Unit 3 Flashcards
(40 cards)
Under the Uniform Securities Act, which of the following is responsible for notifying the Administrator when an agent changes his place of employment from one broker-dealer to another?
A) The agent, the former employer, and the new employer
B) New broker-dealer
C) Agent
D) Former broker-dealer
A) The agent, the former employer, and the new employer
All three parties must notify the Administrator.
Which of the following must register as an agent when representing a broker-dealer?
A) An employee who accepts unsolicited orders from institutional clients
B) A partner of a broker-dealer who has no securities sales functions
C) The telephone switchboard operator who directs orders to the appropriate extension
D) An individual who represents an underwriter only in transactions between an issuer and the underwriter
A) An employee who accepts unsolicited orders from institutional clients
An employee of a broker-dealer who accepts orders must register as an agent. The fact that it is unsolicited and/or from an institution (making them exempt transactions) has no bearing on the requirement for the individual to register as an agent. A partner of a broker-dealer with no securities sales functions and an individual who represents an underwriter only in transactions between an issuer and the underwriter need not register. Individuals whose function is strictly clerical do not register as agents.
Under federal law, an application for becoming an associated person of a broker-dealer would be denied for an individual
A) pleading no contest to a misdemeanor involving a financial matter 65 months ago
B) who is not a citizen of the United States
C) convicted of a felony 122 months ago
D) accused of a securities-related felony 110 months ago
A) pleading no contest to a misdemeanor involving a financial matter 65 months ago
An individual who is convicted of, or has pleaded guilty or no contest to, any felony or certain misdemeanors in the previous 10 years (120 months) is subject to statutory disqualification. Therefore, the misdemeanor involving a financial matter within the past 10 years is a cause for disqualification. A conviction made more than 10 years ago is part of the record but not cause for disqualification. One is presumed innocent until proven guilty so merely being accused is not the same as being convicted. There is no requirement that a registrant be a U.S. citizen.
Angelo lives and votes in State W. He winters in State C, splitting his time 60/40 between the 2 states. Angelo has a brokerage account with Sunset Investment Securities (SIS) and trades with an agent housed in SIS’s State W office. SIS is also registered in States M and I but, having no place of business there, is not registered in State C. In order for Angelo’s agent to handle the account, registration as an agent is required
A) in State W.
B) in State W and State C.
C) solely with FINRA.
D) in State C.
A) in State W.
By not having a place of business in State C and only having a client who is temporarily in the state, SIS (and those functioning as its agents) qualify for the “snowbird” exemption.
A Canadian broker-dealer is registered in Province Q. The firm has clients who vacation in several New England states and they would like to continue to do business with them while on their holidays. Under the Uniform Securities Act,
A) this is permissible only if the broker-dealer is registered with the SEC
B) the broker-dealer may only accept unsolicited orders from their existing clients while they are vacationing in the United States
C) this is permissible if the broker-dealer is properly registered in Province Q, deals only with existing clients, and registers in each of the states where their clients are vacationing
D) this would only be permitted if the trades were executed through an affiliated domestic broker-dealer who is licensed in those states
C) this is permissible if the broker-dealer is properly registered in Province Q, deals only with existing clients, and registers in each of the states where their clients are vacationing
The Uniform Securities Act provides for a form of limited registration for Canadian broker-dealers wishing to do business with their clients who are vacationing or otherwise traveling through the United States. In order to qualify for the limited registration, the BD must be properly licensed in its home province and their only dealing in the states is with an existing client.
A broker-dealer would most likely hire an agent to
A) implement the firm’s new recordkeeping program
B) sell securities to clients
C) solicit for advisory clients
D) engage in marketing for the broker-dealer
B) sell securities to clients
The Uniform Securities Act defines an agent as follows: “‘Agent’ means any individual other than a broker-dealer who represents a broker-dealer or issuer in effecting or attempting to effect purchases or sales of securities.” They are not there to do marketing or handle recordkeeping. Soliciting for advisory clients would be done by an investment adviser representative, not an agent.
If Somerville Discount Securities has its principal office in New Jersey and recently registered a branch office in Minnesota, which of the following statements is TRUE?
A) Each agent must be registered in the appropriate state before soliciting or taking orders.
B) Each agent is automatically registered in both states.
C) Agents working in the branch office that are licensed only in Minnesota may take unsolicited orders from New Jersey residents.
D) Agents working in the principal office that are licensed only in New Jersey may take unsolicited orders from Minnesota residents.
A) Each agent must be registered in the appropriate state before soliciting or taking orders.
Agents must be registered in every state in which they do business. An agent is not automatically registered in a state just because his employer is registered in that state.
A local customer of broker-dealer A is on vacation in Nevada. Broker-dealer A, who is registered in and maintains offices only in Florida, wishes to make the customer aware of an investment opportunity that has just become available. Which of the following is TRUE?
A) Broker-dealer A must notify the Nevada Administrator before calling this customer in Nevada.
B) Broker-dealer A may not solicit this customer in Nevada unless broker-dealer A and the agent making the call are registered in Nevada.
C) Broker-dealer A may not solicit this customer in Nevada unless the broker-dealer has a branch office registered in Nevada.
D) Broker-dealer A may solicit this customer in Nevada.
D) Broker-dealer A may solicit this customer in Nevada.
This is an example of the Uniform Securities Act’s position that, in certain situations, a broker-dealer is not a broker-dealer. If a broker-dealer registered in one state contacts an existing customer in another state and that customer is not a resident of the other state, the broker-dealer is not defined as a broker-dealer in the state in which the contact is made and is therefore not subject to the laws of that state. Of course, this is only true when the broker-dealer does not have an office in that state.
If information filed with the Administrator by a broker-dealer as part of its registration changes in a material way, the registrant must
A) update the information on the registration on the next annual renewal date
B) amend the registration statement within 60 days of the material change
C) submit an entirely new registration form within 30 days of the material change in information
D) amend or update the information promptly regardless of the renewal date
D) amend or update the information promptly regardless of the renewal date
When material information changes, the registrant must promptly amend or update the information regardless of the renewal date. The requirement to amend a registration applies to investment advisers, broker-dealers, and securities. However, the Uniform Securities Act does not define the term “promptly.”
Broker-dealers, investment advisers, agents, and investment adviser representatives who use the internet to distribute information on available products and services that are directed generally to anyone having access to the internet and transmitted through postings on bulletin boards, displays on homepages, or similar methods are not deemed to be transacting business in this state for purposes of the Uniform Securities Act solely on the basis of that fact if which of the following conditions are observed?
I. The internet communication contains a legend in which it is clearly stated that the broker-dealer, investment adviser, agent, or IAR in question may transact business in this state only if first registered, excluded, or exempted from state broker-dealer, investment adviser, agent, or IAR registration requirements, as may be the case.
II. The internet communication contains a legend in which it is clearly stated that follow-up; individualized responses to persons in this state by the broker-dealer, investment adviser, agent, or IAR that involve either the effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities; or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, as may be, will not be made absent compliance with state broker-dealer, investment adviser, agent, or IAR registration requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion.
III. The internet communication contains a mechanism, including and without limitation, technical firewalls or other implemented policies and procedures, designed reasonably to ensure that before any subsequent, direct communication with prospective customers or clients in this state, the broker-dealer, investment adviser, agent, or IAR is first registered in this state or qualifies for an exemption or exclusion from such requirement.
IV. The internet communication does not involve either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, as may be, in this state over the internet, but is limited to the dissemination of general information on products and services being offered.
A) III and IV
B) I, II, and III
C) I and II
D) I, II, III, and IV
D) I, II, III, and IV
With the growth of the internet, NASAA developed an interpretive order concerning broker-dealers, investment advisers, agents, and investment adviser representatives using the internet for general dissemination of information on products and services. The primary focus of this order was to set the parameters under which securities professionals could communicate on the internet or use their websites in states in which they were not registered. Meeting all of the requirements stated in the answer is necessary.
GEMCO Securities, Inc., a broker-dealer registered in the state, has over 10,000 clients ranging from small individual accounts to substantial institutions. GEMCO has determined that the most efficient way to maintain contact with its clients is through electronic communications. Under the USA, these emails must be retained by the broker-dealer for a minimum of
A) 5 years
B) 8 years
C) 2 years
D) 3 years
D) 3 years
The USA specifies that all records, including electronic communications (emails), must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years. For investment advisers, the requirement is 5 years.
When applying for registration as an agent, which of the following must be disclosed?
A) Highest educational level achieved and the institution attended.
B) Complete employment history for the past 5 years.
C) Certain financial information such as any unsatisfied judgments or liens against the applicant.
D) Residential history for the past 3 years.
C) Certain financial information such as any unsatisfied judgments or liens against the applicant.
This question probably contains more detailed information than will be covered on the exam. Negative financial information, such as unsatisfied judgments or liens and bankruptcy filings must be disclosed. Employment history for the past 10 years and residential history for the past 5 years must be shown. If, during the past 10 years, the applicant was a full-time student, then that must be shown, but that is the extent of educational information required.
Under the Uniform Securities Act, unless renewed, the registration of which of the following securities professionals expires on December 31?
I. Agents
II. Broker-dealers
III. Investment advisers
IV. Investment adviser representatives
D) I, II, III, and IV
State registration of any securities professional expires on December 31, unless renewed.
One of the terms defined in the Uniform Securities Act is “broker-dealer.” Which of the following is NOT included in that definition?
I. An individual employed by a corporate entity to open new customer accounts for the purpose of trading securities
II. A business entity seeking to raise additional capital using the regulated securities markets
III. A person whose primary function is buying securities for his own account and for the accounts of others
IV. A person whose primary function is providing advice on what assets belong in clients’ investment portfolios
A) III and IV
B) II and III
C) I, II, and IV
D) I, II, III, and IV
C) I, II, and IV
A broker-dealer is defined as a person in the business of effectuating securities transactions for its own account or the account of others. Those employed to open new accounts are defined as agents. Those seeking to raise new capital are issuers, and a person who provides investment advice is an investment adviser.
An agent with a broker-dealer is suddenly called out of town on a personal family matter. While away, the agent’s unregistered sales assistant receives a phone call from an existing client wishing to purchase 200 shares of a listed stock. What would be the most appropriate action for the sales assistant to take?
A) Explain that the agent is out of town and request the client to call back with the order next week
B) Accept the order because it is from an existing customer
C) Accept and place the order because it is unsolicited
D) Route the call to a licensed agent in the office
D) Route the call to a licensed agent in the office
The fact that the order is unsolicited does not preclude the rule that under no circumstances may an unregistered individual accept and place orders.
A broker-dealer is registered in States A and B. An agent of theirs is registered in State A, and one of the agent’s clients moves from State A to State C. If the agent wishes to continue to do business with this client, which of the following statements is CORRECT?
A) Both the broker-dealer and the agent must register in State C.
B) Only the broker-dealer must register in State C.
C) Only the agent must register in State C.
D) As long as they have 5 or fewer retail clients in State C, neither the broker-dealer nor the agent must register there.
A) Both the broker-dealer and the agent must register in State C.
As long as a broker-dealer has at least 1 retail client in a state, registration is required. Furthermore, an agent cannot do business with a client who has become a resident of a state unless she is registered as an agent of a registered broker-dealer in that state. Unlike investment advisers, there is no de minimis exemption for broker-dealers and agents.
Under the Uniform Securities Act, which of the following is a broker-dealer?
A) An issuer
B) A credit union that sells its own stock
C) An agent
D) A corporation that sells interests in an oil and gas limited partnership to investors with the proceeds going to the issuer
D) A corporation that sells interests in an oil and gas limited partnership to investors with the proceeds going to the issuer
A broker-dealer is any person that buys or sells for the accounts of others or for his own account. In this case, an entity structured as a corporation is selling , on behalf of the issuer, a security in the form of limited partnership units and is therefore a broker-dealer. A broker-dealer is not an issuer or an agent.
Creative Financial Solutions (CFS) is a broker-dealer registered with the SEC. CFS has its principal and only office in State A. CFS also does business with clients in State B. Which of these clients would cause CFS to have to register in State B?
A) 1 mutual fund registered with the SEC
B) 15 other broker-dealers
C) 4 retail clients residing in State B
D) 6 banks doing business in State B
C) 4 retail clients residing in State B
Excluded from the definition of broker-dealer under the Uniform Securities Act is a broker-dealer with no place of business in a given state whose clientele consists exclusively of other broker-dealers, financial institutions (banks, investment companies), or existing customers who are temporarily in the state. However, once the BD has even 1 retail (noninstitutional) client who resides in the state, registration is required. There is no de minimis exemption for broker-dealers (unlike investment advisers).
Under the USA, a person who has passed the appropriate NASAA examination but whose license has not yet been issued can participate in
A) filing payroll report
B) prospecting for new clients by mail
C) accepting unsolicited orders
D) prospecting for new clients in person
A) filing payroll report
A person who has passed the NASAA exam cannot transact securities business until the Administrator notifies the employer that the registration is effective. Filing payroll reports is a clerical activity, and registration would not be required to perform that function.
Which of the following statements referring to renewal of a broker-dealer’s registration under the Uniform Securities Act are CORRECT?
I. Annual renewal takes place on the anniversary of the registrant’s initial registration.
II. Each renewal application must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.
III. Each renewal application must be accompanied by a consent to service of process signed by an authorized supervisory person of the firm.
IV. Registrations expire December 31 unless renewed or canceled.
A) I and III
B) II and IV
C) II and III
D) I and IV
B) II and IV
The consent to service of process is filed with the initial application for registration and becomes a permanent part of the registrant’s file. The USA states that all registrations of persons expire on December 31 unless renewed, withdrawn, or canceled.
Prompt notification to the Administrator must be made when
A) a nonexempt issuer’s dividend is reduced
B) there is a change to the marital status of an agent
C) there is a material change to any information contained in a broker-dealer’s application for registration that is on file with the state
D) a federal covered adviser with a place of business in the state relocates that office to a different city
C) there is a material change to any information contained in a broker-dealer’s application for registration that is on file with the state
Whenever there is a material change to the information contained in the registration application of a securities professional, the Administrator must be promptly notified. Marital status is not included on the Form U4. Federal covered investment advisers are not under the Administrator’s jurisdiction.
Anyone who represents an issuer in effecting transactions between the underwriter and the issuer:
A) must be registered as an agent.
B) must be registered as an investment adviser.
C) must be registered as an administrator.
D) is excluded from the definition of agent under the Uniform Securities Act.
D) is excluded from the definition of agent under the Uniform Securities Act.
When an individual represents an issuer (not a broker-dealer), the Uniform Securities Act provides several exclusions from the definition of an agent. One of those is representing the issuer in an exempt transaction. A transaction between the issuer and the underwriter of its securities is an example of the exempt transactions we’ll cover again in U4LO3.
The Uniform Securities Act would NOT consider who of the following to be securities professionals?
A) Persons in the business of buying or selling securities for their own account
B) Individual investors actively trading their own accounts
C) Persons in the business of buying or selling securities on behalf of others
D) Persons in the business of advising others regarding securities investments
B) Individual investors actively trading their own accounts
“In the business” generally means persons compensated by others for securities activities and would exclude individual investors trading their own accounts. Persons in the business of buying or selling securities for their own account or on behalf of others are broker-dealers. Persons in the business of advising others regarding securities are investment advisers.
An individual has been registered in State C and State D as an agent of a broker-dealer for the past three years. Due to a number of this agent’s clients moving to State F, the agent registers there in early November. The individual’s new registration in State F will expire
A) on every anniversary date of the initial registration.
B) on December 31 of the same year.
C) on December 31 of the following year.
D) automatically within 30 days after the withdrawal of registration if the state securities Administrator has initiated proceedings against the registrant.
B) on December 31 of the same year.
State registration for all securities professionals expires on December 31 next following the date of registration. The next December 31 after a November registration is December 31 of that same year. If the state Administrator initiates a proceeding, the withdrawal is put on hold until the results of the hearing are final.