Legal Counsel and Services for Broker-Dealer Entities

Broker-dealers must meet a slew of regulatory requirements, each of which presents its own set of challenges. For instance, what procedures should be followed for social networking diligence and supervisory? What are the current cash versus non-cash compensation rules, and what can and cannot be paid for? How should suitability and legitimate concerns be evaluated before a new product is made available? You should consider seeking advice from FINRA arbitration law firm/ hiring an attorney to represent you during the arbitration or mediation proceedings to provide direction and advice. Even if you do not choose to hire an attorney, brokerage firms are generally represented by an attorney.

FINRA enforcement counsels at MAH Advising, LLC (“MAH”) offer legal advice and services to deal with these challenges. Our lawyers and professional staff provide the following ongoing broker-dealer attorney assessment services:

Formation Services

Our securities attorneys provide broker dealer compliance services by assisting broker-dealers from the start of their business. We assist in the completion of new membership applications, the updating of corporate records (such as bylaws, partnership agreements, and so on), the assistance with registration requirements as well as compliance processes for registered representatives, and the development of training programs.

Please visit our page on broker-dealer formation to learn more about our formation services

Assessment and Compliance

Some clients want to buy a pre-existing broker-dealer shell. Others want to improve their current compliance programs. Whatever you decide, MAH can assist you with:

• FINRA broker dealer registration
• FINRA maternity consultation
• Giving due diligence checklists and interviewing potential broker-dealer shell sellers
• Creating broker-dealer selling contracts
• Mock FINRA examinations and broker-dealer risk assessments
• Performing audits of branch offices
• Conducting independent AML audits
• Evaluating and improving the current compliance program and training efforts
• Annual testing to certify the broker-compliance dealer’s supervisory program in accordance with FINRA regulations
• Review surveillance reports and create “red flag” triggers to evaluate current surveillance efforts.
• Answering regulatory inquiries and complaints
• Development and testing of the business continuity plan, anti-money laundering (AML), and Regulation S-P programs
• Compliance technology solution recommendations and implementation
• Transactions and Broker-Dealer Practices
• Assist with completing all ongoing registration forms, submitting supporting documentation, and filing with FINRA and the appropriate state offices.
• Writing, reviewing, and analysing client documents (new account forms, privacy notices, prospectus receipts, exchange disclosures, quarterly performance reports, marketing disclosures, etc.)
• Review and evaluation of sales practices (use of finders, telemarketing, marketing tools & sales desk responses)
• Making and evaluating broker-dealer selling agreements
• Evaluation of the business continuity, recovery from disaster, and succession plans
• Due diligence of third-party service providers
• Comprehensive Counselling for FINRA-Related Regulations

MAH experts being a FINRA broker dealer regulatory counsel is well-versed in all aspects of Financial Industry Regulatory Authority compliance (FINRA). Our FINRA defense attorney advise clients on FINRA requirements such as:

• Advertising requirements and collateral review
• Due diligence on investments and vendors
• FINRA examinations and enforcement counsel
• Written supervisory procedures and controls for surveillance
• Developing and sustaining broker-dealer compliance programs
• Account forms, sales agreements, and other documents
• Form CRS and other client disclosure documents
• Cybersecurity guidance

For additional help or information related to FINRA enforcement, talk to the team of FINRA securities arbitration lawyer here at MAH Advising LLC. Our FINRA enforcement attorneys have very good experience in helping brokers dealers. Contact your FINRA defense lawyers now at MAH Advising LLC.