Washington, DC
Washington DC Securities Fraud & Investment Loss Attorneys
Washington, DC is home to the SEC and FINRA national headquarters — but proximity to regulators doesn't protect DC investors from broker misconduct. The Frankowski Firm represents investors throughout the DC Metro area in FINRA arbitration and fights to recover their losses.
Serving DC Metro Investors
Recovering Investment Losses for Washington DC Investors
The Washington, DC Metro area has one of the highest concentrations of high-income households in the country — federal workers, defense contractors, lobbyists, and technology executives, all with significant investment accounts that represent their life savings and retirement security. That concentration of wealth attracts a large financial services industry, and not all of it operates with integrity.
Richard Frankowski has represented investors in FINRA arbitration for over two decades, including DC Metro clients harmed by unsuitable investment recommendations, variable annuity abuse, private placement fraud, and Ponzi schemes. He co-authored The Practitioner's Guide to Securities Arbitration and has filed claims against some of the largest brokerage firms in the industry.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee — no fees unless we recover money for you. Call today for a free, confidential evaluation.
Richard Frankowski is licensed in Alabama, Florida, and Texas. He represents investors from all states — including DC, Virginia, and Maryland — in FINRA arbitration proceedings.
The SEC Is Not Your Lawyer
Even with SEC headquarters in Washington and FINRA's national office blocks away, those agencies don't represent you in claims for damages. They regulate the industry. You need your own advocate — someone who works for you, not for the regulator. Richard Frankowski works for you.
FINRA Arbitration in the DC Area
FINRA arbitration hearings for DC-area cases are typically administered through FINRA's hearing locations in or near Washington. The process involves formal pleadings, discovery, and a binding hearing — all handled by Richard Frankowski on your behalf.
SEC Whistleblower Program
DC-area investors and industry insiders with knowledge of securities fraud may be eligible for a significant SEC whistleblower award. With the SEC's headquarters nearby, our firm is particularly well-positioned to guide Washington-area whistleblowers through the submission process.
What We Handle
Securities & Investment Fraud Practice Areas
Broker Fraud & Misconduct
Unauthorized trading, churning, misrepresentation, and unsuitable recommendations by brokers at wire houses, regional firms, and independent advisors.
FINRA Arbitration
Most investor disputes go through FINRA arbitration. Richard Frankowski co-authored the leading practitioner guide on the process and has handled hundreds of FINRA cases.
Investment Fraud
Fraudulent investment schemes, promissory note fraud, unregistered securities, and deliberate misrepresentation of investment products.
Ponzi Schemes
Recovery for victims of Ponzi and pyramid schemes. We identify every avenue of recovery, including claims against feeder funds and selling brokers.
Elder Financial Fraud
Seniors are disproportionately targeted by unscrupulous brokers and financial advisors. We aggressively pursue recovery for elderly investors and their families.
SEC Whistleblower Claims
If you have inside information about securities fraud, you may be entitled to a significant SEC whistleblower award. We guide DC-area whistleblowers through the entire submission process.
Common Questions
Washington DC Investment Fraud — Frequently Asked Questions
Washington, DC has the SEC and FINRA headquarters nearby. Does that help investors?
It provides regulatory infrastructure, but it doesn't automatically help you recover investment losses. The SEC and FINRA regulate brokers and can take enforcement action, but they don't represent individual investors in claims for money damages. To actually recover your losses, you need an experienced FINRA arbitration attorney like Richard Frankowski.
I'm a federal government employee in DC with a TSP and additional investment accounts. Can my outside broker be held liable?
Yes. Your Thrift Savings Plan is a government program with its own rules, but supplemental investment and brokerage accounts you maintain outside of TSP are subject to standard FINRA and securities regulations. If a broker recommended unsuitable investments for those accounts, you may have a FINRA arbitration claim.
Does DC law provide investor protections beyond federal law?
Yes. The District of Columbia Securities Act provides a private right of action for investors harmed by securities fraud. In addition to FINRA arbitration, Richard Frankowski evaluates DC and applicable state law claims to maximize every client's recovery options.
What kinds of investment fraud are common in the Washington, DC area?
The DC Metro area's large concentration of high-income professionals, government contractors, and defense industry workers makes it attractive to brokers selling high-commission products: variable annuities, structured notes, non-traded REITs, and alternative investments. Affinity fraud targeting DC's tight-knit professional and diplomatic communities is also a concern.
Does The Frankowski Firm charge fees upfront for DC cases?
No. We handle all investment fraud and securities arbitration cases on a contingency fee — no attorney fees unless we recover money for you. Your consultation is always free.
Free Consultation
Did a Broker Cost You Money in the DC Area?
No fees until we win. Call today for a free, confidential evaluation of your investment fraud claim.
888-741-7503