Houston, TX Alternative Investment Loss Law Firm
We Represent Texas Investors Who Have Suffered Losses Because of Unsuitable Recommendations and Other Kinds of Broker Fraud
From our Houston, Texas securities law office, Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas represents investors who have sustained losses in alternative investments that were unsuitably marketed and sold to them by their financial advisor. This is an investment that doesn’t fall under the more conventional categories of investments. Most alternative investments do not even have to be registered with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and are not subject to many of its requirements.
While alternative investments used to be primarily for accredited investors and institutional investors, more of them have become accessible to retail investors. This doesn’t mean that the risks involved are now less. This is why it is so important that a stockbroker or investment adviser only recommend an alternative investment to a customer if it is appropriate given their investing profile, financial goals, risk tolerance level, investment time horizon requirements, and more.
Examples of Alternative Investments:
- Oil and gas investments
- Non-traded real estate investment trusts (Non-traded REITs)
- Real estate investment trusts (REITs)
- Hedge funds
- Private placements
- Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs)
- Real estate
- Private equity
- Commodities
- Derivatives contracts
- Annuities
- Structured products
- L Bonds
What Are The Risks Involved in Alternative Investments?
These tend to be complex and illiquid investments. Many ask for high minimum investments of at least $100,000 or more. True, alternative investments can help with diversification in a portfolio and provide investors access to markets they might not be able to otherwise. There is also the possibility of higher returns compared to what can be made from traditional investment types.
However, alternative investments tend to charge higher fees and costs, which can lower an investor’s returns. Also, getting market data about pricing or historical trends can prove difficult since many of them are not publicly traded. Finding out the valuation of an alternative investment can be challenging. Less regulatory oversight can increase the risk of fraud or misconduct.
The complex nature of alternative investments may make it harder for an investor, especially an experienced one, to understand the risks. This can compel some unsophisticated investors to agree to invest without fully understanding the terms.
Even accredited investors and institutional investors can sustain significant losses especially if alternative investment fraud is involved. An accredited investment may not be a suitable recommendation for some wealthy investors.
Why Work With Our Houston Alternative Investment Fraud Lawyers?
Shepherd Smith Edwards and Kantas has been fighting for investors for decades. We are well-respected and known for our ethics and commitment to providing Texas investors with quality securities representation and personalized attention. With over a century’s worth of combined experience in securities law and the securities industry, we use our knowledge and skills to maximize every client’s chances for a full recovery.
Opposing counsel for broker-dealers know that we are a formidable force to encounter in front of an arbitration panel or across a negotiating table. More than 90% of investors have received full or partial financial recovery with our help.
Proving liability by a broker-dealer or investment advisor can be tough and you want to work with savvy Texas alternative investment loss attorneys that know what to look for and how to build a solid case on your behalf. Many of us used to be financial advisors but we left that industry because of the unsavory practices we witnessed that were harming investors.
Now, we use our insight into the brokerage industry to fight for investors and protect their legal rights. This has led to thousands of our clients collectively recouping many millions of dollars in awards and settlements.
I’m A Texas Investor. What Should I Do If I Suspect Alternative Investment Fraud?
Contact our Alternative Investment Loss Law Firm today so that we can help you explore your legal options. During your free, initial case assessment we can try to determine who or what caused your alternative investment losses. If we detect that broker misconduct or negligence, and we decide to work together, our entire Houston securities firm will work on your case while protecting your legal rights. We have another Texas securities law office in Dallas.
Call our Alternative Investment Loss Law Firm at (936) 251-0033 or (800) 259-9010
1010 Lamar St #900
Houston, TX 77002