramento, charges that the firm "had a policy and practice of not reimbursing class members" for business expenses. The suit also questions whether the firm's policies and procedures for its deductions from commissions or other wages are legal and whether its wage statements complied with California law. For the suit, Mr. Harvey seeks certification of a class that consists of all financial advisers employed by the firm in California in the past four years. The suit is seeking unspecified compensatory damages and restitution. (More: Morgan Stanley's success looks long in the tooth to analyst)

Latest News

No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place
No succession plan? No worries. Just practice in place

While industry statistics pointing to a succession crisis can cause alarm, advisor-owners should be free to consider a middle path between staying solo and catching the surging wave of M&A.

Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age
Research highlights growing need for personalized retirement solutions as investors age

New joint research by T. Rowe Price, MIT, and Stanford University finds more diverse asset allocations among older participants.

Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones
Advisor moves: RIA Farther hails Q2 recruiting record, Raymond James nabs $300M team from Edward Jones

With its asset pipeline bursting past $13 billion, Farther is looking to build more momentum with three new managing directors.

Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor
Insured Retirement Institute urges Labor Department to retain annuity safe harbor

A Department of Labor proposal to scrap a regulatory provision under ERISA could create uncertainty for fiduciaries, the trade association argues.

LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors
LPL Financial sticking to its guns with retaining 90% of Commonwealth's financial advisors

"We continue to feel confident about our ability to capture 90%," LPL CEO Rich Steinmeier told analysts during the firm's 2nd quarter earnings call.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.