In the State of West Virginia, investors have rights and protections under numerous laws and regulations.
The West Virginia Uniform Securities Act (WVUSA) is the state law that regulates the sale of securities in West Virginia. It is administered by the West Virginia Securities Commission (WVSC), which is part of the West Virginia Banking and Financial Institutions Commissioner's Office.
The WVUSA is designed to protect investors from fraud and to ensure that investors have access to accurate information about the securities they are considering purchasing.
The WVUSA requires that all securities offered for sale in West Virginia be registered with the WVSC, unless the securities or transactions are exempt. Exempt securities include:
Securities issued by the United States or the state of West Virginia
Securities issued by certain banks and other financial institutions
Securities issued by certain non-profit organizations
Securities offered in certain private transactions
The WVUSA also requires that all broker-dealers, agents, and investment advisers who offer or sell securities in West Virginia be registered with the WVSC.
Here are some of the key provisions of the WVUSA:
Registration of securities: All securities offered for sale in West Virginia must be registered with the WVSC, unless the securities or transactions are exempt.
Registration of broker-dealers, agents, and investment advisers: All broker-dealers, agents, and investment advisers who offer or sell securities in West Virginia must be registered with the WVSC.
Anti-fraud provisions: The WVUSA prohibits fraud and other unfair practices in the sale of securities.
Enforcement: Private securities lawyers and the WVSC are responsible for enforcing the WVUSA.
West Virginia investors have addition legal rights under the following federal securities laws and regulations:
If you live in West Virginia and have been harmed by securities fraud or misconduct, contact our law firm to discuss your available options.