SDDCO Releases Tips for Broker-Dealer Wannabes
New York, NY (PRWEB) January 31, 2014 -- Registering a broker-dealer is not usually a DIY project, though some do manage to go the distance alone. SDDCO Regulatory Services LLC (SDDCO-RS) of The SDDCO Group lays down the building blocks of the filing process for those who want to get started or get some expert assistance.
To operate as a business, a broker-dealer must know and follow the rules governing the industry. This entails registering as a broker-dealer with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), becoming a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), heeding applicable state requirements, and, for most, joining the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).
Since FINRA is the designated examining authority for the SEC, the earliest steps include applying to FINRA for a name approval, funding a general account, sending along initial hard copy forms, and receiving a FINRA Entitlement ID and PW.
Yet compiling the FINRA new member application (NMA) is what takes the most time and effort, and it is generally constructed as follows.
1) BUILD A SOLID BUSINESS PLAN
Every applicant needs a comprehensive business plan, including specifics on structure, finances, and technology:
Structure: a management and organization chart, inclusive of principal biographies, products and services, client base, staffing requirements, work facilities, registered principals, critical third party relationships, outside legal counsel and auditor, Series 27 Financial & Operations Principal (FinOp), clearing firm, and fidelity bond provider (with certain vendors contracts in place)
Finances: the pro forma financial model, including present and projected finances, fixed costs, variable costs, and capital sources
Technology: a plan for technology systems in accord with FINRA requirements
2) DRAFT THE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
Every applicant must draft mandatory manuals:
Written Supervisory Procedures
Business Continuity Plan
Anti-Money Laundering Program
Continuing Education Program
3) MANAGE THE NMA ACCOUNT
Every applicant needs a WEB NMA Administrator to:
Establish the FINRA WEB NMA Account
Upload all required NMA forms, manuals, and supporting documents
Administer WEB CRD and all FINRA systems as required
4) HANDLE EXAMINER REQUESTS
Every applicant needs to communicate with FINRA before, during, and after the FINRA pre-membership interview. The appointed representative will:
Interpret and respond to FINRA communications
Prepare for and attend the interview meeting
Respond to any follow-up requests
Applying for FINRA membership (and registering with the SEC via FINRA) requires several standardized forms as well as multiple documents tailored to the proposed business. Once the NMA package is complete and sent electronically via the FIRM Gateway, FINRA may take up to 180 days (about 6 months) to get back with a decision or response.
Those looking to open a broker-dealer—but not file solo—can call SDDCO Regulatory Services LLC to pilot the entire process.
About SDDCO Regulatory Services LLC
SDDCO Regulatory Services LLC of The SDDCO Group provides full-service compliance consulting to investment advisers and broker-dealers on a project or retainer basis. Seasoned compliance professionals facilitate firm registrations, and support ongoing compliance with the rules and regulations of the industry. Service inquiries can be sent via Ask Us.
[The contents above are intended for general informational purposes only, not as a substitute for consulting with a professional.]
Teri Daniels, The SDDCO Group, http://sddco.com, +1 (212) 751-4422, [email protected]
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