Navigate the complexities of financial advising with AdvisorLaw's Industry Insights. Our experts provide actionable analysis on critical areas impacting your practice, including the latest FINRA and SEC/state regulations for brokers, RIAs, and IARs, the nuances of dual registration, strategic insights into Mergers & Acquisitions, evolving enforcement trends, practical regulatory compliance strategies, and effective succession planning. Stay informed, compliant, and positioned for growth with AdvisorLaw's perspectives.
Marketing Rule Audits: Can Your Firm Pass The Test?
The SEC and state regulators have begun conducting “special exams” — limited-scope reviews designed to assess one critical area: compliance with the marketing rule. While focused, these exams pose a...
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The SEC’s Focus On Ad Hoc Creditors’ Committees
The recent SEC action against Marathon Asset Management serves as a stark reminder for registered investment advisers (RIAs) to prioritize compliance when participating in ad hoc creditors’ committees or other...
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Termination Expungement Win For California IAR
This California-based former broker and current investment adviser representative (IAR) began her career in 2003. Six years later, she found herself being terminated from her then-current firm, LPL, for an...
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AdvisorLaw Spotlight: Erika Binnix, J.D.
AdvisorLaw’s Erika Binnix, J.D. is a dedicated advocate for brokers. Specializing in termination disputes and the expungement of unfair or meritless customer disputes, she ensures that her client's rights and...
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Splitting Away From FINRA: Why Advisors Are Choosing The RIA Path
FINRA’s enforcement actions have been subject to scrutiny, due to the actions’ rigor and potential for excessive penalties. Some argue that FINRA's enforcement practices can be overly strict and costly...
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AdvisorLaw Spotlight: Courtney Raymond
Courtney provides invaluable guidance to financial advisors navigating transitions across the wealth management spectrum. With a career spanning over three decades, her expertise encompasses wirehouse, regional, independent, and RIA models.
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State RIA Enforcement: What Advisors Need To Know
State securities regulators play a crucial role in overseeing the activities of registered investment advisors (RIAs) within their jurisdictions. Understanding the primary areas of focus for state enforcers can help...
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AdvisorLaw Spotlight: Peter Lindholm, J.D.
This month, we are excited to highlight the outstanding work of Peter Lindholm, J.D. — a talented associate attorney at AdvisorLaw. Licensed to practice law in both Washington and Oregon,...
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Anticipating Document Review Deficiencies
In December 2022, an SEC-registered advisor came to AdvisorLaw for our standard compliance consulting services. As a part of those services, the firm was asked to go through AdvisorLaw’s document...
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Three-Arbitrator Panel Expunges Covid-Related Dispute For San Antonio Advisor
In his nearly 20 years in the financial services industry, this San Antonio broker and investment advisor received only one customer dispute. The customer lodged several allegations and sought nearly...
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Dual-Registrants FINRA | Brokers FINRA, SEC, State & CFP Board Enforcement SEC & State | RIAs & IARs
Outside Business Activities: Minefield For Financial Advisors
Financial advisors must often grapple with the convoluted regulatory system, and one particularly tricky area is reporting outside business activities (OBAs). An OBA is any business activity in which an...
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Bay Area Advisor Restores Perfect, 30-Year BrokerCheck Records With Termination Expungement
Over the past 30 years, this California Bay Area advisor maintained perfect records in the industry — except for a sole disclosure from 2011. After 11 years with the firm,...
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Starting Your RIA: Considerations For New Advisors
Launching your own registered investment advisor (RIA) is an exciting process that involves clear planning and decision-making. With AdvisorLaw’s specialized registration package, we recommend planning for a 60-to-90-day timeframe to...
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Why Outsourcing Your Chief Compliance Officer Is A Game-Changer
In the high-stakes world of registered investment advisers (RIAs), navigating the ever-evolving regulatory landscape can feel like traversing a minefield — blindfolded. Compliance is no longer a checkbox exercise. It's...
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Arkansas Advisor Expunges Termination Tied To 5 Disputes
A former broker and investment adviser who began his career in 1993 maintained a consistent employment record — until his abrupt termination in 2023, after 20 years in the industry....
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Unregistered CA Advisor Wins Expungement Of Damaging Termination
This California-based former investment adviser and broker had an excellent record of over a decade of industry experience. However, a termination disclosure from 2019 hindered her ability to progress in...
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The Importance Of Trusted Contact Information
Registered investment advisors’ duty of care carries many responsibilities, and one of growing importance to the SEC is obtaining trusted contact information. While both clients and investment adviser representatives (“IARs”)...
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Misrepresentation: A Common Pitfall For Brokers
Misrepresentation, a violation of FINRA Rule 2020, is a serious offense that can have significant consequences for brokers. This rule prohibits brokers from using manipulative or deceptive devices when selling...
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Navigating The 2025 Regulatory Landscape: A Deep Dive Into SEC Examination Priorities For Investment Advisers
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has outlined its examination priorities for fiscal year 2025. Its heightened scrutiny necessitates a proactive approach to compliance. Our experts delve into the key...
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Seattle Advisor Clears 2023 Termination From CRD/BrokerCheck
This former advisor from Seattle began his financial services career in mid-1996, maintaining an impeccable record with no customer disputes or termination disclosures for nearly three decades. However, in March...
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