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Protecting Seniors From Investment Exploitation – One Year Later

6/3/19

By: Ryan Baggs
One year after the passage of the Senior Safe Act (the “Act”) the SEC, FINRA, and NASAA continue to emphasize the importance of “covered financial institutions” (“CFIs” or “CFI”) providing adequate training to all relevant employees for the protection of investors over the age of 65. If an employee undergoes proper training and reports a violation of the act in “good faith” and “with reasonable care” she/he will be immune from suit or issues related to the reporting. What’s even more of an incentive to CFIs, such as a large broker-dealer, is that if the broker-dealer properly trains and educates all of its representatives and a representative later reports a violation of the Act, the broker-dealer itself, not just the representative, will be immune from that suit. Each organization involved, as can be seen by the numerous articles and reminders regarding the Act’s one year anniversary, is eagerly dedicated to encouraging training and education related to the immunity benefits behind the Act.  As noted by FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook: “The Senior Safe Act seeks to empower financial professionals to detect and report cases of suspected abuse of senior investors and we believe it is important to broaden awareness and understanding of the Act throughout the securities industry.” (finra.org May 23, 2019 news release).
The goals of the SEC, FINRA, and NASAA are extremely important and beneficial to the industry in general; however, with all well-meaning intentions, there always exists the possibility of abuse. What is uncertain because of the brief history of the Act is exactly what “good faith” and “with reasonable care” mean or will mean in the future. Are there ways a CFI or representative will be able to manipulate the Act to avoid liability or litigation? Almost undoubtedly, but how is remained to be seen. But overall, despite the possibility of some abuse at some point, the purpose of the Act and dedication to protecting seniors from investment and elder abuse is an admirable step in the industry.
For more information, please contact Ryan Baggs at rbaggs@fmglaw.com.