BrokerCheck Removal & FINRA Expungement Help

Can You Remove Information From BrokerCheck?

Yes, in some cases. BrokerCheck itself cannot be deleted, but disclosures can be expunged, corrected, or updated through FINRA's official processes, and copies of your BrokerCheck data on other websites can often be removed or pushed down in search results.

1. Expungement of Customer Dispute Information

Expungement permanently removes a customer complaint, arbitration, or civil claim from CRD and BrokerCheck. FINRA calls it an "extraordinary remedy." A FINRA arbitration panel must find that the claim was factually impossible or clearly erroneous, that you were not involved in the alleged misconduct, or that the claim is false. A court must then confirm the award before FINRA removes the information (FINRA Rule 2080).

2. Form U5 Termination Corrections

If a former firm filed inaccurate or defamatory termination language on your Form U5, you may be able to amend or expunge it through FINRA arbitration.

3. Updating Inaccurate or Outdated Disclosures

A dismissed charge, a satisfied lien, or a resolved matter that still looks open can often be amended by the firm or regulator that filed it. BrokerCheck also lets you report factual inaccuracies.

4. Removing BrokerCheck Data From Google and Other Sites

After a record is expunged or corrected, outdated copies can linger in Google and on sites that republish broker records. Outdated search results can be refreshed, scraped copies removed, and positive results built to outrank what remains.

FINRA Expungement Deadlines You Need to Know

Since October 16, 2023, FINRA's expungement rules are stricter and time limited:

• A straight-in expungement request must be filed within 2 years after the related customer arbitration or lawsuit closed.

• If the complaint never went to arbitration or court, the request must be filed within 3 years of the date it was first reported in CRD.

• Straight-in requests are decided by three randomly selected arbitrators from a special roster, and the decision must be unanimous.

• State securities regulators are notified and may participate, and customers may attend the hearing.

Missing a deadline can close the door on expungement for good, so get your options reviewed early.

How Long Does Information Stay on BrokerCheck?

While you are registered, disclosures stay on your report unless they are expunged or amended. After you leave the industry, BrokerCheck generally keeps displaying your information for 10 years. Certain events, such as final regulatory actions, certain criminal convictions, and arbitration awards against you, are displayed permanently.

How Our BrokerCheck Removal Process Works

Step 1: Free confidential review. We review your BrokerCheck report, your disclosures, and how they appear in Google.

Step 2: Clear options. We explain which items may qualify for expungement, amendment, or removal, and which deadlines apply.

Step 3: Action plan. We map out the right path and help coordinate with securities counsel when a FINRA filing is required.

Step 4: Search results cleanup. We remove outdated copies where possible and strengthen positive results for your name.

Ready to protect your reputation? Complete the form at the top of this page for a free, confidential BrokerCheck review.

BrokerCheck Removal FAQs

Can I remove a customer complaint from BrokerCheck?

Sometimes. A customer complaint, arbitration, or lawsuit can be removed only through FINRA expungement. An arbitration panel must find the claim was factually impossible or clearly erroneous, that you were not involved, or that the claim is false, and a court must confirm the award.

Can a settled complaint be expunged?

Yes, a settlement does not automatically rule out expungement. The arbitrators review the settlement documents and the amount paid, and they still need to find one of FINRA's narrow grounds for expungement.

How long does FINRA expungement take?

It often takes many months from filing to court confirmation, depending on the arbitration schedule, whether the customer or a state regulator participates, and how quickly the court confirms the award.

What does BrokerCheck expungement cost?

Costs vary. They can include FINRA filing and hearing fees, arbitrator fees, attorney fees, and court confirmation costs. Your consultation will cover what to expect for your situation.

Will Google remove my BrokerCheck page?

Google generally will not remove an accurate page from an official regulator. Once FINRA updates or removes a disclosure, Google can be asked to refresh outdated results so the change shows in search faster.

Is BrokerCheck the same as the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site?

They are related. The SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) site shows similar registration and disclosure data for investment adviser representatives, and much of it comes from the same CRD records.

Do I need a lawyer for BrokerCheck expungement?

You are not required to have one, but FINRA expungement is a formal legal proceeding with strict deadlines and evidence rules, so most brokers work with an experienced securities attorney.