The Private Placements section of the 2022 Report on FINRA’s Risk Monitoring and Examination Activities (the Report) informs member firms’ compliance programs by providing annual insights from FINRA’s ongoing regulatory operations, including (1) relevant regulatory obligations and related considerations, (2) exam findings and effective practices, and (3) additional resources.
As noted in Regulatory Notice 10-22 (Obligations of Broker-Dealers to Conduct Reasonable Investigations in Regulation D Offerings), as part of their obligations under FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability) and supervisory requirements under FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision), firms must conduct a “reasonable investigation” by evaluating “the issuer and its management; the business prospects of the issuer; the assets held by or to be acquired by the issuer; the claims being made; and the intended use of proceeds of the offering.”
Alternative, "alt" or “liquid alt” funds are publicly offered, SEC-registered funds that use investments or strategies that can differ from what is offered in a typical fund. Compared to more traditional mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs), liquid alt funds tend to hold investments that extend beyond equities and bonds or employ more complex or sophisticated strategies.
Overview – The following is a guide to assist applicants as they prepare and submit information and documentation for FINRA Form New Member Application (NMA) or Form Continuing Member Application (CMA) regarding new private placement business. This checklist is designed to help applicants provide basic information FINRA staff may ask them to submit in order to begin a meaningful review and to aid
(a) Filing Requirements
Each member that sells a security in a non-public offering in reliance on an available exemption from registration under the Securities Act ("private placement") must: (i) submit to FINRA, or have submitted on its behalf by a designated member, a copy of any private placement memorandum, term sheet or other offering document, including any materially amended
(a) Filing Requirements
Each member that sells a security in a non-public offering in reliance on an available exemption from registration under the Securities Act ("private placement") must: (i) submit to FINRA, or have submitted on its behalf by a designated member, a copy of any private placement memorandum, term sheet or other offering document, and any retail communication (as
Indexed annuities have surged in popularity because of the way they incorporate features beyond those found in conventional fixed annuities. Similar to conventional fixed annuities, the taxes on gains in indexed annuities are deferred until you begin receiving distributions.
Among the many opportunities available to investors are those involving “crowdfunding.” Crowdfunding generally refers to the use of the internet by small businesses to raise capital through limited investments from a large number of investors. Crowdfunding investments carry significant risk, and you can lose some or all of your investment.
Investors looking for different ways to diversify their portfolio by providing access and exposure to illiquid strategies or alternative assets may look to interval funds, but these come with unique risks and characteristics and have a fee structure that may be higher than those charged by other types of funds.
Volatile markets can inspire feelings of fear and anxiety among investors. When the stock market gets rocky, focusing on your overall financial picture, combined with sound planning, can pay dividends. These five steps can help steady your pulse during market spikes and elevate your financial security.
