Registration Services

Any person engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the account of others, or any person engaged in the business of buying and selling securities for his own account through a broker or otherwise, must register as a Broker or Dealer with the SEC and FINRA. Subject to certain regulatory requirements, generally an investment adviser is required to register with the SEC; (1) for compensation; (2) if it is engaged in the business of; (3) if it providse advice, makes recommendations, issues reports, or furnishes analyses on securities, either directly or through publications. With the changing registration requirements in the current regulatory climate, we provide our clients with confidence that their registration experience is efficient and thorough.

Broker/Dealer FINRA Registration Services

Initial FINRA Member Applications: We guide you through the FINRA business planning and membership filing procedures. This includes preparation of the written supervisory procedures manual, continuing education needs analysis, as well as business plan and follow up implementation services upon approval of the Broker/Dealer registration.

Changes in Membership & Registration: We can assist firms with required regulatory approval due to membership changes.  This might include changes to ownership relative to mergers and acquisitions; operational changes concerning net capital customer protection provisions or additions of products or services lines, branches and representatives.

State Applications: IMS’s expertise in state registration for firms and individuals includes the filing and monitoring of applications with state regulatory agencies in an effective manner.  We can act as your representative for any State inquiries or issues.

Form BD & Form BR Amendments: IMS prepares Form BD and Form BR filings when changes in disclosures are required pertaining to officers, business or other reportable matters.

Broker/Dealer Registration Services Breakdown  

• Reservation of Proposed Broker Dealer Name with FINRA
• New Membership Application (FORM NMA) filing
• FINRA CRD Entitlement Forms filing
• U-4 filings
• Form BD filings
• FORM BR filings
• Fidelity Bond acquisition
• Registration with the Lost and Stolen Securities Program (SIC)
• Drafting of the Business Plan
• Drafting of the Compliance Procedures Manual and Checklist
• Drafting AML Policy and Procedures
• Drafting of the Continuing Education Needs Analysis and Training Plan
• Drafting of the Privacy Policy
• Drafting the Business Continuity Plan
• Drafting of required notifications and attestations
• Responding to FINRA document requests 

Investment Advisor SEC Registration Services

Initial SEC or State Application: IMS can assist firms through the investment Adviser application process. This includes preparation of the Form ASDV and applicable schedules.  Our expertise also extends to recommendation concerning whether or not SEC registration is warranted.

Additional State Applications: We can assist state registered advisers, making all necessary filings to allow them to conduct business in additional states.

Renewals & Amendments: IMS prepares annual Form ADV filings required of Investment Advisers. These are processed according to our expert standards for timeliness and efficiency.

Investment Advisor Registration Services Breakdown 

• IARD Entitlement Forms
• IARD Filing of ADV Part I
• Form ADV Part II and appropriate schedules
• Registration paperwork for principals and representatives
• Outline of appropriate compliance program
• Drafting of the compliance manual
• Preparation of registration paperwork in additional states

If you would like to speak to someone about our investment advisor services please contact Micah Taylor on (001) 212-588-8906