Q: How to seek compensation for incomplete equity sale service by FINRA portal?

A: You have a strong case for arbitration against this FINRA-regulated portal based on the contract provisions and their failure to complete the contracted equity sale services. The first step is to compile comprehensive documentation including your contract, all email communications, proof of payments, and a detailed timeline of events showing the portal's commitments and subsequent abandonment of services. You should also calculate and document your damages thoroughly, including the direct costs paid ($8,000), opportunity costs of lost fundraising (though proving the full $120,000+ potential may be challenging), and time expenditures, which will strengthen your position during arbitration.

Before initiating formal arbitration, consider sending a demand letter outlining your grievances and proposed remedy, as this often resolves disputes without entering the more lengthy arbitration process. The FINRA arbitration process begins with filing a Statement of Claim through their Dispute Resolution Services, paying the filing fee (which varies based on claim amount), and following their procedural requirements precisely. The portal will have an opportunity to respond, after which FINRA will appoint arbitrator(s) and schedule hearings.

Given the complexity of your case and the substantial damages you're seeking, engaging legal counsel experienced in FINRA arbitrations would significantly improve your likelihood of success despite the additional cost. While the emotional distress component may be difficult to quantify in this context, the financial damages appear well-documented and recoverable. The death of a majority shareholder may explain their operational difficulties but doesn't absolve them of contractual obligations or justify retaining payment for services not rendered, particularly when they specifically recommended the accountancy firm that you paid an additional $3,000 to.