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Broker-Dealer Registration Services
Broker-Dealer Registration Services
Broker-dealer registration is a critical first step in launching your firm. We provide expert support to help you meet SEC and FINRA requirements while mitigating regulatory risks.
Broker-dealer registration is a critical first step in launching your firm. We provide expert support to help you meet SEC and FINRA requirements while mitigating regulatory risks.
As seen on:
As seen on:
As seen on:
Eligibility
Eligibility
Who Needs to Register as a Broker-Dealer?
Not every firm involved in securities must register as a broker-dealer, but most entities that buy or sell securities for themselves or on behalf of others are required to. Below are common types of businesses that typically must register.
Investment Firms
Firms that execute trades, manage client portfolios, or provide investment advice alongside transaction services generally must register as broker-dealers.
Investment Firms
Firms that execute trades, manage client portfolios, or provide investment advice alongside transaction services generally must register as broker-dealers.
Independent Brokers
Individuals who independently facilitate securities transactions, earning commissions or fees, are required to register to conduct their activities lawfully.
Independent Brokers
Individuals who independently facilitate securities transactions, earning commissions or fees, are required to register to conduct their activities lawfully.
Brokerage Firms
Companies acting as intermediaries in securities transactions for clients must be registered to operate and comply with applicable regulations.
Brokerage Firms
Companies acting as intermediaries in securities transactions for clients must be registered to operate and comply with applicable regulations.
Market Makers
Firms or individuals that regularly buy and sell securities from their own accounts to provide liquidity and stabilize markets need to register as broker-dealers.
Market Makers
Firms or individuals that regularly buy and sell securities from their own accounts to provide liquidity and stabilize markets need to register as broker-dealers.
Steps
Steps
The Broker-Dealer Registration Process
01
Reserve Your Firm’s Name
Submit a Firm Name Reservation Request Form to FINRA to confirm that your chosen name meets regulatory standards and does not conflict with existing member firms. Certain restricted terms, such as “national” or “Federal,” may require legal justification.
01
Reserve Your Firm’s Name
Submit a Firm Name Reservation Request Form to FINRA to confirm that your chosen name meets regulatory standards and does not conflict with existing member firms. Certain restricted terms, such as “national” or “Federal,” may require legal justification.
02
Set Up System Access
Designate a Super Account Administrator (SAA) to manage your firm’s access to FINRA systems. Submit the New Organization SAA Form, either through DocuSign or as a PDF. Once processed, FINRA provides credentials for system access, including the FINRA Gateway.
02
Set Up System Access
Designate a Super Account Administrator (SAA) to manage your firm’s access to FINRA systems. Submit the New Organization SAA Form, either through DocuSign or as a PDF. Once processed, FINRA provides credentials for system access, including the FINRA Gateway.
03
Fund Your Flex-Funding Account
Pre-fund your firm’s Flex-Funding Account to cover membership and registration fees. Payment can be made electronically via ACH through FINRA’s E-Bill system or by wire transfer. The required funding amount depends on your firm’s size and business activities.
03
Fund Your Flex-Funding Account
Pre-fund your firm’s Flex-Funding Account to cover membership and registration fees. Payment can be made electronically via ACH through FINRA’s E-Bill system or by wire transfer. The required funding amount depends on your firm’s size and business activities.
04
Meet FINRA’s Standards of Admission
Prepare a comprehensive business plan describing your services, structure, and compliance procedures. Demonstrate financial readiness and establish supervisory policies. Background checks must be conducted for all associated persons.
04
Meet FINRA’s Standards of Admission
Prepare a comprehensive business plan describing your services, structure, and compliance procedures. Demonstrate financial readiness and establish supervisory policies. Background checks must be conducted for all associated persons.
05
Submit Form BD Online
Complete Form BD through the FINRA Gateway, providing details about your business activities, ownership, disciplinary history, and financials. Required supporting documents, such as audited financials and supervisory procedures, must be uploaded.
05
Submit Form BD Online
Complete Form BD through the FINRA Gateway, providing details about your business activities, ownership, disciplinary history, and financials. Required supporting documents, such as audited financials and supervisory procedures, must be uploaded.
06
Submit Form BD Electronically
This includes the NMA, Form U4 for associated persons, and, if applicable, a Two Principal Waiver. Submitting complete and accurate forms helps reduce the likelihood of processing delays.
06
Submit Form BD Electronically
This includes the NMA, Form U4 for associated persons, and, if applicable, a Two Principal Waiver. Submitting complete and accurate forms helps reduce the likelihood of processing delays.
07
Submit Fingerprints
Associated persons must submit fingerprints through FINRA’s Electronic Fingerprint Submission system or via traditional fingerprint cards. Fingerprints are used for required background checks during the registration review process.
07
Submit Fingerprints
Associated persons must submit fingerprints through FINRA’s Electronic Fingerprint Submission system or via traditional fingerprint cards. Fingerprints are used for required background checks during the registration review process.
How We Help
How We Help
How InnReg Helps Broker-Dealers
We support broker-dealers through every step of the securities industry registration process, from preparing filings to addressing regulatory requirements. Our services are designed to help you navigate this complex process efficiently.
01
Broker-Dealer Licensing Strategy and Planning
Strategic advisory to help new or existing firms evaluate the best regulatory path for launching, expanding, or restructuring broker-dealer operations — before initiating the NMA or CMA process with FINRA.
01
Broker-Dealer Licensing Strategy and Planning
Strategic advisory to help new or existing firms evaluate the best regulatory path for launching, expanding, or restructuring broker-dealer operations — before initiating the NMA or CMA process with FINRA.
01
Broker-Dealer Licensing Strategy and Planning
Strategic advisory to help new or existing firms evaluate the best regulatory path for launching, expanding, or restructuring broker-dealer operations — before initiating the NMA or CMA process with FINRA.
02
Vendor and Service Provider Selection Support
Advisory and operational support for selecting key vendors and service providers during the NMA or CMA process — including clearing firms, tech platforms, and compliance-related third parties.
02
Vendor and Service Provider Selection Support
Advisory and operational support for selecting key vendors and service providers during the NMA or CMA process — including clearing firms, tech platforms, and compliance-related third parties.
02
Vendor and Service Provider Selection Support
Advisory and operational support for selecting key vendors and service providers during the NMA or CMA process — including clearing firms, tech platforms, and compliance-related third parties.
03
Form NMA/CMA
Full-scope support for preparing and submitting a New Membership Application (NMA) or Continuing Membership Application (CMA) with FINRA, including business plan drafting, document preparation, supervisory procedures, and response coordination.
03
Form NMA/CMA
Full-scope support for preparing and submitting a New Membership Application (NMA) or Continuing Membership Application (CMA) with FINRA, including business plan drafting, document preparation, supervisory procedures, and response coordination.
03
Form NMA/CMA
Full-scope support for preparing and submitting a New Membership Application (NMA) or Continuing Membership Application (CMA) with FINRA, including business plan drafting, document preparation, supervisory procedures, and response coordination.
04
Firm Registration Filings (Form BD, Name Reservation)
Preparation and submission of Form BD and related foundational filings to initiate registration as a broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA, including name reservation and Gateway account setup.
04
Firm Registration Filings (Form BD, Name Reservation)
Preparation and submission of Form BD and related foundational filings to initiate registration as a broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA, including name reservation and Gateway account setup.
04
Firm Registration Filings (Form BD, Name Reservation)
Preparation and submission of Form BD and related foundational filings to initiate registration as a broker-dealer with the SEC and FINRA, including name reservation and Gateway account setup.
05
Individual Registration Filings (Form U4)
Preparation, submission, and maintenance of Form U4 filings for registered individuals, including initial onboarding, role assignment, and disclosure review as required by FINRA and SEC rules.
05
Individual Registration Filings (Form U4)
Preparation, submission, and maintenance of Form U4 filings for registered individuals, including initial onboarding, role assignment, and disclosure review as required by FINRA and SEC rules.
05
Individual Registration Filings (Form U4)
Preparation, submission, and maintenance of Form U4 filings for registered individuals, including initial onboarding, role assignment, and disclosure review as required by FINRA and SEC rules.
06
FINRA Entitlement System Setup
Support for setting up access to FINRA’s Entitlement Program, including establishing the firm’s Super Account Administrator (SAA), enabling Gateway access, and managing entitlement roles for personnel involved in the application or ongoing filings.
06
FINRA Entitlement System Setup
Support for setting up access to FINRA’s Entitlement Program, including establishing the firm’s Super Account Administrator (SAA), enabling Gateway access, and managing entitlement roles for personnel involved in the application or ongoing filings.
06
FINRA Entitlement System Setup
Support for setting up access to FINRA’s Entitlement Program, including establishing the firm’s Super Account Administrator (SAA), enabling Gateway access, and managing entitlement roles for personnel involved in the application or ongoing filings.
Resources
Resources
Latest Content
Articles
Articles
FAQ
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Broker-Dealer Registration
Frequently Asked Questions About Broker-Dealer Registration
What is required to register as a broker-dealer?
What is required to register as a broker-dealer?
How long does broker-dealer registration typically take?
How long does broker-dealer registration typically take?
Can broker-dealers outsource required principal roles?
Can broker-dealers outsource required principal roles?
What is the FINRA New Member Application?
What is the FINRA New Member Application?
When is a Continuing Membership Application required?
When is a Continuing Membership Application required?
How long does FINRA take to review an NMA?
How long does FINRA take to review an NMA?
What are FINRA’s Standards for Admission?
What are FINRA’s Standards for Admission?
What’s the difference between a funding portal and a broker-dealer?
What’s the difference between a funding portal and a broker-dealer?
Let’s Talk About Your Compliance Needs
Let’s Talk About Your Compliance Needs
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9100 S Dadeland Blvd
Suite 1500
Miami, Florida 33156
Who We Serve
By Regulatory Vertical
By Company Type
Compliance and Operations
By Function
By Compliance Role
Licensing and Registrations
By Regulator
By Sector
By Framework
Resources
About InnReg
9100 S Dadeland Blvd
Suite 1500
Miami, Florida 33156
Who We Serve
By Regulatory Vertical
By Company Type
Compliance and Operations
By Function
By Compliance Role
Licensing and Registrations
By Regulator
By Sector
By Framework
Resources
About InnReg
9100 S Dadeland Blvd
Suite 1500
Miami, Florida 33156