Compliance and Legal Services for Broker-Dealers
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Broker-dealers face one of the most complex regulatory frameworks in the financial industry, with overlapping oversight from the SEC, FINRA, MSRB, and Treasury. From registration and AML requirements to examinations and enforcement defense, broker-dealers must operate under constant scrutiny. LawVisory PLLC provides confidential, attorney-client privileged legal and compliance services that help broker-dealers meet regulatory obligations, reduce risk, and prepare for FINRA and SEC examinations.
What Legal and Compliance Challenges Do Broker-Dealers Face?
Broker-dealers must comply with a wide array of regulatory requirements, including:
SEC and FINRA registration and membership
Maintaining a robust Written Supervisory Procedures (WSP) Manual
Compliance with AML/CFT programs under FinCEN’s rules
Preparing for FINRA cycle examinations and surprise inspections
Trade reporting compliance (CAT, TRACE, MSRB)
Supervising registered representatives and associated persons
Managing advertising and communications under FINRA Rule 2210
Filing FOCUS Reports and financial disclosures
Maintaining net capital compliance under SEC Rule 15c3-1
How Does LawVisory Support Broker-Dealers with Compliance?
LawVisory’s team of experienced attorneys provides end-to-end support tailored to broker-dealers:
SEC & FINRA Registration
- Guidance on initial registration with the SEC and FINRA
- Filing Form BD and Form U4/U5 for registered reps
- Support for continuing membership applications (CMAs)
Ongoing Compliance
Development and updates to Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs)
Compliance calendars and risk assessments
AML/KYC program design and testing
Examination & Audit Prep
Mock FINRA and SEC examinations
Support during surprise branch inspections
Corrective action plans for deficiencies
Outsourced Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
- Experienced attorneys serving as outsourced CCO
- Ongoing supervision and regulatory filings
- Independent compliance oversight
Enforcement & Defense
Responding to Wells Notices, FINRA 8210 requests, and SEC inquiries
Representation in arbitration and litigation
Defense against enforcement actions
What Happens if Broker-Dealers Fail to Comply with SEC or FINRA Rules?
Non-compliance can result in:
- Suspension or revocation of SEC/FINRA membership
- Heavy fines and sanctions from FINRA or the SEC
- Arbitration claims from clients or counterparties
- Criminal liability for AML/KYC failures
- Loss of investor trust and reputational damage
LawVisory mitigates these risks by offering proactive compliance strategies tailored to the broker-dealer business model.
Why LawVisory?
26+ years of SEC experience and FINRA compliance experience
Service as outsourced CLO and CCO for broker-dealers nationwide
- Extensive enforcement defense experience in SEC Enforcement Division
- Experience designing compliance programs, AML manuals, and supervisory systems
Contact Us
+1 202-854-0515
info@lawvisory.com
1250 Connecticut Ave NW #700, Washington, DC 20036
What forms must broker-dealers file with the SEC and FINRA?
What are FINRA’s annual compliance requirements?
What is the SEC Net Capital Rule, and why is it important?
What happens during a FINRA examination?
Can LawVisory serve as my firm’s Chief Compliance Officer?
Is your broker-dealer prepared for its next FINRA or SEC exam?
Schedule a confidential compliance consultation with LawVisory’s attorneys today.