Affinity Fraud: A Hidden Threat to Investors Highlighted by the Wilkinson Family Speaker Series

Affinity fraud, a pernicious form of investment fraud targeting specific groups with shared identities, took center stage at the University of Oklahoma College of Law’s Wilkinson Family Speaker Series. This series, generously funded by Bruce Wilkinson, a 1969 OU College of Law alumnus, aims to educate students, alumni, and the broader Oklahoma community about critical issues in securities fraud and investor protection. Bruce Wilkinson's vision for the series is rooted in his deep appreciation for his legal education, even though he never practiced law. He recognized the importance of giving back to the institution that played a significant role in his life. The series is designed to provide practical, real-world insights that benefit not only law students but also anyone with an interest in investing. The second annual series, held in March of 2023, began with an opening dinner where OU Law Dean Katheleen Guzman presented alarming statistics from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Over 25,000 complaints involving securities [...]