GONZÁLEZ, J.
¶ 1 Between 1997 and 2008, FutureSelect, a Redmond based financial company, invested nearly $200 million in Tremont's Rye Funds, which pooled and fed money into Bernie Madoff's fraudulent securities investment scheme. These investments were lost when Madoff's fraud unraveled. FutureSelect sued Tremont, Oppenheimer Acquisition Corp. and MassMutual (Tremont's parent companies), and Ernst & Young and Tremont's other auditors for their failure to conduct due diligence on Madoff's operations. FutureSelect alleged violations of the Washington state securities act (WSSA), chapter 21.20 RCW; negligence; and negligent misrepresentation.
¶ 2 The trial court dismissed on the pleadings, finding Washington's security law did not apply and that Washington courts did not have jurisdiction over Oppenheimer. The Court of Appeals reversed. Defendants seek to reinstate the trial court's findings. Oppenheimer argues that it lacks the requisite minimum contacts with Washington for personal jurisdiction. The defendants collectively argue that dismissing for failure to state a claim is appropriate because New York law — which does not provide for a private cause of action under its state securities act, rather than Washington law, which does — applies. Ernst and Young also contends that it is not a "seller" under the WSSA. We affirm the Court of Appeals.
¶ 3 The lead plaintiff, FutureSelect Portfolio Management Inc., is headquartered in Washington and manages a number of investment funds. The first named defendant, Tremont Partners Inc., is headquartered in New York and serves as the general partner to the Rye Funds,
¶ 4 The relationship between FutureSelect and Tremont began when a Tremont representative visited FutureSelect's Redmond offices in 1997 to solicit FutureSelect's investment in the Rye Funds. This initiated a series of discussions between FutureSelect and Tremont regarding the Rye Funds. Tremont claimed that it was offering FutureSelect a rare, and potentially fleeting, opportunity to invest with Madoff. Tremont also
¶ 5 Between 1998 and late 2008, when Madoff's Ponzi scheme finally came to light, FutureSelect continued to invest more funds in the Rye Funds as a result of the representations it regularly received from Tremont and its auditors. In all, FutureSelect invested $195 million with Tremont. But, Madoff never invested any of the capital he received through the Rye Funds or any other feeder. FutureSelect lost its entire investment. Believing that Tremont had significantly misled it, FutureSelect sued Tremont; MassMutual and Oppenheimer (Tremont's parent companies); and Ernst & Young, KPMG,
¶ 6 In its complaint, FutureSelect alleged that the defendants are liable for (1) violating RCW 21.20.010
¶ 7 The Court of Appeals reversed in part and affirmed in part, finding that (1) Washington has the most significant relationship
¶ 8 We review CR 12(b)(6) dismissals de novo. Kinney v. Cook, 159 Wn.2d 837, 842, 154 P.3d 206 (2007) (citing Tenore v. AT & T Wireless Servs., 136 Wn.2d 322, 329-30, 962 P.2d 104 (1998)). "Dismissal is warranted only if the court concludes, beyond a reasonable doubt, the plaintiff cannot prove `any set of facts which would justify recovery.'" Id. (quoting Tenore, 136 Wash.2d at 330, 962 P.2d 104). All facts alleged in the complaint are taken as true, and we may consider hypothetical facts supporting the plaintiff's claim. Id. "Therefore, a complaint survives a CR 12(b)(6) motion if any set of facts could exist that would justify recovery." Hoffer v. State, 110 Wn.2d 415, 420, 755 P.2d 781 (1988) (citing Lawson v. State, 107 Wn.2d 444, 448, 730 P.2d 1308 (1986); Bowman v. John Doe Two, 104 Wn.2d 181, 183, 704 P.2d 140 (1985)). But, "[i]f a plaintiff's claim remains legally insufficient even under his or her proffered hypothetical facts, dismissal pursuant to CR 12(b)(6) is appropriate." Gorman v. Garlock, Inc., 155 Wn.2d 198, 215, 118 P.3d 311 (2005). Similarly, we review a CR 12(b)(2) dismissal de novo. In re Estate of Kordon, 157 Wn.2d 206, 209, 137 P.3d 16 (2006) (citing State v. Squally, 132 Wn.2d 333, 340, 937 P.2d 1069 (1997)).
¶ 9 Oppenheimer argues that it lacks the requisite minimum contacts with Washington and our courts' exercise of personal jurisdiction would offend due process. See Suppl. Br. of Oppenheimer at 7. It is mistaken. At this stage of litigation, the allegations of the complaint establish sufficient minimum contacts to survive a CR 12(b)(2) motion. However, Oppenheimer may renew its jurisdictional challenge after appropriate discovery has been conducted.
¶ 10 For the exercise of specific jurisdiction under Washington's long arm statute to be proper, the defendant's conduct must fall under RCW 4.28.185 and the exercise of jurisdiction must not violate constitutional principles. Grange Ins. Ass'n v. State, 110 Wn.2d 752, 756, 757 P.2d 933 (1988) (citing Werner v. Werner, 84 Wn.2d 360, 364, 526 P.2d 370 (1974)). "In order to subject nonresident defendants and foreign corporations to the in personam jurisdiction of this state under RCW 4.28.185(1)(a)," Washington's long arm statute, we must find the following factors:
Shute v. Carnival Cruise Lines, 113 Wn.2d 763, 767, 783 P.2d 78 (1989) (quoting Deutsch v. W. Coast Mach. Co., 80 Wn.2d 707, 711, 497 P.2d 1311 (1972)). This inquiry encompasses both the statutory and due process concerns of exercising personal jurisdiction.
¶ 11 FutureSelect alleges jurisdiction is proper under RCW 4.28.185(1)(a), which extends jurisdiction arising out of "[t]he transaction of any business within this state," on the theory that Oppenheimer transacted business in Washington through Tremont, its agent. RCW 4.28.185(1) explicitly permits Washington courts to exercise jurisdiction over a principal based on the actions of its
¶ 12 First, we find the complaint sufficiently establishes that Tremont acted as Oppenheimer's agent for purposes of the CR 12 motion. The complaint asserts that Oppenheimer (1) owned, directed, influenced management, and provided support services
¶ 13 Accepting the agency relationship, we find the complaint also adequately alleges that Tremont's misrepresentations, which we presume without deciding were made on Oppenheimer's behalf and received in Washington, satisfy the first two Shute factors. Tremont directed numerous representations at FutureSelect. As a result of these representations, FutureSelect maintained and contributed millions of dollars to its initial investment in the Rye Funds. Much of this occurred after Oppenheimer's acquisition of Tremont. Accordingly, the allegations in the complaint sufficiently establish that Oppenheimer transacted business with FutureSelect in Washington through its agent.
¶ 14 We turn now to whether the assumption of jurisdiction offends traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice. Weighing (1) the quality, nature, and extent of Oppenheimer's activity in Washington, (2) the convenience of the parties, (3) the benefits and protection of Washington law, and (4) the basic equities of the situation, we conclude it does not.
¶ 15 First, the quality, nature, and extent of Tremont's activity in Washington were significant. The business relationship with FutureSelect extended from 2001 until 2008; involved the solicitation, offer, and sale of securities; and resulted in ongoing transfers of extremely large sums of money from Washington to Oppenheimer via Tremont.
¶ 16 Second, nothing in the record suggests that Washington courts exercising jurisdiction would pose an undue burden on Oppenheimer.
¶ 17 Finally, the benefits and protections of Washington law as well as the equities of the situation cut squarely in favor of our courts exercising jurisdiction. Our law explicitly protects investors from fraud and misrepresentations made by sellers of securities. See RCW 21.20.010. Not allowing Washington courts to enforce our statutes and regulations against nonresident companies that solicit, offer, and sell securities in this state would undermine the efficacy of this regulatory regime and create a perverse incentive for principals to insulate themselves from liability by operating exclusively through agents.
¶ 18 Given these considerations, we reverse the trial court and remand for further proceedings. Though we leave open Oppenheimer's ability to renew its motion, we find the trial court dismissed prematurely. Some limited discovery and a resolution of disputed jurisdictional facts are warranted. The trial court should determine whether an agency relationship existed between Oppenheimer and Tremont at any point during the relevant time period and, if so, whether jurisdiction is proper under the Shute factors.
¶ 19 Next, we turn to whether Washington or New York law applies to this case. Defendants argue that New York law applies because New York has the more significant relationship to the dispute and that dismissal on the pleadings was warranted because there is no private cause of action under New York's state security law. On this record, we disagree.
¶ 20 As a preliminary matter, when choice of law is disputed, "there must be an actual conflict between the laws or interests of Washington and the laws or interests of another state before Washington courts will engage in a conflict of laws analysis." Seizer v. Sessions, 132 Wn.2d 642, 648, 940 P.2d 261 (1997) (citing Burnside v. Simpson Paper Co., 123 Wn.2d 93, 100-01, 864 P.2d 937 (1994)). Here, an actual conflict exists between the WSSA, ch. 21.20 RCW, and New York's Martin Act, N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law art. 23-A, §§ 352-359. Specifically, the WSSA provides for a private right of action, see RCW 21.20.430, while New York's Martin Act does not, see N.Y. Gen. Bus. Law art. 23-A, §§ 352-359.
¶ 21 To settle choice of law questions, Washington uses the most significant relationship test as articulated by Restatement (Second) of Conflict of Laws § 145 (1971).
¶ 22 Haberman and § 145 provide a basic framework for choice of law questions.
¶ 23 Previously, we developed a two-step analysis for the significant relationship inquiry under § 145. Southwell v. Widing Transp., Inc., 101 Wn.2d 200, 204, 676 P.2d 477
¶ 24 Under § 148, to determine the jurisdiction with the most significant relationship to the dispute, we must consider (1) the place where plaintiff acted in reliance on the representations; (2) the place where the plaintiff received the representations; (3) the place where the defendant made the representations; (4) the domicile, residence, nationality, place of incorporation, and place of business of the parties; (5) the place where a tangible thing, which is the subject of the transaction between the parties, was situated at the time; and (6) the place where the plaintiff is to render performance under a contract that he has been induced to enter by the false representations of the defendant. RESTATEMENT § 148.
¶ 25 Much like in Southwell, this case has "not presented this court with a record that is sufficiently developed to enable us to undertake the factual analysis necessary for proper resolution of the conflicts issue involved." 101 Wash.2d at 205, 676 P.2d 477. But for purposes of reviewing dismissal under a CR 12(b)(6) motion, we look to the complaint and conclude that FutureSelect could show that (1) Washington was the place where FutureSelect acted in reliance on the representations, (2) Washington was the place where FutureSelect received the representations, (3) Washington and New York were the places where the defendants made the representations, (4) Washington and New York were the primary places of business of the parties, and (5) it cannot be determined either way where FutureSelect was to render performance under the contract that it had been induced to enter by the false representations of the defendant.
¶ 26 To complete this analysis, we must "consider which contacts are most significant" in addition to finding out where they are found. Johnson, 87 Wash.2d at 581, 555 P.2d 997 (citing Baffin Land Corp., 70 Wash.2d at 900, 425 P.2d 623). The record is insufficient to permit us to engage in this inquiry, and so we leave it open.
¶ 27 In short, we find the contacts pleaded by FutureSelect to be sufficient to survive the defendants' CR 12(b)(6) motions on the choice of law issue.
¶ 28 Next, we turn to the second step of our analysis, which asks us to evaluate the interests and public policies of the jurisdictions. Southwell, 101 Wash.2d at 204, 676 P.2d 477. Here, Washington has a more compelling interest in protecting its investors from fraud and misrepresentation than New
¶ 29 At its core, this case does not involve a generalized regulation of securities sales, but the weighing of specific representations and assurances that allegedly targeted Washington investors. Washington has a strong interest in giving Washington investors the benefit of Washington law and in requiring the sellers of securities to comply with it.
¶ 30 We recognize the legislature's directive to interpret the WSSA to promote uniformity with federal securities law and those of others states. RCW 21.20.900. But "[o]ur examination does not end there." Kinney, 159 Wash.2d at 844, 154 P.3d 206. "The Washington Act is unique; special emphasis is placed on protecting investors from fraudulent schemes." Id. at 844, 154 P.3d 206 (citing Hoffer v. State, 113 Wn.2d 148, 152, 776 P.2d 963 (1989) (Hoffer II)). Indeed, we have stated that "the `primary purpose' of the Act is `to protect investors from speculative or fraudulent schemes of promoters.'" Go2Net, Inc. v. Freeyellow.com, Inc., 158 Wn.2d 247, 253, 143 P.3d 590 (2006) (emphasis omitted) (quoting Cellular Eng'g, Ltd. v. O'Neill, 118 Wn.2d 16, 23, 820 P.2d 941 (1991)). "The Act `is remedial in nature and has as its purpose broad protection of the public.'" Id. (emphasis omitted) (quoting McClellan v. Sundholm, 89 Wn.2d 527, 533, 574 P.2d 371 (1978)). Applying New York rather than Washington law, which would deprive FutureSelect of a private cause of action, would necessarily frustrate this purpose. We decline to do so without clear evidence that New York has the more significant relationship to the dispute, which does not necessarily follow from this record.
¶ 31 The final question at issue involves whether Ernst & Young can be considered a seller under the WSSA. Ernst & Young argues that because FutureSelect refers only to its audits and audit reports, which are purely professional services, and nothing related to the sale of securities, the trial court properly granted its motion to dismiss. Ernst & Young LLP's Suppl. Br., at 17-18. We disagree.
¶ 32 The WSSA imposes civil liability on anyone who sells a security in violation of certain provisions of the act. RCW 21.20.430(1). A "seller" includes any party whose acts were a "substantial contributive factor" to the sale. Haberman, 109 Wash.2d at 131, 744 P.2d 1032. This is meant to be an expansive definition. Even so, we do require plaintiffs to establish "`something more'" in addition to the provision of routine professional services. Hines v. Data Line Sys., Inc., 114 Wn.2d 127, 149-50, 787 P.2d 8 (1990). Because it is possible that FutureSelect can establish the requisite "something more," dismissal on the pleadings was inappropriate.
¶ 33 In Hines, we found that there was no evidence to indicate that the attorneys that were being sued under the WSSA had any personal contact with any of the investors or were in any way involved in the solicitation process. Id. at 149, 787 P.2d 8. There, we found "[t]he advice given by Perkins Coie to Data Line was not a catalyst in the sales transaction between Data Line and the investors." Id. at 150, 787 P.2d 8. This meant that Perkins Coie could not be held liable as a seller. Id.
¶ 34 The situation here is different. Among other things, Hines was resolved on summary judgment, not on a CR 12(b)(6) motion. Id. at 148, 787 P.2d 8. Because the question of whether someone was a substantial contributive factor is "necessarily a question of fact," Haberman, 109 Wash.2d at 132, 744 P.2d 1032, it is not easily resolved on the pleadings as long as the complaint contains sufficient allegations.
¶ 35 Here, FutureSelect has met this requirement. Its complaint alleges that FutureSelect "would not have invested in the Rye Funds if the funds were not audited" by Ernst & Young. Clerk's Papers at 37. Moreover, FutureSelect has also alleged that Ernst & Young "knew that its audits would be used by Tremont to solicit investors [and] also knew and intended that current investors would rely on the audits when deciding to maintain and increase their investments in the Rye Funds." Id. Finally, Ernst & Young
¶ 36 FutureSelect is entitled to an opportunity to prove what it alleged. We reverse the trial court's CR 12(b)(6) dismissal.
¶ 37 Because FutureSelect has met its initial burden of production, we reverse the trial court's dismissal on the pleadings. On remand, the trial court shall (1) allow limited discovery on the jurisdictional issue and, if necessary, conduct a jurisdictional hearing to resolve any contested material facts and (2) give the parties an opportunity to fully develop the record surrounding the sale of securities to FutureSelect so that the trail court can properly consider the Restatement § 148 factors as they apply to the various defendants and determine whether Ernst & Young's acts were a substantial contributing factor to FutureSelect's decision to continue investing in the Rye Funds. We affirm the Court of Appeals and remand to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
WE CONCUR: MADSEN, C.J., JOHNSON, OWENS, FAIRHURST, STEPHENS, and WIGGINS, JJ., and KULIK, J.P.T.
MARY I. YU, J., not Participating.
GORDON McCLOUD, J. (concurring).
¶ 38 I fully agree with the majority's well-reasoned analysis and conclusions about jurisdiction and choice of law. I write separately only to comment on how broadly that opinion construes the word "sell[er]" in RCW 21.20.430(1) — so broadly that it includes the nonseller accounting firm Ernst & Young.
¶ 39 The majority is correct that in 1987, this court imported into Washington's securities law the majority rule in the federal circuits for interpreting the word "sell[er]" under federal securities law; we held that "sell[er]" must be construed broadly to include those whose actions were a "substantial contributive factor" in the sale. Haberman v. Wash. Pub. Power Supply Sys., 109 Wn.2d 107, 130-31, 744 P.2d 1032, 750 P.2d 254 (1987). But one year after Haberman, the United States Supreme Court decided Pinter v. Dahl, 486 U.S. 622, 653-54, 108 S.Ct. 2063, 100 L.Ed.2d 658 (1988). Pinter construed the word "sell[er]" in the related federal securities law, and it expressly rejected the broad interpretation that most circuit courts had adopted under federal law and that we had adopted under state law.
¶ 40 Predictably, in 1989, we considered a post-Pinter challenge to the Haberman court's interpretation of our state's securities law. In Hoffer v. State, 113 Wn.2d 148, 152, 776 P.2d 963 (1989), we rejected the argument that the Supreme Court's analysis was more persuasive than our own and adhered to the "substantial contributive factor" interpretation of "sell[er]" as adopted in Haberman. The dissent in Hoffer, by contrast, asserted that "RCW 21.20.430(1), by its plain language, requires privity of the seller and the person buying the security." Id. at 153, 776 P.2d 963 (Pearson, J., dissenting). It also noted that "[t]he underpinnings of Haberman came from lower federal court decisions which are no longer authoritative in light of the Pinter ruling." Id.
¶ 41 The Hoffer dissent made good sense at the time it was written. The very federal cases upon which the Haberman decision relied were expressly disapproved by Pinter. In fact, that dissent makes even more sense now, 27 years later, as even more circuits that the Haberman majority relied on have repudiated their earlier adoption of the nontextual "substantial contributive factor" test. For example, the Haberman majority explicitly relied on a Ninth Circuit case in adopting our test. Haberman, 109 Wash.2d at 127, 744 P.2d 1032, 750 P.2d 254 (citing Anderson v. Aurotek, 774 F.2d 927, 930 (9th Cir.1985) (per curiam)). In 2007, that case was repudiated by the Ninth Circuit in light of Pinter. Sec. & Exch. Comm'n v. Phan, 500 F.3d 895, 906 n. 13 (9th Cir.2007).
¶ 42 Nevertheless, the majority is absolutely correct that Haberman is controlling, not the Hoffer dissent. I therefore concur in the majority's decision. In light of Haberman and Hoffer, FutureSelect has sufficiently alleged
RCW 21.20.010.
RCW 4.28.185 (emphasis added).
These contacts are to be evaluated according to their relative importance with respect to the particular issue.
RESTATEMENT § 145.