Broker-dealer compliance, explained

All articles

By Debasish Banerjee, CPA. Practical FINRA and SEC compliance for broker-dealers, investment advisers and municipal advisors.

• A Guide to Form BD Amendments for Broker-Dealers
  October 31, 2026 · Use this guide to Form BD amendments to identify reportable changes, meet CRD deadlines, and coordinate FINRA, SEC, state, and timely operational filings.
• Internal Versus Outsourced Compliance Teams
  October 29, 2026 · Internal versus outsourced compliance teams: assess control, cost, capacity, and regulatory readiness for broker-dealers and advisers under FINRA rules.
• How to Choose a Clearing Firm for a Broker-Dealer
  October 26, 2026 · How a broker-dealer compares clearing firms: clearing models, deposits and fees, net capital effects, the Rule 4311 agreement, and where to find a list.
• Dunning-Kruger and Price-Based Selection
  October 23, 2026 · Dunning-Kruger and price-based selection can expose securities firms to compliance gaps, missed deadlines, and avoidable regulatory risk as firms grow.
• How AI Is Changing Broker-Dealer Compliance Jobs
  October 23, 2026 · See how AI is changing broker-dealer compliance jobs, where human judgment remains essential, and what firms should demand from their controls today.
• Series 27 FINOP Responsibilities Explained
  October 21, 2026 · Understand Series 27 FINOP duties, net capital oversight, FOCUS reporting, and the controls broker-dealers need to remain examination-ready every day.
• What Securities Industry Compliance Jobs Require
  October 20, 2026 · Understand securities industry compliance jobs, the skills behind them, and when a firm needs dedicated staff, outsourced oversight, or both in practice.
• FINRA Compliance Consulting: What a Consultant Should Own
  October 19, 2026 · What FINRA compliance consulting services should cover: supervision, net capital, FOCUS filings, AML testing and exam prep, plus how to choose a consultant.
• What a Broker Dealer Compliance Consultant Does
  October 18, 2026 · A broker dealer compliance consultant aligns supervision, filings, financial controls, and exam readiness so your firm stays prepared and accountable.
• SEC Municipal Advisor Registration Requirements
  October 17, 2026 · Municipal advisor registration requirements SEC rules demand strong Form MA filings, MSRB enrollment, disclosure controls, and ongoing supervisory oversight.
• Investment Adviser Annual Compliance Review
  October 16, 2026 · Plan an investment adviser annual compliance review that tests real controls, documents findings, and prepares your firm for an SEC or state regulatory examination.
• Form CRS Filing Requirements for SEC Firms
  October 15, 2026 · Form CRS filing requirements explained for SEC advisers and broker-dealers, including filing, delivery, updates, records, and examination-ready controls.
• Reg BI Compliance Program Requirements Explained
  October 14, 2026 · Reg BI compliance program requirements explained: controls, evidence, supervision, and review cycles for defensible retail recommendations across firms.
• Outsourced Chief Compliance Officer for Broker-Dealers
  October 13, 2026 · An outsourced chief compliance officer broker dealer arrangement strengthens supervision, AML oversight, filings, and examination readiness with support.
• Written Supervisory Procedures for Broker-Dealers
  October 12, 2026 · Written supervisory procedures for broker-dealers turn regulatory obligations into assigned, testable controls that stand up to FINRA review in practice.
• Broker Dealer Net Capital Monitoring Controls
  October 11, 2026 · Broker dealer net capital monitoring helps firms detect liquidity pressure, protect required capital, and maintain accurate, regulator-ready reporting.
• What Is FOCUS Reporting? How Broker-Dealers File Correctly
  October 10, 2026 · What a FINRA FOCUS report is, who files which part, when it's due, and a practical checklist for accurate net capital and filing review.
• AML Independent Testing for Broker Dealers
  October 9, 2026 · AML independent testing for broker dealers helps validate controls, identify gaps, and prepare your firm for FINRA review, year after year on schedule.
• FINRA Rule 1017 Filing (CMA) for Ownership Changes
  October 8, 2026 · When a change in ownership or control needs a FINRA Rule 1017 continuing membership application, what to file, and how long it takes.
• Outsourced FINOP Services for Broker-Dealers
  October 7, 2026 · Outsourced FINOP services for broker dealers provide net capital oversight, accurate FOCUS reporting, and regulator-ready financial operations each month on time.
• FINRA New Membership Application Assistance
  October 7, 2026 · FINRA new membership application assistance helps broker-dealer founders align business plans, capital, supervision, and filings before review begins.