According to Investment News, a FINRA arbitration panel awarded $1 million to an investor whose portfolio was over-concentrated in UBS Puerto Rico closed-end bond funds. The 66 year-old conservative investor reportedly “lost $737,000 of his nearly $1 million portfolio when the value of UBS’ Puerto Rico municipal bond funds collapsed in the fall of 2013.”
Investment News reports that when the client expressed his concern about his declining account, he was told “even a skinny cow could give milk.” The arbitration panel wrote that the investor’s portfolio was “clearly unsuitable” and provided a lengthy explanation for their award, which pointed the finger at UBS’s sales practices and alleged that brokers were under pressure to sell the closed-end funds and keep clients in them.
The arbitration panel reportedly wrote that “Claimant’s lifetime pattern has been one of frugality, saving and employment of resulting capital and his own labor in business opportunities that he understands can earn a good return.”
UBS was ordered to pay $400,000 to buy back the investor’s portfolio and pay $600,000 in compensatory damages. The investor’s request for $1 million in punitive damages was reportedly denied by the arbitration panel.
The foregoing information, which is publicly available on Investment New’s website, is being provided by The White Law Group.
Unfortunately it appears that many investors suffered devastating losses as a result of UBS Puerto Rico closed-end funds. Brokers that sold UBS closed-end funds had a responsibility to make sure the investment recommendation was suitable for their client. The White Law Group continues to investigate claims against the brokerage firms that pushed Puerto Rican municipal bonds and bond funds.
If you are concerned about your investment in Puerto Rico bonds and would like to speak to a securities attorney, please call The White Law Group at 888-637-5510 for a free consultation.
The White Law Group, LLC is a national securities fraud, securities arbitration, investor protection, and securities regulation/compliance law firm with offices in Chicago, Illinois and Vero Beach, Florida.
To learn more about the firm, please visit www.WhiteSecuritiesLaw.com.
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