Chapter 2 - Account Basics Flashcards
What four pieces of basic information is needed to open a new account for a client?
Customer Name
Address
Social Security Number or Tax I.D Number
and
Date of Birth.
What are the two ways a firm may verify the identity of a new account applicant?
- Matching the information with a valid, government issued ID.
- or- - “Non-documentary method” - the firm verifies the information with a consumer credit company.
What 7 pieces of information are requested on the New Account form?
- Customer name and address
- Customer date-of-birth
- Customer social security number
- Cash or Margin account?
- Occupation
- Citizenship
- Officer, director, or 10%+ equity shareholder?
The required verification of customer identity is called the _____________.
“CIP” (Customer Identification Program)
True or False
Not all clients must be informed that the firm has a Customer Identification Program (CIP).
False
At account opening, each customer must be notified that the firm has a “Customer Identification Program” and that it will be requesting information to help fight funding for terrorism or money laundering activities.
A firm’s Customer Identification Program is intended to prevent what two activities?
- Funding of terrorist activity
2. Money laundering activity
True or False
Each customer must be notified in writing at the time that the account is opened that the account is covered by FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insurance.
False.
Each customer must be notified in writing at the time that the account is opened that the account is covered by SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) insurance.
True or False
Each customer must be notified in writing at the time that the account is opened that the account is covered by SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Corporation) insurance.
True
SIPC insures customer accounts against what?
Broker-dealer failure
True or False
SIPC insures customer accounts against broker-dealer failure.
True
True or False
The notice regarding SIPC that is sent to clients at the time of account opening must state that information may be obtained about SIPC, including a copy of the SIPC brochure, by contacting SIPC.
True
The notice must provide the address and telephone number of SIPC.
In addition, this information must be made available to customers annually thereafter.
True or False
The notice regarding SIPC that is sent to clients at the time of account opening must state that information may be obtained about SIPC, including a copy of the SIPC brochure, by request from the broker-dealer.
False.
The notice regarding SIPC that is sent to clients at the time of account opening must state that information may be obtained about SIPC, including a copy of the SIPC brochure, by contacting SIPC.
The notice must provide the address and telephone number of SIPC.
In addition, this information must be made available to customers annually thereafter.
If a FINRA member includes a predispute arbitration agreement, it must be _____________ and must include language that explains that:
the customer is giving up his or her right to sue;
arbitration is final and binding;
arbitrators do not have to explain the reasons for their award;
arbitration panels include a minority of individuals who were, or are, affiliated with the securities industry.
Highlighted
True or False
If a FINRA member includes a predispute arbitration agreement, it must be highlighted and must include language that explains that:
the customer is giving up his or her right to sue;
arbitration is final and binding;
arbitrators do not have to explain the reasons for their award;
arbitration panels include a minority of individuals who were, or are, affiliated with the securities industry.
True
True or False
FINRA requires that within 60 days of signing an arbitration agreement as part of the account opening process, the customer must be provided with a separate “stand-alone” copy of the predispute arbitration agreement, and the customer must sign an acknowledgment of receipt of the copy of the agreement.
False.
FINRA requires that within 30 days of signing an arbitration agreement as part of the account opening process, the customer must be provided with a separate “stand-alone” copy of the predispute arbitration agreement, and the customer must sign an acknowledgment of receipt of the copy of the agreement.
True or False
FINRA requires that within 30 days of signing an arbitration agreement as part of the account opening process, the customer must be provided with a separate “stand-alone” copy of the predispute arbitration agreement, and the customer must sign an acknowledgment of receipt of the copy of the agreement.
True
FINRA requires that within ________ days of signing an arbitration agreement as part of the account opening process, the customer must be provided with a separate “stand-alone” copy of the predispute arbitration agreement, and the customer must sign an acknowledgment of receipt of the copy of the agreement.
30
In addition to the SIPC information, what else must the customer be provided with a copy of?
(3 things)
- Firm’s privacy statement
- Firm’s business continuity plan
- BrokerCheck contact information
FINRA rule 2090 is also known as what?
The “Know Your Customer” rule
Which FINRA rule states that the registered representative and the member firm must use reasonable due diligence to know and retain the “essential facts” relative to every customer?
FINRA rule 2090 - the “Know Your Customer” rule
The “Know Your Customer” rule (Rule 2090) requires firm’s to retain essential facts regarding a client. These essential facts are required for what?
(4 things)
- effectively service the customer’s account;
- act in accordance with any special handling instructions for the account;
- understand the authority of each person acting on behalf of the customer; and
- comply with applicable laws, regulations and rules.
True or False
The registered rep must sign the new account application for each account opened.
False.
There is no requirement for the registered rep to sign the new account application unless he completed a suitability determination.
The manager who approves the application is required to sign the document.
When must a registered representative sign a new account form?
If the rep completes a suitability determination, his signature is required on the new account form.
True or False
A customer’s signature is required on the new account form.
False.
Client signature is not required unless the account being opened is a discretionary account.
True or False
The SEC requires that the customer be given a copy of the “account profile” for verification within 21 days of account opening.
False.
The SEC requires that the customer be given a copy of the “account profile” for verification within 30 days of account opening.
True or False
The customer must be sent the “account profile” every 36 months after account opening for review and updating as needed.
True
How often must the customer be sent the “account profile” after account opening for review and updating as needed?
Every 36 months
When the client is sent the “account profile” - what information is not required to be verified?
(2 items)
- Client’s DOB
2. Clients SSN
True or False
FINRA Rule 2090 requires that the member firm or associated person “must have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy is suitable for the customer, based on the information obtained to ascertain the customer’s investment profile.”
False.
This definition describes FINRA Rule 2111.
FINRA Rule 2090 is the “Know Your Customer” rule.
What does FINRA Rule 2111 require?
FINRA Rule 2111 requires that the member firm or associated person “must have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy is suitable for the customer, based on the information obtained to ascertain the customer’s investment profile.”
True or False
Under FINRA rules, a customer’s investment profile includes a client’s tax status.
True.
It also includes:
Investment objectives;
Investment experience;
Customer age;
Other investments;
Financial situation and needs;
Tax status;
Investment time horizon;
Liquidity needs:
Risk tolerance;
Any other information disclosed by the customer
Under the suitability rule, what are the three main components to determining suitability for a client?
- Reasonable-basis suitability
- Customer-specific suitability
- Quantitative suitability
The suitability rule does NOT apply to:
3 things
- Institutional customers
- Unsolicited trades
- Investment analysis tools
Because of the complexity of ____________, FINRA requires that the member firm perform a “reasonable basis” suitability determination to evaluate the product’s potential rewards and risks (relative to other similar ________________ offered by other firms).
Structured Products
What type of product is an ETN (Exchange Traded Note)?
A listed structured product
EAGLEs, ASTROS and CYCLEs are acronyms for what type of product?
ETN’s - listed structured products
True or False
The main risk/consideration to a buyer of an ETN (structured product) is how liquid the ETN is.
False.
The main risk to be considered by a buyer of an ETN/structured product is the credit risk of the issuing bank.
True or False
The main risk to be considered by a buyer of an ETN/structured product is the credit risk of the issuing bank.
True
What is the main risk to be considered by a buyer of an ETN/structured product?
The main risk to be considered by a buyer of an ETN/structured product is the credit risk of the issuing bank.
What type of financial product involves the issuer promising to pay back a specified return based on the equity index, typically 5-7 years in the future?
Structured products - such as ETNs
When offering a private placement, FINRA requires the broker-dealer first to conduct a “______________” suitability determination that the investment will be suitable for at least some clients.
Reasonable basis
FINRA requires the broker-dealer to conduct a “reasonable basis” suitability determination when offering a private placement. This investigation must look at;
issuer and its management;
business prospects of the issuer;
assets held or to be acquired by the issuer;
claims being made;
AND WHAT? (1 thing)
The intended use of the proceeds of the offering.
To complete customer level suitability, the broker-dealer must do what?
It must gather and analyze information about the customer’s other holdings, financial situation and needs, tax status, risk tolerance, investment objectives, and any other information that would enable the firm to make its suitability determination.
Before opening an account for a day-trader, the member firm must give the customer a disclosure statement that states what?
Day trading can be extremely risky;
Be wary of exaggerated claims about the potential profits of day trading;
Day trading requires knowledge of the securities markets and the firm’s operations;
Day trading will generate substantial commissions to the firm promoting the strategy;
Day trading on margin can result m losses greater than one’s investment;
Persons who day trade for others must be registered as an Investment Adviser or a Broker-Dealer.
If a member firm discovers that an account that has not been approved for day trading is being used for day trading, it must approve the account for day trading as soon as possible, but no later than _____ days from discovering that the account is being used for day trading.
10 days
True or False
Non-managed fee based accounts are the same thing as wrap accounts.
False.
A fee-based account imposes a flat annual fee for all trade executions, rather than a “per trade” commission charge.
A wrap account imposes an annual fee that not only covers trade executions, but also includes asset allocation and portfolio rebalancing.
True or False
A “wrap account” is a managed fee based account (MFBA).
True
True or False
A “wrap account” is a non-managed fee based account (NMFBA).
False.
A “wrap account” is a managed fee based account (“MFBA”)
Prior to opening a “non-managed fee based account” (NMFBA) for either a new or existing customer, the member firm must provide the customer with a disclosure document describing what?
(2 answers)
- Types of NMFBA programs available from the member
2. How fees are computed
True or False
The rule regarding NMFBAs requires that the member firm monitor account activity and maintain written procedures for contacting those customers who are not placed in appropriate accounts, at least every 12 months.
True
True or False
The rule regarding NMFBAs requires that the member firm monitor account activity and maintain written procedures for contacting those customers who are not placed in appropriate accounts, at least every 6 months.
False
The rule regarding NMFBAs requires that the member firm monitor account activity and maintain written procedures for contacting those customers who are not placed in appropriate accounts, at least every 12 months.
True or False
“Flat fee” accounts that do not impose a “per trade commission charge” are considered to be advisory products, not brokerage products.
True
This is the case with both managed fee based accounts (MFBA) AND non-managed fee based accounts (NMFBA).
True or False
“Flat fee” accounts that do not impose a “per trade commission charge” are considered to be brokerage products, not advisory products.
False
“Flat fee” accounts that do not impose a “per trade commission charge” are considered to be advisory products, not brokerage products.
True or False
To offer “flat fee” accounts, a firm must be registered as an investment adviser, and the representative must be registered as an “adviser representative,” which is a State licensing requirement.
True
On FINRA’s interpretive notice regarding suitability of investments for senior citizens, it states that as customers age, __________ takes on added importance.
Liquidity
True or False
Member firms have an obligation to shield their senior citizen customers from risks that they want to take.
False.
Member firms do not have an obligation to shield their senior citizen customers from risks that they want to take.
BUT the customer must fully understand the investment being recommended.
True or False
FINRA prohibits certain products from being recommended to senior citizens.
False.
FINRA has stated that it does not prohibit any particular recommendation to a senior citizen as long as it is suitable.
However, certain types of recommendations are “red-flags” - meaning that the firm must be able to strongly defend such a recommendation to a senior citizen.
What do the following investment recommendations have in common?
purchase variable annuities, equity indexed annuities and real estate limited partnerships.
purchase variable life settlements;
purchase complex structured products such as CDOs (Collateralized Debt Obligations);
mortgage their residence to obtain funds for investment purposes; and
use retirement savings, including early withdrawals from IRAs, to invest in high-risk investments.
These are investment recommendations which are typically considered unsuitable for senior citizens.
True or False
Non-managed fee based accounts (NMFBAs) are considered advisory products, not brokerage products.
True
True or False
The Series #24 General Principal can approve all new accounts. In addition, the Series #24 General Principal can supervise underwritings, trading, research, marketing, etc.
False.
The Series #24 General Principal can approve all new accounts EXCEPT for options accounts.
In addition, the Series #24 General Principal can supervise underwritings, trading, research, marketing, etc.
True or False
The Series #24 General Principal can approve all new accounts except for options accounts. In addition, the Series #24 General Principal can supervise underwritings, trading, research, marketing, etc.
True
True or False
The Series #10 BOM can approve all new accounts. In addition, the Series #10 BOM can supervise underwritings, trading, research, marketing, etc.
False.
A 9/10 BOM can supervise sales activities in a branch and can approve new accounts (including option accounts).
True or False
The Series #4 ROP - Registered Options Principal - can approve any options account and can supervise all other options activities.
True
A “margin agreement” is also known as what?
“Customer’s Agreement”
True or False
All that is required to open a cash account is the new account form.
True
In addition to the new account form, what else is required (documentation-wise) to open a margin account?
Customer is required to sign a “loan consent” agreement.
In theory, a customer does not have to sign a loan consent agreement and can refuse to allow the brokerage firm to borrow his securities for short sales. In practice, a brokerage firm will not open a margin account unless a loan consent is signed
Signing a “loan consent” agreement gives a firm the right to do what?
To loan a client’s securities to other customers for the purposes of short sales.
The brokerage firm agrees that if the customer ever wants those securities, it will replace them.
When opening a margin account, the customer must be provided with a “________________ statement” that explains how the loan balance is computed, and how interest is charged on the loan balance.
A credit disclosure statement
When a customer opens a margin account, the customer must be given a “______________ statement” that explains that the leverage in the account magnifies potential gains and losses and that if margin calls are not met, the firm can sell out the securities.
Risk disclosure statement
In a margin account, if the credit agreement is changed to permit interest charges to be increased, the customer must be given ___ days advance notice.
30 days
True or False
In a margin account, if the credit agreement is changed to permit interest charges to be increased, the customer must be given 30 days advance notice.
True
True or False
In a margin account, if the credit agreement is changed to permit interest charges to be increased, the customer must be given 60 days advance notice.
False.
The customer must be given 30 days advance notice.
If the credit agreement was being changed to permit a decrease in interest rate, no notice is required to be given to the client.
True or False
In a margin account, if the credit agreement is changed to permit interest charges to be increased or decreased, the customer must be given 30 days advance notice.
False.
Notice is only required to be given to clients if the credit agreement is being changed to increase interest rates.
If the change is being made to decrease rates, no notice is required to be given to the client.
The risk disclosure statement, which is given to clients opening margin accounts, explains what?
(2 answers)
- That the leverage in the account magnifies potential gains and losses
- That if margin calls are not met, the firm can sell out the securities.
True or False
If more than one party is named on the (joint) account, New Account information must be obtained for the client whose social security number is on the account.
False.
If more than one party is named on the account, New Account information must be obtained for each party on the account.
True or False
If more than one party is named on the account, New Account information must be obtained for each party on the account.
True
Which joint account ownership type is most common for a husband and wife?
Joint Tenancy with rights of survivorship
Under this ownership type, each party owns an “undivided interest” in the account. If one party dies, the other person is the sole owner of the account.
Which joint account ownership type is most common for business partners?
Tenants in Common
Each party specifies a percentage interest in the account. If a person dies, his percentage interest is included in his estate. It can then be passed by will to any named person.
Under which account registration type, will assets be transferred to the name of the beneficiary only upon death
“Transfer on Death” (TOD)
True or False
When assets move from an account-holder to the beneficiary in a “Transfer on Death” account, it still goes through probate and may be taxed.
False.
Assets moving to the beneficiary from a Transfer on Death account avoids probate since the estate is bypassed.
Which account registration is essentially an individual account, often with a trading authorization given to the named beneficiary.
Transfer on Death
In order to open up an account for a corporation, the member firm must obtain proof of what?
Proof that the corporation exists.
When a corporation is opening a corporate account, the corporation must pass a “resolution,” authorizing what?
(2 answers)
- the opening of the account
2. Which persons are authorized to trade
What must be affixed to the resolution when a corporate account is being opened?
And who is required to sign the resolution?
The corporate seal must be affixed to the resolution.
The resolution must be signed by the secretary of the corporation.
On a partnership account, how often must a new partnership agreement be obtained by the firm?
Annually.
A copy of the ______________ must be obtained by the firm when opening a partnership account.
Partnership agreement
The agreement will have a clause allowing the opening of the account and naming the partners authorized to trade.
What is the difference between “full” and “limited” trading authorization?
Limited trading authorization: orders to buy and sell can be entered, but funds cannot be withdrawn.
Full trading authorization: orders can he entered and funds can be withdrawn. Any checks from the account are drawn in account name - not third party name. Thus, if the check will be cashed, the customer must endorse the check.
If trading authorization has been granted to a third party on an account, how long will the authorization be effective for?
The authorization remains in force unless revoked in writing by the customer.
What is the difference between “durable” and “non-durable” powers of attorney?
With a durable power of attorney, if the grantor becomes mentally incompetent, the person to whom power of attorney was granted retains control over the account; with a non-durable power of attorney, if the grantor becomes mentally incompetent, the power ceases.
What type of accounts are these:
Trust Account; Guardian Account; Administrator of Estate; Conservator for Incompetent; Executor of Estate; and Receiver fa Bankruptcy
Fiduciary Accounts
True or False
Fidudary accounts are generally prohibited from margin transactions - only cash accounts are permitted.
True
True or False
A fiduciary may not open a margin account under any circumstances.
False
To open a margin account for a fiduciary, the documents appointing the fiduciary must specifically authorize margin transactions.