When it becomes apparent that you will need to escalate your claim to arbitration, you will be required to submit your complaint directly to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). This organization offers two different ways to submit a complaint: You can do it online or you can send it through the mail. When you file, you will be asked to include an official “Statement of Claim”. Simply put, a statement of claim will be a written document in which you explain exactly what happened in your case. This is your chance to tell FINRA officials your story. You should clearly articulate all important facts in your case, in as much detail as you can possibly provide. Your statement of claim is one of the key early foundational pieces of your case. To ensure that your interests are fully protected, it is highly recommending that you prepare your statement with the assistance of a qualified investment fraud lawyer.