Guide To Broker-Dealer Registration

[Sapphire Capital]

The following article has been adopted from an article distributed by the SEC's Division of Market Regulation. The article was originally posted in December 2005. It's last update by securities attorney Mark Astarita, for SECLaw.com was in September 2006
Table of Contents

Introduction
Who Is Required to Register
Who is a “Broker”
Who is a “Dealer”
What To Do If You Think You May be a Broker or a Dealer
Brokers and Dealers Generally Must Register with the SEC
“Associated Persons” of a Broker-Dealer
Intrastate Broker-Dealers
Broker-Dealers that Limit their Business to Excluded and Exempted Securities
Broker-Dealers Must Register Before Selling Unregistered Securities – Including Private Placements (or Regulation D offerings)
Issuer's Exemption
Foreign Broker-Dealer Exemption
Requirements Regarding Brokers and Dealers of Government and Municipal Securities, including Repurchase Agreements
Special Rules That Apply to Banks and Other Financial Institutions
Insurance Agency Networking
Real Estate Securities and Real Estate Brokers/Agents
Broker-Dealer Relationships with Affinity Groups
How to Register as a Broker-Dealer
Form BD
SRO Membership
SIPC Membership
State Requirements
Associated Persons
Successor Broker-Dealer Registration
Withdrawal from Registration; Cancellation of Registration
Security Futures
Conduct Regulation of Broker-Dealers
Antifraud Provisions
Duty of Fair Dealing
Duty of Best Execution
Customer Confirmation Rule
Disclosure of Credit Terms
Restrictions on Short Sales (Regulation SHO)
Trading During an Offering (Regulation M)
Restrictions on Insider Trading
Restrictions on Private Securities Transactions
Analysts and Regulation AC
Trading by Members of Exchanges, Brokers and Dealers
Extending Credit on New Issues
Order Execution Obligations
Penny Stock Rules
Privacy of Consumer Financial Information
Regulation ATS: Electronic Broker-Dealer Trading Systems
Regulation NMS
Investment Adviser Registration
Financial Responsibility of Broker-Dealers
Net Capital Rule
Use of Customer Balances
Customer Protection
Required Books, Records and Reports
Risk Assessment Requirements
Other Requirements
Examinations and Inspections
Lost and Stolen Securities Program
Fingerprinting Requirement
Use of Electronic Media by Broker-Dealers
Electronic Signatures
Anti-Money Laundering Program
Business Continuity Plans
Where to Get Further Information

I. INTRODUCTION

The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act” or “Act”) governs how the nation's securities markets and its brokers and dealers operate. This quide is based on a release prepared by the SEC in 2005, and has been updated by the attorneys at Beam & Astarita to provide a comprehensive summary of many of the aspects of broker-dealer regulation. Naturally, this is not a substitute for the advice of an experience securities attorney. No overview can provide the specific advice that is required to comply with the complex set of rules, regulations and interpretations that govern the operation of a brokerage firm, or any securities related business.

For an overview of the federal securities laws, see Introduction to the Federal Securities Laws and Introduction to the State Blue Sky Laws.
II. WHO IS REQUIRED TO REGISTER

Most “brokers” and “dealers” must register with the SEC and join a “self-regulatory organization,” or SRO. This section covers the factors that determine whether a person is a broker or dealer. It also describes the types of brokers and dealers that do not have to register with the SEC. Self-regulatory organizations are described in Part III, below.

A note about banks: The Exchange Act also contains special provisions relating to brokerage and dealing activities of banks. Please see Sections 3(a)(4)(B) and 3(a)(5)(C) and related provisions, and consult with counsel. Aspects of bank dealer activity are discussed in a publication issued by the SEC’s Division of Market Regulation, entitled “Staff Compliance Guide to Banks on Dealer Statutory Exceptions and Rules,” which is available on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/bankdealerguide.htm. Bank brokerage activity will be discussed in a separate publication.
A. Who is a “Broker”

Section 3(a)(4)(A) of the Act generally defines a “broker” broadly as

any person engaged in the business of effecting transactions in securities for the account of others.

Sometimes you can easily determine if someone is a broker. For instance, a person who executes transactions for others on a securities exchange clearly is a broker. However, other situations are less clear. For example, each of the following individuals and businesses may need to register as a broker, depending on a number of factors:

One of the most common misconceptions regarding registration is in the area of “finders,” “business brokers.” Most finders are required to be registered, although many do not do so, and run the risk of contract disputes, and enforcement actions from the Commission. Finder may need to register if they engage in the following activities:

Finding investors or customers for, making referrals to, or splitting commissions with registered broker-dealers, investment companies (or mutual funds, including hedge funds) or other securities intermediaries;

Finding investors for “issuers” (entities issuing securities), even in a “consultant” capacity;

Engaging in, or finding investors for, venture capital or “angel” financings, including private placements;

Finding buyers and sellers of businesses (i.e., activities relating to mergers and acquisitions where securities are involved);

investment advisers and financial consultants;

foreign broker-dealers that cannot rely on Rule 15a-6 under the Act (discussed below);

persons that operate or control electronic or other platforms to trade securities;

persons that market real-estate investment interests, such as tenancy-in-common interests, that are securities;

persons that act as “placement agents” for private placements of securities;

persons that market or effect transactions in insurance products that are securities, such as variable annuities, or other investment products that are securities;

persons that effect securities transactions for the account of others for a fee, even when those other people are friends or family members;

persons that provide support services to registered broker-dealers; and

persons that act as “independent contractors,” but are not “associated persons” of a broker-dealer (for information on “associated persons,” see below).

In order to determine whether any of these individuals (or any other person or business) is a broker, one must review the activities that the person or business actually performs. You can find analyses of various activities in the decisions of federal courts and in SEC no-action and interpretive letters. We also have a number of articles at SECLaw.com regarding registration of individuals and business entities.

The SEC suggests the following questions that you should ask to determine whether you are acting as a broker:

Do you participate in important parts of a securities transaction, including solicitation, negotiation, or execution of the transaction?

Does your compensation for participation in the transaction depend upon, or is it related to, the outcome or size of the transaction or deal? Do you receive trailing commissions, such as 12b-1 fees? Do you receive any other transaction-related compensation?

Are you otherwise engaged in the business of effecting or facilitating securities transactions?

Do you handle the securities or funds of others in connection with securities transactions?

A “yes” answer to any of these questions indicates that you may need to register as a broker.
B. Who is a “Dealer”

Unlike a broker, who acts as agent, a dealer acts as principal. Section 3(a)(5)(A) of the Act generally defines a “dealer” as:

any person engaged in the business of buying and selling securities for his own account, through a broker or otherwise.

Despite the language of the definition, a “dealer” does not include a “trader,” that is, a person who buys and sells securities for his or her own account, either individually or in a fiduciary capacity, but not as part of a regular business. Individuals who buy and sell securities for themselves generally are considered traders and not dealers.

Sometimes you can easily tell if someone is a dealer. For example, a firm that advertises publicly that it makes a market in securities is obviously a dealer. Other situations can be less clear. For instance, each of the following individuals and businesses may need to register as a dealer, depending on a number of factors:

a person who holds himself out as being willing to buy and sell a particular security on a continuous basis;

a person who runs a matched book of repurchase agreements; or

a person who issues or originates securities that he also buys and sells.

Here are some of the questions you should ask to determine whether you are acting as a dealer:

Do you advertise or otherwise let others know that you are in the business of buying and selling securities?

Do you do business with the public (either retail or institutional)?

Do you make a market in, or quote prices for both purchases and sales of, one or more securities?

Do you participate in a "selling group" or otherwise underwrite securities?

Do you provide services to investors, such as handling money and securities, extending credit, or giving investment advice?

Do you write derivatives contracts that are securities?

A “yes” answer to any of these questions indicates that you may need to register as a dealer.

C. What To Do If You Think You May Be a Broker or a Dealer

If you are doing, or may do, any of the activities of a broker or dealer, you should find out whether you need to register. Information on the broker-dealer registration process is provided below. If you are not certain, you may want to review SEC interpretations ask for advice from the SEC’s Division of Market Regulation by calling [phone] or by sending an e-mail to [e-mail]. (Please be sure to include your telephone number.) You are also welcome to consult with our office, by telephone or by email to [e-mail].

Note: If you will be acting as a “broker” or “dealer,” you must not engage in securities business until you are properly registered. If you are already engaged in the business and are not yet registered, you should cease all activities until you are properly registered. For further information, please see Part II.D and Part III, below.
D. Brokers and Dealers Generally Must Register with the SEC

Section 15(a)(1) of the Act generally makes it unlawful for any broker or dealer to use the mails (or any other means of interstate commerce, such as the telephone, facsimiles, or the Internet) to “effect any transactions in, or to induce or attempt to induce the purchase or sale of, any security” unless that broker or dealer is registered with the Commission in accordance with Section 15(b) of the Act. There are a few exceptions to this general rule that are addressed below. There are also special registration requirements that apply to broker-dealers of government and municipal securities, including repurchase agreements, below.
1. “Associated Persons” of a Broker-Dealer

Individuals who work for a registered broker-dealer are called “associated persons.” This is the case whether such individuals are employees, independent contractors, or are otherwise working with a broker-dealer. These individuals may also be called “stock brokers” or “registered representatives.” Associated persons do not register with the SEC or an SRO directly, they must register through a registered broker-dealer.

Broker-dealers must supervise the securities activities of their personnel regardless of whether they are considered “employees” or “independent contractors” as defined under state law. See, for example, In the matter of William V. Giordano, Securities Exchange Act Release No. 36742 (January 19, 1996).

Another common misconception is the use of a corporation by an associated person to operate a branch office. This arrangement is not a legitimate structure, as the rules and regulations do not allow unregistered entities to receive commission income on behalf of a registered representative. An unregistered entity that receives commission income in this situation must register as a broker-dealer. See, for example, letter re: Birchtree Financial Services, Inc. (September 22, 1998). However, unregistered entities may provide administrative services to broker-dealers and associated persons, and may be compensated for that service. Associated persons and broker-dealers considering such arrangements are advised to do so with counsel. The matters involve not only the securities laws, which are complex enough, but state and federal tax issues as well. See, for example, letter re: EPIX Holding Corp. (April 2, 2001). In those circumstances, the broker-dealer employer generally hires and supervises all aspects of the employees’ work and uses the payroll and benefits administrator merely as a means to centralize personnel services.
2. Intrastate Broker-Dealers

A broker-dealer that conducts all of its business in one state does not have to register with the SEC. (State registration is another matter. See Part III, below.) The exemption provided for intrastate broker-dealer activity is very narrow. To qualify, all aspects of all transactions must be done within the borders of one state. This means that, without SEC registration, a broker-dealer cannot participate in any transaction executed on a national securities exchange or Nasdaq. Also, information posted on the Internet that is accessible by persons in another state would be considered an interstate offer of securities or investment services that would require Federal broker-dealer registration.

A word about municipal and government securities. There is no intrastate exception from registration for municipal securities dealers or government securities brokers and dealers.
3. Broker-Dealers that Limit their Business to Excluded and Exempted Securities

A broker-dealer that transacts business only in commercial paper, bankers' acceptances, and commercial bills does not need to register with the SEC under Section 15(b) or any other section of the Act. On the other hand, persons transacting business only in certain "exempted securities," as defined in Section 3(a)(12) of the Act, do not have to register under Section 15(b), but may have to register under other provisions of the Act. For example, some broker-dealers of government securities, which are "exempted securities," must register as government securities brokers or dealers under Section 15C of the Act, as described in Part II.E, below.
4. Broker-Dealers Must Register Before Selling Unregistered Securities – Including Private Placements (or Regulation D offerings)

A security sold in a transaction that is exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") is not necessarily an "exempted security" under the Exchange Act. For example, a person who sells securities that are exempt from registration under Regulation D of the 1933 Act must nevertheless register as a broker-dealer. In other words, “placement agents” are not exempt from broker-dealer registration.
5. Issuer's Exemption (Rule 3a4-1)

Issuers generally are not “brokers” because they sell securities for their own accounts and not for the accounts of others. Moreover, issuers generally are not “dealers” because they do not buy and sell their securities for their own accounts. Issuers whose activities go beyond selling their own securities, however, need to consider whether they would need to register as broker-dealers. This includes issuers that purchase their securities from investors, as well as issuers that effectively operate markets in their own securities or in securities whose features or terms can change or be altered. The issuer’s exemption does not apply to the personnel of a company who routinely engage in the business of effecting securities transactions for the company or related companies (such as general partners seeking investors in limited partnerships). The employees and other related persons of an issuer who assist in selling its securities may be "brokers," especially if they are paid for selling these securities and have few other duties.

Exchange Act Rule 3a4-1 provides that an associated person (or employee) of an issuer who participates in the sale of the issuer’s securities would not have to register as a broker-dealer if that person, at the time of participation: (1) is not subject to a “statutory disqualification,” as defined in Section 3(a)(39) of the Act; (2) is not compensated by payment of commissions or other remuneration based directly or indirectly on securities transactions; (3) is not an associated person of a broker or dealer; and (4) limits its sales activities as set forth in the rule.

Some issuers offer dividend reinvestment and stock purchase programs. Under certain conditions, an issuer may purchase and sell its own securities through a dividend reinvestment or stock purchase program without registering as a broker-dealer. These conditions, regarding solicitation, fees and expenses, and handling of participants' funds and securities, are explained in Securities Exchange Act Release No. 35041 (December 1, 1994), 59 FR 63393 (“1994 STA Letter”). Although Regulation M1 replaced Rule 10b-6 and superseded the 1994 STA Letter, the staff positions taken in this letter regarding the application of Section 15(a) of the Exchange Act remain in effect. See 17 CFR 242.102(c) and Securities Exchange Act Release No. 38067 (December 20, 1996), 62 FR 520, 532 n.100 (January 3, 1997).
6. Foreign Broker-Dealer Exemption (Rule 15a-6)

The SEC generally uses a territorial approach in applying registration requirements to the international operations of broker-dealers. Under this approach, all broker-dealers physically operating within the United States that induce or attempt to induce securities transactions must register with the SEC, even if their activities are directed only to foreign investors outside of the United States. In addition, foreign broker-dealers that, from outside of the United States, induce or attempt to induce securities transactions by any person in the United States, or that use the means or instrumentalities of interstate commerce of the United States for this purpose, also must register. This includes the use of the internet to offer securities, solicit securities transactions, or advertise investment services to U.S. persons. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 39779 (March 23, 1998) www.sec.gov/rules/interp/33-7516.htm.

Foreign broker-dealers that limit their activities to those permitted under Rule 15a-6 of the Act, however, may be exempt from U.S. broker-dealer registration. Foreign broker-dealers that wish to rely on this exemption should review Securities Exchange Act Release No. 27017 (effective August 15, 1989), 54 FR 30013, to determine whether they meet the conditions of Rule 15a-6. See also letters re: Securities Activities of U.S.-Affiliated Foreign Dealers (April 9 and April 28, 1997). In addition, in April 2005, the Division of Market Regulation staff issued responses to frequently asked questions concerning Rule 15a-6 in relation to Regulation AC. See www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/mregacfaq0803.htm#partb. (Regulation AC is discussed in Part V.B, below.)
E. Requirements Regarding Brokers and Dealers of Government and Municipal Securities, including Repurchase Agreements

Broker-dealers that limit their activity to government or municipal securities require specialized registration. Those that limit their activity to government securities do not have to register as "general-purpose" broker-dealers under Section 15(b) of the Act. General-purpose broker-dealers that conduct a government securities business, however, must note this activity on their Forms BD. (Form BD is discussed below.) All firms that are brokers or dealers in government securities must comply with rules adopted by the Secretary of the Treasury, as well as SEC rules.

Firms that limit their securities business to buying and selling municipal securities for their own account (municipal securities dealers) must register as general-purpose broker-dealers. If, however, these entities are banks or meet the requirements of the intrastate exemption discussed in Part II.D.2. above, they must register as municipal securities dealers. Municipal securities brokers must register as general-purpose broker-dealers.

Firms that run a matched book of repurchase agreements or other stock loans are considered dealers. Because a "book running dealer" holds itself out as willing to buy and sell securities, and is thus engaged in the business of buying and selling securities, it must register as a broker-dealer.
F. Special Rules That Apply to Banks and Other Financial Institutions

Note: Banks, thrifts, and other financial institutions should be aware that the Commission has proposed changes to rules that may affect them. See Proposed Regulation B, Securities Exchange Act Release No. 34-49879 (June 17, 2004), 69 FR 39681 (June 30, 2004), www.sec.gov/rules/proposed/34-49879.htm.

Banks. Prior to the enactment of the “Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act” (“GLBA”) in 1999, U.S. banks were excepted from the definitions of "broker" and "dealer" under the Act. The GLBA amended the Exchange Act, and banks now have certain targeted exceptions and exemptions from broker-dealer registration. Currently, as a result of Commission rulemaking, banks are undergoing a phase-in period for compliance with the new law. Since October 1, 2003, banks that buy and sell securities must consider whether they are “dealers” under the federal securities laws. The Division of Market Regulation has issued a special compliance guide for banks, entitled “Staff Compliance Guide to Banks on Dealer Statutory Exceptions and Rules,” which is available on the SEC’s website at: www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/bankdealerguide.htm. Bank brokerage activity will be discussed in a separate publication.

The bank exemptions only apply to banks, and not to related entities. It is important to note that exemptions applicable to banks under the Exchange Act, as amended by the GLBA, are not applicable to other entities, including bank subsidiaries and affiliates, that are not themselves banks. As such, subsidiaries and affiliates of banks that engage in broker-dealer activities are required to register as broker-dealers under the Act. Also, banks that act as municipal securities dealers or as government securities brokers or dealers continue to be required to register under the Act.

Thrifts. The SEC has granted thrifts (savings associations) the same status as banks through its rules. As such, thrifts now have certain targeted exceptions and exemptions from broker-dealer registration. (For further information, see the “Staff Compliance Guide to Banks on Dealer Statutory Exceptions and Rules,” noted above.) As with banks, it is important to note that exemptions applicable to thrifts are not applicable to other entities, including subsidiaries and affiliates that are not thrifts. As such, subsidiaries and affiliates of thrifts that engage in broker-dealer activities are required to register as broker-dealers under the Act.

Credit Unions and Financial Institution “Networking” Arrangements. The exemptions applicable to banks under the Exchange Act (and thrifts under Commission rules) do not apply to other kinds of financial institutions, such as credit unions. The SEC staff, however, has permitted certain financial institutions, such as credit unions, to make securities products available to their customers without registering as broker-dealers. This is done through "networking" arrangements, where an affiliated or third-party broker-dealer provides brokerage services for the financial institution's customers, according to conditions stated in no-action letters and NASD Rule 2350.

Under a networking arrangement, financial institutions can share in the commissions generated by their referred customers, under certain conditions. The financial institution engaging in such networking must be in strict compliance with applicable law and Commission staff guidance. See, for example, letter re: Chubb Securities Corporation (November 24, 1993) and NASD Rule 2350 (applicable to broker-dealers that enter into networking arrangements with banks, thrifts, and credit unions).
G. Insurance Agency Networking

The SEC staff has permitted insurance agencies to make insurance products that are also securities (such as variable annuities) available to their customers without registering as broker-dealers under certain conditions. This again is done through "networking" arrangements, where an affiliated or third-party broker-dealer provides brokerage services for the insurance agency's customers, according to conditions stated in no-action letters. These arrangements are designed to address the difficulties of dual state and federal laws applicable to the sale of these products. Through networking arrangements, insurance agencies can share in the commissions generated by their referred customers under certain conditions. Insurance agencies engaging in such networking must be in strict compliance with applicable law and Commission staff guidance. Insurance companies should consult the letter re: First of America Brokerage Services, Inc. (September 28, 1995). Those interested in structuring such an arrangement should contact private counsel or the SEC staff for further information.

Notably, insurance networking arrangements are limited to insurance products that are also securities. They do not encompass sales of mutual funds and other securities that do not present the same regulatory difficulties. See letter re: Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. (February 20, 1998).
H. Real Estate Securities and Real Estate Brokers/Agents

The offer of real estate as such, without any collateral arrangements with the seller or others, does not involve the offer of a security. When the real estate is offered in conjunction with certain services, however, it may constitute an investment contract, and thus, a security. See generally Securities Act Release No. 5347 (Jan. 4, 1973) (providing guidelines as to the applicability of the federal securities laws to offers and sales of condominiums or units in a real estate development).

There is no general exception from the broker-dealer registration requirements for licensed real estate brokers or agents who engage in the business of effecting transactions in real estate securities. In the past, the Division staff has granted no-action relief from the registration requirements to licensed real estate personnel that engage in limited activities with respect to the sale of condominium units coupled with an offer or agreement to perform or arrange certain rental or other services for the purchaser. The relief provided in these letters is limited solely to their facts and should not be relied upon for activities relating to sales of other types of real estate securities, including tenants-in-common interests in real property. See generally NASD Notice to Members 05-18, www.nasd.com/web/groups/rules_regs/documents/
notice_to_members/nasdw_013455.pdf (addressing tenants-in-common interests in real property).
I. Broker-Dealer Relationships with Affinity Groups

Broker-dealers may enter into arrangements to offer services to members of certain non-profit groups, including civic organizations, charities, and educational institutions that rely upon private donations. These arrangements are subject to certain conditions to ensure that the organizations, or “affinity groups,” do not develop a salesman’s stake with respect to the sale of securities. See, for example, letter re: Attkisson, Carter & Akers (June 23, 1998).
III. HOW TO REGISTER AS A BROKER-DEALER

A broker-dealer may not begin business until:

it has properly filed Form BD, and the SEC has granted its registration;

it has become a member of an SRO;

it has become a member of SIPC, the Securities Investor Protection Corporation;

it complies with all applicable state requirements; and

its "associated persons" have satisfied applicable qualification requirements.

A. Form BD

If a broker-dealer does not qualify for any of the exceptions or exemptions outlined in the sections above, it must register with the Commission under Section 15(b) of the Act. Broker-dealers register by filing an application on Form BD, which you may obtain from the SEC’s webpage at www.sec.gov/about/forms/formbd.pdf or through the SEC’s Publications Office at [phone]. You also use Form BD to:

apply for membership in an SRO, such as NASD or a registered national securities exchange;

give notice that you conduct government securities activities; or

apply for broker-dealer registration with each state in which you plan to do business.

Form BD asks questions about the background of the broker-dealer and its principals, controlling persons, and employees. The broker-dealer must meet the statutory requirements to engage in a business that involves high professional standards, and quite often includes the more rigorous responsibilities of a fiduciary.

To apply for registration, you must file one executed copy of Form BD through the Central Registration Depository (“CRD”), which is operated by NASD. (The only exception is for banks registering as municipal securities dealers, which file Form MSD directly with the SEC.) Form BD contains additional filing instructions. The SEC does not charge a filing fee, but the SROs and the states may. Applicants that reside outside the U.S. must also appoint the SEC as agent for service of process using a standard form. Incomplete applications are not considered “filed” and will be returned to the applicant for completion and re-submission.

Within 45 days of filing a completed application, the SEC will either grant registration or begin proceedings to determine whether it should deny registration. An SEC registration may be granted with the condition that SRO membership must be obtained. The SROs have independent membership application procedures and are not required to act within 45 days of the filing of a completed application. In addition, state registrations may be required. A broker-dealer must comply with relevant state law as well as federal law and applicable SRO rules. Timeframes for registration with individual states may differ from the federal and SRO timeframes. As such, when deciding to register as a broker-dealer, it is important to plan for the time required for processing Federal, state, and SRO registration or membership applications.

Duty to update Form BD. A registered broker-dealer must keep its Form BD current. Thus, it must promptly update its Form BD by filing amendments whenever the information on file becomes inaccurate or incomplete for any reason.

Prohibited Broker-Dealer Names. Title 18, Section 709 of the United States Code makes it a criminal offense to use the words “National,” “Federal,” “United States,” “Reserve,” or “Deposit Insurance” in the name of a person or organization in the brokerage business, unless otherwise allowed by federal law. Further, a broker-dealer name is otherwise materially misleading would become subject to scrutiny under Exchange Act Section 10(b), and Rule 10b-5 thereunder, the general antifraud rules, and any other applicable provisions.
B. SRO Membership

Before it begins doing business, a broker-dealer must become a member of an SRO. SROs assist the SEC in regulating the activities of broker-dealers. NASD and the national securities exchanges like the NYSE are all SROs. If a broker-dealer restricts its transactions to one national securities exchange and meets certain other conditions, it may be required only to be a member of that exchange. If a broker-dealer effects securities transactions other than on a national securities exchange of which it is a member, however, it must become a member of NASD. A broker-dealer that does both exchange and over-the-counter business may become a member of multiple exchanges and NASD. NASD’s webpage at www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye.cgi?www.nasd.com/ provides detailed information on the NASD membership process. You may also wish to consult the web pages of the individual exchanges for additional information. For a complete overview of the NASD registration process, Beam & Astarita has an excellent overview of the process which can be obtained by emailing [e-mail] with the subject "NASD Registration Overview".

Firms that engage in transactions in municipal securities must also comply with the rules of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, or MSRB. The MSRB is an SRO that makes rules governing transactions in municipal securities, but, unlike other SROs, it does not enforce compliance with its rules. Compliance with MSRB rules is monitored and enforced by the NASD and the SEC (in the case of broker-dealers), and the Federal bank regulators (in the case of banks). You may wish to consult the MSRB’s website at www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye.cgi?www.msrb.org/ for additional information, or you can call the MSRB at [phone].
C. SIPC Membership

Every registered broker-dealer must be a member of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation, or SIPC, unless its principal business is conducted outside of the United States or consists exclusively of the sale or distribution of investment company shares, variable annuities, or insurance. Each SIPC member must pay an annual fee to SIPC. SIPC insures that its members' customers receive back their cash and securities in the event of a member's liquidation, up to $500,000 per customer for cash and securities. (Claims for cash are limited to $100,000.) For further information, contact SIPC, 805 15th St., NW, Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: [phone], fax: [phone], or visit SIPC’s website at www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye.cgi?www.sipc.org/.
D. State Requirements

Every state has its own requirements for a person conducting business as a broker-dealer within that state. Each state's securities regulator can provide you with information about that state's requirements. You can obtain contact information for these regulators from the North American Securities Administrators Association, Inc. (NASAA), 750 First Street, NE, Suite 1140,
Washington, DC 20002. Telephone: [phone], or visit NASAA’s website at www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye.cgi?www.nasaa.org/. For an overview of the state regulatory scheme, see, Introduction to Blue Sky Laws.
E. Associated Persons (Section 3(a)(18); Rule 15b7-1)

The Act defines an "associated person" of a broker-dealer as any partner, officer, director, branch manager, or employee of the broker-dealer, any person performing similar functions, or any person controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, the broker-dealer. A broker-dealer must file a Form U-4 with the applicable SRO for each associated person who will effect transactions in securities when that person is hired or otherwise becomes associated. Form U-4 is used to register individuals and to record these individuals' prior employment and disciplinary history.

An associated person who effects or is involved in effecting securities transactions also must meet qualification requirements. These include passing an SRO securities qualification examination. Many individuals take the comprehensive "Series 7" exam. If individuals engage only in activities involving sales of particular types of securities, such as municipal securities, direct participation programs (limited partnerships) or mutual funds, they may wish to take a specialized examination focused on that type of security, instead of the general securities examination. There is also a special exam for assistant representatives, whose activities are limited to accepting unsolicited customer orders for execution by the firm. Supervisory personnel, and those who engage in specialized activities such as options trading, must take additional exams that cover those areas. These examinations require the Series 7 exam as a prerequisite.

You can obtain copies of Form U-4, as well as information on securities qualification examinations, from an SRO. NASD’s website at www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/goodbye.cgi?www.nasd.com/ contains detailed information and guidance for individuals who wish to obtain a series license through NASD. Also note that individual states have their own licensing and registration requirements, so you should consult with the applicable state securities regulators for further information.

Note: If you hold a series license, you must be properly associated with a registered broker-dealer to effect securities transactions. It is not sufficient merely to hold a series license when engaging in securities business. If you hold a series license and wish to start an independent securities business, or otherwise wish to effect securities transactions outside of an “associated person” relationship, you would first need to register as a broker-dealer.
F. Successor Broker-Dealer Registration (Rules 15b1-3, 15Ba2-4, and 15Ca2-3)

A successor broker-dealer assumes substantially all of the assets and liabilities, and continues the business, of a registered predecessor broker-dealer. A successor broker-dealer must file a new Form BD (or, in special instances, amend the predecessor broker-dealer's Form BD) within 30 days. The filing should indicate that the applicant is a successor. See Securities Exchange Act Release No. 31661 (December 28, 1992), 58 FR 11. See also, the instructions to Form BD.
G. Withdrawal from Registration (Rule 15b6-1); Cancellation of Registration

When a registered broker-dealer stops doing business, it must file a Form BDW (http://www.sec.gov/about/forms/formbdw.pdf) with the SEC and with the SROs of which it is a member. This form requires the broker-dealer to disclose the amount of any funds or securities it owes customers, and whether it is the subject of any proceedings, unsatisfied judgments, liens, or customer claims. These disclosures help to ensure that a broker-dealer’s business is concluded in an orderly manner and that customers’ funds and securities are protected. In most cases, a broker-dealer must also file a final FOCUS report. Form BDW may also be used by a broker-dealer to withdraw from membership with particular SROs, or to withdraw from registration with particular states, without withdrawing all of its registrations and memberships.

Form BDW is not considered “filed” unless it is deemed complete by the SEC and the SRO that reviews the filing. The SEC may also cancel a broker-dealer's registration if it finds that the firm is no longer in existence or has ceased doing business as a broker-dealer.
IV. SECURITY FUTURES

Security futures, which are contracts of sale for future delivery of a single security or a narrow-based security index, are regulated as both securities by the SEC and as futures by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (“CFTC”). As a result, firms that conduct business in security futures must be registered with both the SEC and the CFTC. Federal law permits firms already registered with either the SEC or the CFTC to register with the other agency, for the limited purpose of trading security futures, by filing a notice. Specifically, firms registered as general purpose broker-dealers under Section 15(b) of the Act may “notice” register with the CFTC. Likewise, futures commission merchants and introducing brokers registered with the CFTC may notice register with the SEC. (Section 15(b)(12) of the Act provides a limited exception to this notice registration requirement for certain natural persons who are members of security futures exchanges). However, futures commission merchants or introducing brokers that conduct a business in securities other than security futures must be registered as general-purpose broker-dealers. For more information on this topic, see Exchange Act Release No. 44730 (effective August 27, 2001), 66 FR 45138, and 66 FR 43080 (effective September 17, 2001).
V. CONDUCT REGULATION OF BROKER-DEALERS

Broker-dealers, like other securities market participants, must comply with the general "antifraud" provisions of the federal securities laws. Broker-dealers must also comply with many requirements that are designed to maintain high industry standards. We discuss some of these provisions below.
A. Antifraud Provisions (Sections 9(a), 10(b), and 15(c)(1) and (2))

The "antifraud" provisions prohibit misstatements or misleading omissions of material facts, and fraudulent or manipulative acts and practices, in connection with the purchase or sale of securities.2 While these provisions are very broad, the Commission has adopted rules, issued interpretations, and brought enforcement actions that define some of the activities we consider manipulative, deceptive, fraudulent, or otherwise unlawful.3 Broker-dealers must conduct their activities so as to avoid these kinds of practices.
1. Duty of Fair Dealing

Broker-dealers owe their customers a duty of fair dealing. This fundamental duty derives from the Act's antifraud provisions mentioned above. Under the so-called “shingle” theory, by virtue of engaging in the brokerage profession (e.g., hanging out the broker-dealer's business sign, or “shingle”), a broker-dealer represents to its customers that it will deal fairly with them, consistent with the standards of the profession. Based on this important representation, the SEC, through interpretive statements and enforcement actions, and the courts, through case law, have set forth over time certain duties for broker-dealers. These include the duties to execute orders promptly, disclose certain material information (i.e., information the customer would consider important as an investor), charge prices reasonably related to the prevailing market, and fully disclose any conflict of interest.

SRO rules also reflect the importance of fair dealing. For example, NASD members must comply with NASD's Rules of Fair Practice. These rules generally require broker-dealers to observe high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade in conducting their business. The exchanges and the MSRB have similar rules.
2. Duty of Best Execution

The duty of best execution, which also stems from the Act's antifraud provisions, requires a broker-dealer to seek to obtain the most favorable terms available under the circumstances for its customer orders. This applies whether the broker-dealer is acting as agent or as principal.

The SRO rules also include a duty of best execution. For example, NASD members must use "reasonable diligence" to determine the best market for a security and buy or sell the security in that market, so that the price to the customer is as favorable as possible under prevailing market conditions.
3. Customer Confirmation Rule (Rule 10b-10 and MSRB rule G-15)

A broker-dealer must provide its customers, at or before the completion of a transaction, with certain information, including:

the date, time, identity, price, and number of shares involved;

its capacity (agent or principal) and its compensation (for agency trades, compensation includes its commission and whether it receives payment for order flow;Â 4 and for principal trades, mark-up disclosure may be required);

the source and amount of any third party remuneration it has received or will receive;5

other information, both general (such as, if the broker-dealer is not a SIPC member) and transaction-specific (such as the yield, in most transactions involving debt securities).

A broker-dealer may also be obligated under the antifraud provisions of the Act to disclose additional information to the customer at the time of his or her investment decision.
4. Disclosure of Credit Terms (Rule 10b-16)

Broker-dealers must notify customers purchasing securities on credit about the credit terms and the status of their accounts. A broker-dealer must establish procedures for disclosing this information before it extends credit to a customer for the purchase of securities. A broker-dealer must give the customer this information at the time the account is opened, and must also provide credit customers with account statements at least quarterly.
5. Restrictions on Short Sales (Regulation SHO)

A “short sale” is generally a sale of a security that the seller doesn't own. Exchange Act Rule 10a-1 is designed to limit short selling in a declining market. The rule generally bars a person from selling a covered security that he or she does not own, unless the sale is at a price above the price of the last sale, or at the last sale price if that price was above the next preceding different price.

Regulation SHO was adopted in 2004 to update short sale regulation in light of numerous market developments since short sale regulation was first adopted in 1938. Compliance with Regulation SHO began on January 3, 2005. Some of the goals of Regulation SHO include:

Establishing uniform “locate” and “close-out” requirements in order to address problems associated with failures to deliver, including potentially abusive “naked” short selling.

Locate Requirement: Regulation SHO requires a broker-dealer to have reasonable grounds to believe that the security can be borrowed so that it can be delivered on the date delivery is due before effecting a short sale order in any equity security. This “locate” must be made and documented prior to effecting the short sale. Market makers engaged in bona fide market making are exempted from the “locate” requirement.

“Close-out” Requirement: Regulation SHO imposes additional delivery requirements on broker-dealers for securities in which there are a relatively substantial number of extended delivery failures at a registered clearing agency (“threshold securities”). For instance, with limited exception, Regulation SHO requires brokers and dealers that are participants of a registered clearing agency to take action to “close-out” failure-to-deliver positions (“open fails”) in threshold securities that have persisted for 13 consecutive settlement days. Closing out requires the broker or dealer to purchase securities of like kind and quantity. Until the position is closed out, the broker or dealer and any broker or dealer for which it clears transactions (for example, an introducing broker) may not effect further short sales in that threshold security without borrowing or entering into a bona fide agreement to borrow the security (known as the “pre-borrowing” requirement).

Temporarily suspending Commission and SRO short sale price tests in a group of securities to evaluate the overall effectiveness and necessity of such restrictions. The Commission will study the impact of relaxing the price tests for a period of one year.

Creating uniform order marking requirements for sales of all equity securities. This means that orders you place with your broker-dealer must be marked “long,” “short,” or “short exempt.”

For further information, please see the adopting release for Regulation SHO, as well as Frequently Asked Questions, Key Points, and other related materials at www.sec.gov/spotlight/shortsales.htm. In addition, Rule 105 of Regulation M, described in the next section, restricts the covering of short sales.
6. Trading During an Offering (Regulation M)

Regulation M is designed to protect the integrity of the securities trading market as an independent pricing mechanism by governing the activities of underwriters, issuers, selling security holders, and other participants in connection with a securities offering. These rules are aimed at preventing persons having an interest in an offering from influencing the market price for the offered security in order to facilitate a distribution. The adopting release for Regulation M is available at www.sec.gov/rules/final/34-38067.txt.

Rule 101 of Regulation M generally prohibits underwriters, broker-dealers and other distribution participants from bidding for, purchasing, or attempting to induce any person to bid for or purchase, any security which is the subject of a distribution until the applicable restricted period has ended. An offering’s "restricted period" begins either one or five business days (depending on the trading volume value of the offered security and the public float value of the issuer) before the day of the offering's pricing and ends upon completion of the distribution.

Rule 101 contains various exceptions that are designed to permit an orderly distribution of securities and limit disruption in the market for the securities being distributed. For example, underwriters can continue to trade in actively-traded securities of larger issuers (securities with an average daily trading volume, or ADTV, value of $1 million or more and whose issuers have a public float value of at least $150 million). In addition, the following activities, among others, may be excepted from Rule 101, if they meet specified conditions:

disseminating research reports;

making unsolicited purchases;

purchasing a group, or “basket” of 20 or more securities;

exercising options, warrants, rights, and convertible securities;

effecting transactions that total less than 2% of the security's ADTV; and

effecting transactions in securities sold to “qualified institutional buyers.”

Rule 102 of Regulation M prohibits issuers, selling security holders, and their affiliated purchasers from bidding for, purchasing, or attempting to induce any person to bid for or purchase, any security which is the subject of a distribution until after the applicable restricted period.

Rule 103 of Regulation M governs passive market making by broker-dealers participating in an offering of a Nasdaq security.

Rule 104 of Regulation M governs stabilization transactions, syndicate short covering activity, and penalty bids.

Rule 105 of Regulation M prevents manipulative short sales in anticipation of an offering by prohibiting investors from the covering certain short sales with securities purchased in the offering.

For frequently asked questions about Regulation M, see Staff Legal Bulletin No. 9 at www.sec.gov/interps/legal/mrslb9.htm.
7. Restrictions on Insider Trading

The SEC and the courts interpret Section 10(b) and Rule 10b-5 under the Act to bar the use by any person of material non-public information in the purchase or sale of securities, whenever that use violates a duty of trust and confidence owed to a third party. Section 15(f) of the Act specifically requires broker-dealers to have and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed to prevent their employees from misusing material non-public information. Because employees in the investment banking operations of broker-dealers frequently have access to material non-public information, firms need to create procedures designed to limit the flow of this information so that their employees cannot use the information in the trading of securities. Broker-dealers can use these information barriers as a defense to a claim of insider trading. Such procedures typically include:

training to make employees aware of these restrictions;

employee trading restrictions;

physical barriers;

isolation of certain departments; and

limitations on investment bank proprietary trading.6

8. Restrictions on Private Securities Transactions

NASD Rule 3040 provides that “no person associated with a member shall participate in any manner in a private securities transaction” except in accordance with the provisions of the rule. To the extent that any such transactions are permitted under the rule, prior to participating in any private securities transaction, the associated person must provide written notice to the member firm as described in the rule. If compensation is involved, the member firm must approve or disapprove the proposed transaction, record it in its books and records, and supervise the transaction as if it were executed on behalf of the member firm. Other conditions may also apply. In addition, private securities transactions of an associated person may be subject to an analysis under Exchange Act Section 10(b) and Rule 10-5, as well as the broker-dealer supervisory provisions of Section 15(f) (described in Part V.A.7, above) and Section 15(b)(4)(E), and other relevant statutory or regulatory provisions.
B. Analysts and Regulation AC

Regulation AC (or Regulation Analyst Certification) requires brokers, dealers, and persons associated with brokers or dealers that publish, distribute, or circulate research reports to include in those reports a certification that the views expressed in the report accurately reflect the analyst's personal views. The report must also disclose whether the analyst received compensation for the views expressed in the report. If the analyst has received related compensation, the broker, dealer, or associated person must disclose its amount, source, and purpose. Regulation AC applies to all brokers and dealers, as well as to those persons associated with a broker or dealer that fall within the definition of “covered person.” Regulation AC also requires that broker-dealers keep records of analyst certifications relating to public appearances.

In addition to Commission rules, analyst conduct is governed by SRO rules, such as NASD Rule 2711 and NYSE Rule 472. The SRO rules impose restrictions on analyst compensation, personal trading activities, and involvement in investment banking activities. The SRO rules also include disclosure requirements for research reports and public appearances.

For further information, including investor guidance, SEC releases, and SRO rules, see www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/securitiesanalysts.htm. In addition, staff responses to frequently asked questions are available at www.sec.gov/divisions/marketreg/mregacfaq0803.htm.
C. Trading by Members of Exchanges, Brokers and Dealers (Section 11(a))

Broker-dealers that are members of national securities exchanges are subject to additional regulations regarding transactions they effect on exchanges. For example, except under certain conditions, they generally cannot effect transactions on exchanges for their own accounts, the accounts of their associated persons, or accounts that they or their associated persons manage. Exceptions from this general rule include transactions by market makers, transactions routed through other members, and transactions that yield to other orders. Exchange members may wish to seek guidance from their exchange regarding these provisions.
D. Extending Credit on New Issues; Disclosure of Capacity as Broker or Dealer (Section 11(d))

Section 11(d)(1) of the Act generally prohibits a broker-dealer that participates in the distribution of a new issue of securities from extending credit to customers in connection with the new issue during the distribution period and for 30 days thereafter. Sales by a broker-dealer of mutual fund shares and variable insurance product units are deemed to constitute participation in the distribution of a new issue. Therefore, purchase of mutual fund shares or variable product units using credit extended or arranged by the broker-dealer during the distribution period is a violation of Section 11(d)(1). However, Exchange Act Rule 11d1-2 permits a broker-dealer to extend credit to a customer on newly sold mutual fund shares and variable insurance product units after the customer has owned the shares or units for 30 days.

Section 11(d)(2) of the Act requires a broker-dealer to disclose in writing, at or before the completion of each transaction with a customer, whether the broker-dealer is acting in the capacity of broker or dealer with regard to the transaction.
E. Order Execution Obligations (Rules 602-604 of Regulation NMS)

Broker-dealers that are exchange specialists or Nasdaq market makers must comply with particular rules regarding publishing quotes and handling customer orders. These two types of broker-dealers have special functions in the securities markets, particularly because they trade for their own accounts while also handling orders for customers. These rules, which include the “Quote Rule” and the “Limit Order Display Rule,” increase the information that is publicly available concerning the prices at which investors may buy and sell exchange-listed and Nasdaq National Market System securities.

The Quote Rule requires specialists and market makers to provide quotation information to their self-regulatory organization for dissemination to the public. The quote information that the specialist or market maker provides must reflect the best prices at which he is willing to trade (the lowest price the dealer will accept from a customer to sell the securities and the highest price the dealer will pay a customer to purchase the securities). A specialist or market maker may still trade at better prices in certain private trading systems, called electronic communications networks, or “ECNs,” without publishing an improved quote. This is true only when the ECN itself publishes the improved prices and makes those prices available to the investing public. Thus, the Quote Rule ensures that the public has access to the best prices at which specialists and market makers are willing to trade even if those prices are in private trading systems.

Limit orders are orders to buy or sell securities at a specified price. The Limit Order Display Rule requires that specialists and market makers publicly display certain limit orders they receive from customers. If the limit order is for a price that is better than the specialist's or market maker's quote, the specialist or market maker must publicly display it. The rule benefits investors because the publication of trading interest at prices that improve specialists' and market makers' quotes present investors with improved pricing opportunities.
F. Penny Stock Rules (Rules 15g-2 through 15g-9, Schedule 15G)

Most broker-dealers that effect transactions in “penny stocks” have certain enhanced suitability and disclosure obligations to their customers.7 A penny stock is generally defined as any equity security other than a security that: (a) is an NMS stock8 listed on a “grandfathered” national securities exchange, (b) is an NMS stock listed on a national securities exchange or an automated quotation system sponsored by a registered national securities association (including Nasdaq) t