Category: Broker-Dealer Ownership

Safeguarding From Fraudulent Activity

Safeguarding From Fraudulent Activity

Posted on by SCM Communications

Safeguarding From Fraudulent Activity At any given time, natural disasters are occurring in various locations around the country. These types of situations are ripe for fraudulent activities. Bad actors surface around every corner, and it is imperative that your broker dealer does not become a victim of these criminals. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) defines a bad actors as someone “who seeks to evade regulatory requirements and harm investors for their own personal gain.” A bad actor can show up in many ways and forms. Several red flags include: Someone within your broker dealer may receive an email requesting Read more about Safeguarding From Fraudulent Activity[…]

It has been an exciting year for Securities Compliance Management (“SCM”)

The Ultimate Solution for Compliance Management

Posted on by SCM Communications

It has been an exciting year for Securities Compliance Management (“SCM”). The Firm has successfully: Initiated numerous New Membership Applications (“NMAs”) for new firms seeking the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (“FINRA”) approval, Initiated several Continuous Membership Applications (“CMAs”) for existing firms that are planning to undergo a material change in their line of business operations, Partnered with new broker-dealer and registered investment advisor firms to assist them with their FinOp and/or compliance programs, and Assisted in the buy/sell of existing broker-dealer firms. Along with the new relationships that Securities Compliance Management has established this year, the Firm is also incredibly Read more about The Ultimate Solution for Compliance Management[…]

Form CRS Observations

Form CRS Observations

Posted on by SCM Communications

Broker dealers, specifically the Chief Compliance Officer (“CCO”), are required to review their firm’s compliance programs and procedures at least annually to ensure that all compliance areas are working in accordance with the rules and regulations set forth by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”). Per the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 under rule 17a-14, one area of review for broker dealers who maintain retail clients is Form CRS, the customer relationship summary. Form CRS contains various information regarding the broker dealer that is important for retail clients to know. Over the past Read more about Form CRS Observations[…]

Three Main Focal Points of Newly Registered Firms

Exam Observations for New Firms

Posted on by SCM Communications

In March 2023, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) released an alert article with some observations that they have seen when examining newly registered firms. Note that these alerts are not rules or regulations of any regulatory authority. However, investment advisory firms and broker dealers can garner many important takeaways that may assist the firm during an examination. It is important for any new firm – whether broker dealer or registered investment advisor – to start communicating and engaging with its regulatory contacts. Having an open line of communication can provide value to investment advisors and/or broker dealers in building Read more about Exam Observations for New Firms[…]

FINRA Rule 3110 Amendment Proposals

FINRA Rule 3110 Amendment Proposals

Posted on by SCM Communications

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) Rule 3110 gives explicit directives on supervision of all persons related to the broker dealer in order to stay in compliance with all applicable FINRA rules and regulations. Although it takes a solid compliance program to achieve this, it has been manageable. Enter COVID-19: “Stay at home for two weeks to flatten the curve” they said. With that, employees packed up their work, and so began the lifestyle of working from home (“WFH”). The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority had to ease up on broker dealer’s completing branch audits during this time simply due to Read more about FINRA Rule 3110 Amendment Proposals[…]