Broker-Dealer Archives - Page 5 of 30

Customer Account Transfer

Posted on May 13, 2022May 13, 2022 by admin

From time to time, customers may look to move their account to a new brokerage firm for a wide variety of reasons, such as better or wider variety of services or lower costs. It may also be that the customer has learned the broker is under investigation by regulators or has apparently committed rule violations in connection with the account. Whatever the reason, your firm must respect customer account transfer instructions. Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) This can be accomplished by using the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service or ACATS for short. The receiving member firm will initiate the Read more about Customer Account Transfer[…]

Customer Complaints (FINRA Rule 4513)

Posted on May 6, 2022 by admin

FINRA Rule 4513 defines a “customer complaint” as any grievance by a customer or any person authorized to act on behalf of the customer involving the activities of the member or a person associated with the member in connection with the solicitation or execution of any transaction or the disposition of securities or funds of that customer. Customer complaints that are made in person or over the phone are not within the scope of this rule, however, it is still prudent for members to address these complaints so that they do not escalate further. If a complaint is resolved to Read more about Customer Complaints (FINRA Rule 4513)[…]

Outside Business Activity Disclosure Form Best Practices

Posted on April 29, 2022 by admin

When creating an outside business activity (“OBA”) disclosure form, it’s important to understand how FINRA defines an outside business activity and what information must be disclosed. Firms can request additional information however it is recommended that Firm’s ensure the required information is collected, reviewed and approved by the Firm’s designated principal. What is an Outside Business Activity? An outside business activity (“OBA”) is defined as a registered person acting as an “employee, independent contractor, sole proprietor, officer, director or partner of another person, or be compensated, or have the reasonable expectation of compensation, from any other person as a result Read more about Outside Business Activity Disclosure Form Best Practices[…]

FINRA Announces Rule 4111 (Restricted Firm Obligations) Evaluation Date

Posted on April 15, 2022 by admin

In an Information Notice released February 1, 2022, FINRA announced the first “Evaluation Date” for the new Rule 4111 (Restricted Firm Obligations) on June 1, 2022. Rule 4111 went into effect on January 1, 2022, and addresses firms with a significant history of misconduct. More specifically, it requires member firms that are identified as Restricted Firms to deposit cash or qualified securities in a segregated, restricted account; adhere to specified conditions or restrictions; or comply with a combination of such obligations. Rule 4111 Rule 4111 establishes a multi-step, annual process through which FINRA will determine whether a member firm raises Read more about FINRA Announces Rule 4111 (Restricted Firm Obligations) Evaluation Date[…]

Considerations for FinCEN 314(a) Policies and Procedures

Posted on March 25, 2022 by admin

The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is a program under Rule 31 CFR Part 1010.520 that requires certain financial institutions to search their records and identify if they have responsive information with respect to the particular investigative subject. This provides a service to law enforcement by providing an additional layer to help locate financial assets and recent transactions of individuals, entities, and organizations engaged in or reasonably suspected, based on credible evidence, of engaging in terrorist acts or money laundering activities. Who is required to perform FinCEN reviews? Currently, only broker-dealers are subject to FinCEN program 314(a) requirements. Registered investment Read more about Considerations for FinCEN 314(a) Policies and Procedures[…]

Form U4 Disclosure Reporting Best Practices to Protect You and Your Firm

Posted on March 22, 2022 by admin

The U4, also known as the Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer, is the primary source of information for a registered representative’s (also known as “broker”, “financial professional”, “financial advisors”) Central Registration Depository (CRD) or Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) record. Both the firm and the registered representative can update Form U4, but it is ultimately the registered representative’s responsibility to make sure Form U4 is accurate and current. The U4 record, contains personally identifiable information about each applicant such as name, SSN, physical characteristics, address history, work experience, and education. In addition, the U4 also requires disclosure Read more about Form U4 Disclosure Reporting Best Practices to Protect You and Your Firm[…]