NASAA Archives - MasterCompliance

NASAA Reveals Top Investor Threats for 2022

Posted on April 22, 2022 by admin

On January 10, 2022 the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) released its annual list of top investor threats for 2022 and urged caution before purchasing popular and volatile unregulated investments – especially those involving cryptocurrency and digital assets. NASAA also announced guidance for investors, including steps to take to protect from fraud in the new year. “The most common telltale sign of an investment scam is an offer of guaranteed high returns with no risk. It is important for investors to understand what they are investing in and with whom they are investing,” said Melanie Senter Lubin, NASAA President Read more about NASAA Reveals Top Investor Threats for 2022[…]

2022 & 2023 Continuing Education Requirements for IARs

Posted on April 8, 2022 by admin

In November of 2020, the North American Securities Administrators Association (“NASAA”) adopted a new rule (PDF) that will require Investment Advisor Representatives (“IARs”) to complete 12 credit hours of Continuing Education annually, 6 for IAR Ethics and Professional Responsibility Requirements and 6 for IAR Products and Practice Requirements. This will be the first time IARs have been subject to Continuing Education requirements and as NASAA president Lisa A. Hopkins states, is intended to “promote heightened regulatory compliance while also helping investment adviser representatives better serve their clients by remaining knowledgeable of current regulatory requirements and best practices.” 2022 IAR CE Read more about 2022 & 2023 Continuing Education Requirements for IARs[…]

New York IAR Registration Waiver Deadline Reminder

Posted on August 13, 2021August 13, 2021 by admin

This blog is a follow up to our Change to New York IAR Registration blog, and a reminder that the August 31st deadline to submit a waiver for registration to New York is looming. Effective February 1, 2021, New York now requires Individuals to register in the state. Previously, NY has not held 65/66 licenses; however, this has changed. Note the registration standards for state-registered firms and SEC-registered firms differ. State-Registered Firms The new rule requires all investment adviser representatives with more than five clients in the state of New York to register as an investment adviser, unless exempt from Read more about New York IAR Registration Waiver Deadline Reminder[…]

Registering as an Agent for a Broker-Dealer

Posted on April 14, 2021April 29, 2021 by admin

The USA defines an agent as any individual who represents a broker-dealer or an issuer in effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities for their clients. Agents are individuals in a sales capacity who represent broker-dealers or issuers of securities. As agents, they act, usually on commission basis, on behalf of others. Agents are often referred to as registered representatives, whether sell registered securities or securities exempt from registration. The use of the term individual here is important. Only an individual, or a natural person, can be an agent. A corporation such as a brokerage firm is not a natural person, it is a legal entity. The brokerage firm is the legal person, or legal entity, the agent, a natural person, represents in securities transactions.

Minimums for RIAs Policies and Procedures

Posted on April 12, 2021 by admin

All RIAs are required to register either with the SEC or a state securities regulator. In general, RIAs managing less than $100 million of assets register with their home state, while those managing more than $100 million register with the SEC. Both federal covered advisers and state registered advisers have requirements set for policies and procedures. While the requirements set are similar, some state regulations may be slightly different.

Timely Updating the Brochure

Posted on April 5, 2021April 5, 2021 by admin

Part 2A of the Form ADV requires advisers to create narrative brochures containing information about the advisory firm. Both federal and state registered advisers must prepare and deliver a brochure to their clients. They both also have requirements set by the SEC and NASAA for timely updating their brochure