Consequently, the issue in this FINRA AWC is not the seemingly arcane concern of a brokerage firm selling itself to a stockbroker.

FORBES: Brokerage Firm Sale Runs Afoul of FINRA Private Securities Transaction Rule

Whether a situation for a stockbroker at an independent or regional firm or at Bank of America, Wells Fargo, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, RBC, UBS, or wherever, as long as human being have brokerage accounts, death and estate issues will exist.

FORBES: Trading For The Dead Posed Grave Problem For Stockbroker

Woch had something akin to oral authorization to enter sell orders conditioned upon FDA approval, but those orders constituted a grant to the stockbroker of discretion, which needed to be in writing and approved by his firm (which was not what transpired).

FORBES: Former Wells Fargo Broker Swallows Bitter Pill After Pharma Sales

When I was hired as a stockbroker in the late 1980s, I naturally followed the sage advice of the analysts at my firm and did what the experienced stockbrokers in my office did.

FORBES: Why I Index by Rick Ferri

The SEC in September 2012 took emergency action to freeze the assets of a stockbroker the agency alleged had exploited a tip from a 3G Capital investor to trade ahead of the firm's purchase of the burger chain.

WSJ: SEC Freezes Swiss Account Used in Trades Ahead of Heinz Deal

According to a survey by the Cerulli Associates consulting firm, at least half of U.S. households do not use a financial advisor, broadly defined as a stockbroker, a fee-only planner, a bank trust officer or an insurance agent.

FORBES: Surprise: Financial Advisors, Rogues to Some, Are Actually Decent Folks