New York-based crowdfunding financier Yieldstreet and chief executive Michael Weisz have failed in court to stop a group of disgruntled and “well-motivated” investors, who seek to recoup the millions they lost to failed cash buyer North Star Group.

“This ruling is a watershed moment for anyone who has been victimised by crowdfunding platforms,” said Dan Centner, lead lawyer for plaintiffs in the investor class-action lawsuit.