Features

Stock groups object to state’s arbitration rules

Tuesday July 23, 2002

SAN FRANCISCO — The New York Stock Exchange and the National Association of Securities Dealers sought Monday to undo California’s strict arbitration standards when it comes to resolving securities disputes. 

The exchange and the association said in a federal suit that the new ethics standards for California arbitrators should not apply in securities disputes. 

California’s rules, adopted by the state Judicial Council in April, “may work to the detriment of investors,” the two stock groups said in court papers. The Judicial Council, the state judiciary’s rule-making arm, enacted the guidelines over the groups’ objections. 

The groups said that arbitration agreements between investors and their brokers should be governed by the less-restrictive rules used by the association and exchange. 

Many brokers demand that investors arbitrate some disputes rather than go to court. 

The suit says California requires an arbitrator to disclose too much personal and professional information, a cumbersome requirement that may limit the number of arbitrators. The suit also says California’s rules make it easier to disqualify an arbitrator. 

No court date has been set.