“A number of authorities disagree with the Nesivos and Taz,” replied Rabbi Dayan. “They maintain that the agent is required to cover the lost profit only if he stipulated so beforehand [Pischei Choshen, Pikadon, 12:38; Nachalas Zvi 292:7].
“However, as with many issues of workers, we have to consider minhag hamedina, the current practice of brokers [331:2]. FINRA rules and most broker contracts require that cases of stockbroker misconduct, such as failure to execute, be settled through arbitration. The broker would likely be required to pay part of the loss.”
Rabbi Meir Orlian is a faculty member of the Business Halacha Institute, headed by HaRav Chaim Kohn, a noted dayan. To receive BHI’s free newsletter, Business Weekly, send an e-mail to [email protected]. For questions regarding business halacha issues, or to bring a BHI lecturer to your business or shul, call the confidential hotline at 877-845-8455 or e-mail [email protected].