Quote from axehawk:
This is bullshit. Most firms will not allow anyone off of the street to come in a "check their balance sheets". Furthermore, if you were able to check the firms sheets 2 years ago and they were fine, what good does that do you in the present? What, are you expected to check up on them on a monthly basis? They'll think you're working for the SEC.
Axe
I beg to differ, Axe. When you become a member of any partnership, you are not only allowed access to financial records, you are sorely lacking in due diligence if you don't. Would you risk your own personal liabilitity in any business without checking your partner? Would you start a donut shop with someone without checking them out?
Also, it's not a matter of "looking" at the balance sheets, you must know what you're looking at. Ask how your money is treated in case of bankruptcy, read the contracts before putting up any money. Heck, I'm sure that when you buy a house or a car, that you read the agreements.
This is akin to not checking your sheets every morning. If, somehow, there were 5,000 shares of some stock under your name, and you didn't bring it to the attention of the Firm, there is a good chance that you could be held responsible for any losses incurred.
I've received several PM's regarding WorlcCo, but I really don't care at this point what they're doing, except if it affects the industry (ala Harbor, Block, and a slew of others who stuck it to their traders).
Any decent firm (and there are a few) will respect you more if you do your due diligence. We show everything right after a U-4 form is filed. Obviously not to "anyone off the street" (everyone is, however, welcome to look at balance sheets if requested).
Caveat Emptor!
Hope to see you in Vegas!
Don