Business

GPB Capital Lawsuit Filed Against Madison Avenue Securities

Published

5 years ago

August 2, 2019

The investment fraud lawyers with Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. have filed a customer dispute claim through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Office of Dispute Resolution. The private arbitration proceeding was filed against Madison Avenue Securities, LLC. (“Madison Avenue”) and its financial advisor Jeffrey Dixson (“Dixson”) on behalf of an investor who has sustained significant investment losses as a result of relying on his financial advisor’s recommendation to invest in GPB Capital (“GPB Capital”).

It is believed that the GPB Capital funds should not have been approved for sale by Madison Avenue, and that the transactions were not properly recommended or supervised by Madison Avenue. Private placement securities such as GPB Capital are generally considered illiquid, and are often risky alternative investments. GPB Capital paid large commissions to financial advisors, and in some cases that appears to be a significant factor motivating the recommendations.

GPB Capital Holdings has worried investors because of the on-going investigations from various state and federal regulators and investigators. The raid by the FBI offices and allegations of questionable accounting and sales practices as well as inaccurate disclosures to investors has caused many investors to file claims and lawsuits.

The investigations started over a year ago, in April 2018, when GPB Capital first missed important financial disclosure filing deadlines with the SEC.

Since that time, there has been an avalanche of bad news for investors in GPB Capital. In June, GPB Capital confirmed the worst, informing GPB investors had lost between 25% and 73% of their investments. This news was shocking to many investors.

One of the primary allegations by investors is that they were misled into investing in GPB Capital and were unaware of the risks associated with private placements. Private placement investments are illiquid alternative investments that are only suitable for accredited investors and even then not always for every investor.

If you are a GPB investor, call the investment fraud lawyers at Haselkorn & Thibaut, P.A. or visit them at www.InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, or call today at 1-888-628-5590 to schedule a free, confidential evaluation of your situation and to learn your options.

H&T is a leading national securities law firm, www.InvestmentFraudLawyers.com, which practices almost exclusively in the field of securities arbitration and litigation on behalf of retail and institutional investors in large and complex securities matters. The firm represents high net-worth, ultra-high-net-worth, and institutional investors, such as non-profit organizations, pension funds, and trusts. H&T’s main office is located in prestigious Palm Beach, Florida and cases are handled nationwide.

The sole purpose of this release is to investigate the manner in which GPB Capital was approved for sale for investor customers at Madison Avenue. Former employees or current or former customers of Madison Avenue with knowledge relating to approval of and/or supervision of GPB Capital investments sold by Madison Avenue or to locate those individuals who have information relating to the manner in with the firm handled GPB investment recommendations and supervised such transactions at Madison Avenue. If you have any knowledge or experience with these matters you are encouraged to contact H&T at 1-888-628-5590, or visit the law firm’s website at www.InvestmentFraudLawyers.com.

Business

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke: A New Approach to Fine Real Estate

Published

1 week ago

December 16, 2024

Matthew Wiles

Photo credit: Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke.

Byline: Andi Stark

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke, a real estate platform operating across Hawaii, is rewriting how properties are bought and sold in the region. Unlike larger firms reliant on public listings and mass marketing, Private Listings’ strategy prioritizes personalization, privacy, and meticulous curation of ultra-high-end, off-market properties, including oceanfront estates, gated community residences, and architectural masterpieces.

Harold Clarke, founder of Private Listings, describes their method as one that rejects “cookie-cutter solutions in favor of understanding the nuances of both buyers and sellers.” This approach has resonated with ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking refined and discreet real estate transactions.

The Hawaiian real estate market remains a hub for global investors, with the median price for a single-family home in the state reaching $900,000 in 2024, according to the Hawaii Association of Realtors. Within this competitive landscape, Private Listings is building up to be a trusted name for properties that extend beyond luxury into generational investments.

Challenging the Industry Norms

Private Listings deliberately avoids the conventions of large-scale real estate firms. By focusing on fewer, higher-value properties, the company ensures that each transaction is treated with the same level of care and confidentiality.

Public listing platforms, while effective for broader markets, often expose sellers to unnecessary attention or unqualified inquiries. For Clarke, this model is misaligned with the needs of UHNWIs. “Privacy isn’t a luxury for our clients—it’s a necessity,” Clarke explains.

This philosophy has led Private Listings to handle some of Hawaii’s most significant real estate transactions, including off-market properties valued at over $40 million. Its success is not measured by the volume of listings but by the depth of trust built with clients, many of whom return for subsequent transactions.

Adapting to Changing Client Demands

While Private Listings maintains a foundation of traditional practices, the firm also recognizes the evolving needs of its clientele. The global real estate market is increasingly influenced by concerns over digital security, with a 15% rise in data breaches targeting high-net-worth individuals in the past three years, according to cybersecurity firm NortonLifeLock.

To address these risks, Private Listings employs rigorous screening for potential buyers and uses secure platforms for communication and transactions. The firm’s “by invitation only” model ensures that clients remain protected from the pitfalls of public exposure. Clarke notes, “Our goal is not just to sell homes but to create an environment where clients feel safe and confident during every step of the process.”

The Human Element in Real Estate Transactions

Despite advancements in technology, Private Listings firmly believes that real estate transactions cannot be reduced to algorithms or automation. Unlike firms that depend heavily on online data aggregation, Private Listings emphasizes human connection and insight.

The company’s sales strategy integrates personalized client interactions, in-depth market analysis, and years of experience navigating Hawaii’s unique real estate ecosystem. Clarke’s background in managing family assets and his global perspective is significant in shaping this essence.

Future Directions for Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke

As Hawaii continues to attract global attention, Private Listings aims to expand its influence within the state while maintaining its core principles. The company is currently developing a new platform to streamline services for UHNWIs, blending their demand for discretion with seamless access to Hawaii’s finest off-market properties.

Additionally, Private Listings is strengthening its ties with local communities, recognizing that sustainable growth benefits both the company and the islands’ ecosystems.

Private Listings by Harold X. Clarke has set itself apart in Hawaii’s real estate scene by moving away from the typical mass-market approach. Through a mix of traditional values and modern sensibilities, the firm continues to define what it means to transact ultra-high-value properties with integrity and care.