Services

 

Broker / Dealer Registrations

Our Broker/Dealer registration service is a total turnkey system designed to assist you throughout the approval process with the SEC, FINRA and State of domicile. Whether you are starting a Broker/Dealer from scratch, or acquiring a member firm through purchase, or merger, FBA provides all forms and paperwork to the regulators. We also strive to handle all verbal communications with regulatory personnel on your behalf.

Included in our Broker/Dealer registration service:

  • Comprehensive business plan

  • Pro forma financial statements

  • Written supervisory procedures

  • Initial firm element continuing education modules

  • Back office recordkeeping systems

  • A preparatory seminar for the FINRA pre-membership interview

Books & Record keeping

Accurate financial reporting is essential to the operating needs of a broker / dealer. Failure to maintain your net capital, or keep your financial records correctly can result in severe adverse actions including fines and the termination of FINRA membership.

FBA offers:

  • Extensive in-depth expertise in financial reporting for broker / dealers

  • Full compilation of your financial statements including trial balances, income statements, balance sheets, general ledgers, general journals, and net capital computations

  • Preparation and filing electronically of the FOCUS reports

  • The annual FINRA assessment and SIPC reports

General Consulting

Many customized consulting services can be provided by FBA. We have assisted hundreds of firms through the approval process required under FINRA Rule 1017.

We offer assistance in the following:

  • Adding additional products or services

  • Changes in ownership and/or management

  • Increasing the number of representatives

  • Expanding the number of branch offices

Other general consulting services may include:

  • CRD Service Bureau services, whereby, you can rely on our extensive knowledge of the CRD electronic filing platforms

  • Blue sky state registrations for all U.S. states and territories requiring registrations

  • Preventative maintenance resources

  • Broker / Dealers who defended themselves against adverse regulatory, or customer actions

  • Mock FINRA examinations

 

RIA Services

Forest Brokerage Advisers can provide full registration services for those considering registering as an investment adviser. Included in the service:

  • Registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for those RIA’s that are federally regulated

  • Registration with the appropriate state(s) for those RIA’s that are state regulated

  • Books & recordkeeping services

  • Onsite mock SEC or state RIA examinations

Other Services

Forest Brokerage Advisers, Inc. can conduct onsite exams for a Broker/Dealer to assist you in complying with industry regulations. We conduct our onsite examinations from a regulatory perspective so that you are current and up-to-date with applicable securities regulations. Included in the service:

  • Mock FINRA examinations can be done on a surprise basis with only one principal aware that the exam will occur and correct regulatory deficiencies

  • 3012 Certifications to review your supervisory control systems and procedures

  • Annual compliance meetings

  • Independent Anti-Money Laundering (AML) audit to insure compliance with the Patriot Act requirements

  • Comprehensive reporting of all exams and audits