Claims by three accredited investors against broker-dealer Berthel Fisher & Co. Financial Services, of Marion, Iowa, were dismissed by a FINRA arbitration panel on April 9 after five weeks of proceedings that stretched out over several months.
The claims were filed in connection with the purchase of tenancy in common (TIC) interests that investors who filed the claims alleged were valueless because they were "a massive fraudulent investment scheme managed by" the respondents in the case, which included not only Berthel Fisher but also Ameriprise Financial Services. The investors sought the rescission of their investments and return of their money.
Hearings began in August, but were interrupted and then resumed in February, concluding in March. After testimony that, according to the broker-dealer, "included hundreds of exhibits, testimony from industry experts and more than fifteen fact witnesses," arbitrators dismissed investor claims against Berthel Fisher. Ameriprise Financial Services did not participate, as it is not a member of FINRA, and no claims were adjudicated against it, according to the arbitration award.
