series 24 trending topics Flashcards
If a person is seeking information on insider purchases, which filing is the BEST source for such information?
Form 4.
true or false: A predispute arbitration clause may limit the type of arbitration claim the customer may file.
false
When must a BD ask the Securities Information Center about newly delivered securities?
- securities delivered by a customer are registered in street name
- securities delivered by a customer unknown to the BD
- the securities are worth at least $10k
A BD that sells mutual funds is required to submit payments received from customers to the investment company no later than:
3 business days following the receipt of the customer’s order.
Name 6 conditions under which FINRA may consider a firm to be approaching “financial or operational difficulty.”
- Net capital of less than 150% of the minimum required for 15 consecutive business days.
- AI / NC ratio exceeds 10:1 for 15 consecutive business days.
- A reduction in excess net capital of 25% in the preceding two months or 30% in three months.
- A substantial change in the way the BD processes its business which increases the potential risk of loss to customers.
- The books and records are not maintained.
- Inability to clear and settle transactions promptly.
A registered representative uses instant messages as a means of communication with 50 of her high-net-worth clients. This type of communications is considered:
A retail communication and is subject to review (not pre-approval).
Name 11 things that may be included in an advertisement for a new issue.
- name of the issuer
- full title of the security
- amount being offered
- description of issuer’s business
- price
- date of sale
- identity of underwriters
- contact info
- schedule of the offering
- primary exchange
- names of sellers, if in prospectus
How long is the look-back period for a Reg A offering?
12 months
For how many days must the customer hold mutual fund shares before the BD may extend credit on them?
30 days
What is a branch office?
An office where the firm’s associated personnel regularly conduct the business of effecting transactions or inducing the purchase/sale of securities.
true or false: Accepting a customer’s personal check requires written approval by a supervisor.
false
true or false: A 24 must approve an instant message from an RR to a retail investor before being sent.
false. It should be reviewed by a 24.
Corporate debt with a maturity of N days or less is exempt from registration. What is another name for this type of debt?
270 days. Commercial paper.
Name three scenarios where a preliminary proxy is not required.
- The proxy relates to the election of directors.
- The proxy relates to approval of the company’s accountants.
- A proposal put forth by the shareholders under SEC’s rule 14a-8.
What must a new corporate insider do?
File a form 3 with the SEC within 10 days.
During its first year of business, the maximum aggregate indebtedness to net capital ratio must be less than what?
8:1
Retail communications that pertain to which products must be filed with FINRA within 10 days of being published?
- Registered investment companies (provided the communications do not include fund-created rankings or comparisons)
- publicly traded DPPs
- SEC-registered CMOs
- Any security registered with the SEC that’s an ETF or ETN.
- Any template for written reports produced by an investment analysis tool.
- Broker prepared, widely disseminated free writing prospectuses.
For how long must a tender offer remain open? What if the offer changes?
At least 20 days. If it changes it must be extended by at least another 10 days.
true or false: The holding period on restricted stock is waived in a 144 sale if the owner is deceased.
true
How long does a BD have to honor a client’s request to be added to the “do not call list”?
30 days
true or false: Rights are eligible for portfolio margining.
false
What is a pattern day trader’s buying power? What happens if he exceeds his buying -power limitations?
Four times the trader’s maintenance margin excess, determined at the close of the previous day. He must meet a day trading margin call within 5 business days. During that time his day trading buying power is limited to two times the trader’s maintenance margin excess.
What is simplified industry arbitration?
Between member firms and/or associated persons with a dollar amount not exceeding $50k.
Suppose a BD has aggregate indebtedness of $5850000 and net capital of $450000. Within how long must it notify the SEC?
Within 24 hours. It is not a net capital deficiency. It must file an Early Warning Notice with the SEC and FINRA.
What is a shelf registration? What rule allows them?
A procedure that allows firms to file one registration statement covering several issues of the same security. SEC Rule 415, adopted in the 1980s, allows a corporation to comply with registration requirements up to two years prior to a public offering of securities. With the registration “on the shelf,” the corporation, by simply updating regularly filed annual, quarterly, and related reports to the SEC, can go to the market as conditions become favorable with a minimum of administrative preparation and expense.
Is a company allowed to make a personal loan to its CEO?
no, never
According to SEC Rule 10b-18, an issuer may repurchase its securities in the marketplace provided:
- It purchases <=25% of an ADV.
- It does not purchase during the open, or the last 10 minutes before 4pm for an actively traded security.
- The issuer does not purchase at a price higher than the highest independent transaction price.
- The issuer uses only one BD or ECN to execute the transactions on any single day.
What is the minimum net capital to participate in a firm-commitment underwriting?
$100k
How should a BD calculate its markup for a proceeds transaction?
As if the customer’s sale as if done for cash when computing its markup. Ie if the customer sells $10k worth of securities, then the markup should be a percentage of $10k.
true or false: A BD working in a bank must have clients sign a statement that they are aware their investments are not FDIC-insured.
false
When estimating the value of a nontraded REIT or DPP, how old can the data be?
No more than 18 months old.
If a penalty is assessed by a Hearing Panel, it generally becomes effective:
No less than 30 days after the penalty is assessed.
When would a BD not be able to accept a $99 gift from a distributor?
If the gift is conditioned on the attainment of a sales target.
A BD has been notified that it is subject to the Taping Rule. The firm decides to terminate a group of registered representatives in order to avoid being subject to the rule. In this case, the firm may NOT rehire the terminated employees within:
180 days
stopping stock is best described as:
a price guarantee for a public order
true or false: During a road show, institutions may receive one-on-one presentations.
true
What SEC rule provides an exemption from registration for securities being sold on an intrastate basis? For how many months after the last date of sale by the issuer must a resident of the state hold the securities before selling them to a non-resident?
SEC Rule 147 and Rule 147A. 6 months following the last date of sale by the issuer.
true or false: If a member firm will be imposing a penalty bid, it must notify FINRA.
true
true or false: A RR becomes a Certified Financial Planner. He must notify FINRA.
false
A BD makes a material change to its investment analysis tool. When should it (have) filed the change with FINRA?
within 10 business days of the change
For Reg D offerings, what is an accredited investor?
- $1M net worth, or
* $200k annual income ($300k for a married couple) in each of the last two years with the expectation it will continue.
What is the regulatory minimum net capital for a carrying firm?
$250k
TRUE or FALSE: If the SEC sues an issuer and underwriter for false statements, then the customer may not still file a lawsuit against the issuer and the underwriter?
false
What would be found on a client’s DVP account statement?
credits and debits
Company XYZ has bonds convertible into common stock. If a company issues common stock, what are the reference securities? What are the covered securities?
The only covered security is the common stock. There is no reference security.
What may happen to a FINRA member who has failed to pay required fees or assessments?
The member may be suspended or expelled upon 15 days written notice from FINRA.
The final settlement of a syndicate account must occur within how many days following the date on which the securities are delivered to the underwriter?
90
An insider sells some stock. Within how many days must he complete a form 4?
Within 2 business days of execution.
How can an ineligible issuer become eligible?
Filing a registration statement or annual report with audited financial statements.
If a tender off will be extended, by when must the extension be announced.
By 9am the day after the expiration of the tender offer.
true or false: With written permission, a BD may commingle the securities of customers.
true
For how long must the securities borrowed and loaned ledger be retrained?
3 years
What defense protects the underwriter from false statements made by the issuer in offering documents?
A Section 11 (Due Diligence) defence
An initial notice is sent to a member firm how many days before a registered person’s anniversary date to complete his Regulatory Element of Continuing Education? How long does he have to complete it?
30 days before. 120 days to complete.
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires all of the following EXCEPT:
a. The contents of the prospectus for the sale of 10M shares of additional stock by Gargantua Industries, whose stock trades on the NYSE.
b. The filing of a report with the SEC by a new member of Gargantua’s board.
c. The registration of a new broker-dealer subsidiary of Bantam Brokerage.
d. The filing of an annual financial report with the SEC by Gargantua Industries.
a
TRUE or FALSE: A sale made under Rule 144 raises capital.
false
By when must a customer take a distribution from his IRA?
By April 1st in the year after client turns 70.5.
In a transaction in an account opened under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, who must sign the security?
the custodian (not necessarily the parent)
How often should branch offices that do not supervise be reviewed?
At least every three years.
Is a seasoned issuer eligible for shelf registration?
Yes
Must independently prepared reprints, distributed to retail clients, be filed with FINRA?
no
When a member firm issues a research report, it must be approved by whom?
A supervisory analyst (series 16)
Give some examples of services not allowed under a soft-dollar arrangment.
- paying a fund’s accounting fees
- advertising and marketing expenses
- travel expenses, meals, and entertainment
- administrative expenses
- employee salaries
- professional licensing fees
- computers
- correction of trading errors
Name three properties of predispute arbitration clauses.
- All parties are giving up the right to sue in court. Arbitration awards are final and binding.
- Arbitrators do not need to explain their decisions.
- Within 30 days of signing the agreement, the customer must receive a copy. The customer must acknowledge receipt.
What is a series 27?
A financial operations principal.
true or false: A BD must submit a copy of its training plan to FINRA.
false
How often must a trial balance be prepared?
Monthly
What is a 12b-1 fee?
An ongoing asset-based sales charge that is deducted from a mutual fund investor’s account on a quarterly basis.
A BD must borrow, or arrange to borrow, securities prior to effecting a short sale after having a fail-to-deliver position in a threshold security for how many days?
13 consecutive settlement days
Company XYZ issues bonds convertible into common stock. What are the reference securities? What are the covered securities?
The reference security is the common stock. The covered securities are both the convertible bonds and the common stock.
After failing a FINRA exam 3 times, how long must you wait to take it again?
6 months
On is the value of a customer’s variable annuity based?
The number of accumulation units multiplied by the net asset value per unit.
What is the maximum size of a Reg A+ offering offered to the public?
$50 million.
When must a Suspicious Activity Report be filed? How long does a BD have to file it?
If a transaction involved at least $5k, and the member firm knows or has reason to believe the funds are derived from an illegal activity designed to avoid filing other forms, or has no legitimate lawful purpose. It must be filed no later than the 30th day after the member firm discovers the activity.
When is a WKSI permitted to use a free writing prospectus?
Either prior to or after the filing of a registration statement.
When is a publicly traded company required to register with the SEC?
- It trades on an exchange, OR
* Total assets more than $10M held by either (i) at least 2k people or (ii) 500 not accredited investors.
true or false: A BD must inform clients about their business continuity plan when they open their account.
true
What is the minimum equity for a pattern day trader?
$25k
true or false: When crossing a block on the NYSE outside the prevailing NYSE quotation, the member is required to check if the DMM has any interest in participating in the transaction.
false
When is an RR of a foreign BD permitted to make sales calls in the US?
When accompanied by an RR of a US BD.
When would a member file a Form 211 with FINRA.
To begin quoting an OTC security that does not satisfy the piggyback exemption under SEC Rule 15c2-11.
true or false: Depositions are part of the arbitration procedure?
false
True or false: a retired RR may sometimes receive continuing commissions for mutual fund sales.
True, paid from 12b-1 fees.
true or false: When crossing a block on the NYSE outside the prevailing NYSE quotation, the member is required to notify the DMM.
true
Compensation disclosures must be filed with FINRA under what time frame?
No later than one business day following the filing of the registration statement with the SEC or any state securities commission. If the securities are exempt from registration, then at least 15 business days prior to the anticipated offering.
A registered person employed by a member firm has been arrested and charged with a felony that does not involve securities. What should the member firm do?
Disclose this on a Form U4.
What is the maximum size of a Reg A offering offered to the public?
$5 million.
true or false: A revolving subordinated loan allows prepayments within the first year.
true
true or false: The Code or Arbitration will apply to disputes between a member firm and FINRA.
false
Concerning an account transfer, upon receipt of a transfer instruction form (TIF), when must the carrying firm validate or take exception? Within how many days of the validation must they complete the transfer?
One business day. Within three days of the validation.
When is an associated person of an issuer considered a RR?
If he received compensation to distribute a new issue.
When is it unnecessary to notify the SEC regarding sales under Rule 144?
If the sale is both less than 5k shares and $50k.
true or false: A revolving subordinated loan may only be used for underwriting purposes.
false
A pooled account is not required to register as an investment company if it does not make a public offering and has no more than how many investors?
No more than 100 investors.
An RR copies and pastes an article prepared on equity investing by a nonaffiliated online publication to 50 of her best customers. Does this communication require principal approval?
yes
Ned has entered an order to sell 700 shares of GLO with his BD. He has told the firm he is in possession of the securities and has agreed to deliver the certificates to the BD prior to settlement. If Ned does not deliver the certificates, what is the BD’s responsibility?
Purchase 700 shares of GLO in Ned’s account no later than 10 business days following the settlement date.
According to SEC Rule 15c3-1, when may a BD use a temporary subordination agreement in order to increase net capital?
To undewrite a firm-commitment issue.
For how long is a Reg 147 offering restricted from out of state resales?
6 months
A BD would like to move a branch location from an office complex to a houseboat located in a marina. Within how many days must it notify FINRA?
30 days
What percentage of income do REITs distribute to unit holders?
At least 90%.
true or false: a tender offer is a type of distribution.
false
What FINRA rule specifies what information a managing underwrite is required to file with FINRA for an offering of securities? What is its number?
The Corporate Financing Rule. FINRA rule 5110.
A corporation’s shares are quoted on the OTCBB. A BD selling the securities in the aftermarket is required to deliver a prospectus within how many days following the effective date of the registration?
40 days
When a RR leaves a BD, what must the BD do?
Notify FINRA within 30 days on form U5. Provide the former RR with a copy of the form.
How often is a 606 report filed? Who files it? What does it contain? What securities are included?
Quarterly. A BD. Nondirected customer order-routing information. Exchange listed equities and exchange listed options.
What are the hours of the ADF system?
8am to 6:30pm
TRUE or FALSE: In the Code of Arbitration, customers may appeal arbitration decisions to a court.
false. The Code of Arbitration does not provide for appeals by any party.
How many shareholders must a REIT have in its second taxable year? What is the restriction on concentration?
At least 100. Five or fewer individuals may not own more than 50% of the common stock.
On the death of a customer, what documents are required by a transfer agent?
An inheritance tax waiver, an affidavit of domicile, letters testamentary, and a death certificate.
What are the requirements to be a WKSI?
Either $700M of equity or sold $1B of bonds the past three years.
What is the minimum net capital to establish a reserve account for customers?
$250k
What should a RR do if he disagrees with information found on BrokerCheck?
file an updated U4
true or false: During a road show, only live group presentations may be made.
false
In a tender offer, what must the acquirer file?
A schedule TO is filed by the acquirer in order to provide the terms of the transaction to the shareholders.
How frequently must a BD’s business continuity plan be reviewed?
annually
A customer instructs her BD to stop sending brokerage related mail, since she accesses all information from the internet. What should the firm do regarding this request?
The BD may honor the request.
TRUE or FALSE: A partnership may purchase a 147 offering even if some partners are not in-state residents.
true
What must be provided to a customer each calendar year?
- The FINRA website address.
- The BrokerCheck hotline number.
- A statement as to the availability to the customer of an investors brochure that describes BrokerCheck.
A market maker must immediately display any customer limit order that would improve that market maker’s quote. How long is “immediately”?
30 seconds
Securities received as underwriting compensation are restricted for how many months from the effective date?
6 months
true or false: If the offering of a private placement under Regulation D exceeds $1M, the issuer is required to provide a disclosure document to nonaccredited investors.
false: It should be $5M.
What is an ineligible issuer?
One that is not permitted to use a free writing prospectus.
What is another name for a Suspicious Activity Report? What act requires them?
FinCEN Form 101. The Bank Secrecy Act.
What does NAC stand for?
National Adjudicatory Council
What losses will SIPC cover?
Up to $500k for each separate customer. No more than $250k may be cash. Only for securities held in street name. Not futures.
A BD receives customer securities and customer funds. What is its minimum net capital requirement?
$250k
true or false: LEAPS are eligible for portfolio margining.
true
What is the daily purchase limit of a passive market maker?
max of 30% of it ADTV or 200 sahres
true or false: corporate debt is eligible for portfolio margining.
false
What is the acronym associated with the process of a client instructing his bank to deliver securities against payment by the clearing firm?
RVP
What percent of an account can owned by restricted persons and still purchase shares of an IPO?
at most 10%
How is Regulation S used?
By issuers to raise additional capital from foreign investors.
What kind of transactions in a TRACE-eligible security may be reported T+1?
A List or Fixed Offering Price Transaction, or Takedown Transaction.
If a BD is going to use an electronic means of storing its records, the SEC must be able to review the records how often?
Immediately
What is the maximum volume on a 144A transaction?
There is no maximum.
Suppose a client fails to pay for a security prior to its sale. What is that called? What happens to the client?
A free-riding violation. The account is frozen for 90 days, meaning the customer must pay for all purchases in advance.
By when must a customer be provided with a copy of a signed predispute arbitration clause?
Within 10 business days of a request, or within 30 days of signing, whichever is earlier.
A BD executes a cross trade, facilitating person B selling stock to person A. true or false: The BD must disclose to persons A & B that it was a cross trade.
true
How many days from the offering date does a Reporting Company have do deliver prospectuses after a follow-on offering?
0 days.
Within how many days after the Hearing Panel has stopped accepting evidence must it render a decision?
60 days
A retail communication is prepared by an investment company sponsor and used by a BD. Who must file the communication with FINRA?
Only the sponsor.
What is lost under a penalty bid?
The sales concession.
If a BD has $6 of net capital, how many prop trades may it do per year?
No more than 10 per year.
What’s a schedule 13G?
A 13D filed by passive investors, eg an index fund.
The amount of restricted securities that may be sold within a three-month period under Rule 144 is:
The greater of 1% of the shares outstanding or the average weekly volume of trading in the previous four weeks.
When may a testimonial be used?
If the provider has the knowledge and experience to form a valid opinion.
A firm is the managing underwriter of an IPO of a security that is listed on the NYSE. For how many days after the effective date must the firm deliver a prospectus to any purchaser?
25 days
true or false: A firm must disclose its clearing firm to FINRA.
true
What protects the underwriter from event risk during the underwriting?
a market-out clause
How long is the quiet period for an IPO? For a secondary offering?
10 calendar days. 3 calendar days, just or the manager and comanager.
A syndicate manager anticipates that the closing of the offering will be delayed beyond the date specified in the offering documents. What must he do?
Notify FINRA’s Operations Department immediately.
What are the 4 steps performed during the underwriting of securities by a WKSI?
- The issuer files an S-3 registration statement.
- The issuer files a preliminary prospectus supplement.
- The managing underwriter distributes a pricing term sheet.
- The managing underwriter distributes the concession to the other members of the syndicate.
true or false: Mutual fund exchange privileges impose additional sales charges.
false
For how long must files related to a RR be retained after he departs a BD?
3 years
What should a BD do if it discovers itself in possession of counterfeit securities?
A report must be filed within one day with the agent o the issuer, the SEC, and the FBI.
Name one way an issuer may become “ineligible”.
If it filed for bankruptcy within the past three years.