Conflict over investment advice ' the claims

In the first of a two-part series, we look at whether the allegations against US companies such as Merrill Lynch, regarding misleading investment advice and conflict of interest, could travel across the Atlantic to the UK

If recent press reports are anything to go by, Merrill Lynch and other investment banks should be concerned. Notwithstanding the fallout from the recent 10-month investigation conducted by New York's Attorney General, it has been reported in the press that a US class action has been filed in New York against Merrill Lynch claiming a research analyst manipulated research coverage of the dot.com market to attract investment clients. The press have also reported the possibility of criminal charges being faced by certain individuals. Despite Merrill Lynch's agreement in principle to pay a f...