Reprinted with permission of the NASD

The NASD has developed this information to make registered representatives (RRs) aware of the compliance requirements and potential liabilities when using the Internet and electronic communications. This information along with all rules and regulations cited are available on the NASD website.

This letter addresses some general compliance requirements that apply to electronic communications. It also discusses specific considerations relating to the use of e-mail, group e-mail, and websites including chat rooms and instant messaging. We have based the information on published rules, interpretations and notices. (more…)

The One Thing… You Need to Do as told by the Financial Advisory Industry’s Top Coaches, Consultants & Industry Insiders

By “D” Shannon and David Drucker (The Financial Advisor Literary Guild, 2005)

Planning-industry savants Laron “D” Shannon and David Drucker drew inspiration for this book from the 1991 movie, City Slickers, in which Jack Palance memorably tells Billy Crystal to just figure out the “one thing.” And that’s what Shannon and Drucker—who hadn’t met before teaming up on this project—set out to do. (more…)

Presenters: Vestment Advisors

Location: Orlando, Florida

Dates: January 26-27, 2006

Cost: $1245 + travel and hotel

Future dates: May, July, and November 2006

For more information: www.vestmentadvisors.com

Rating: Highly recommended

The benefits of attending an industry event or seminar must be weighed against the time and money required. Our new seminar reviews will help you decide which ones are worth your while, and which are not. (more…)

By Rogan LaBier

At the start of 2005, I wrote about how painful and burdensome the regulatory process had become, and how I and the approximately 80 percent of broker dealers who are considered by the NASD to be “small” broker dealers were wishing fervently that it wasn’t so… and were looking forward to some sort of easing or consolidation of the compliance function. (more…)

By Sydney LeBlanc

In July of 1995, our world—as we knew it—changed. That’s when the landmark NASD Continuing Education Rule 1120 mandating CE requirements for all registered reps and broker dealers took effect through the Securities Industry Continuing Education Program.

The two primary directives of the program are the same today as they were then: a Regulatory Element and a Firm Element.

For the benefit of those who are either new to the world of continuing education or need a refresher, following is a brief discussion of these elements and their definitions. (more…)

By Sydney LeBlanc

The relationship between client and broker is a topic of increasing importance in the financial services industry. It gets sliced, diced, and put back together on a fairly regular basis. Not so the relationship between manager and broker. What skills do both groups possess that complement each other, or that contribute to one another’s success? What traits are inherent in high-level producers and branch managers, and can they—or do they want to—learn from each other? (more…)

By Steven Drozdeck and Jerry Rosenstrach

The P.R.O.G.R.E.S.S. model is a practical, systematic process that maximizes the potential for accomplishing predetermined, realistic objectives in a prescribed amount of time and within budget. It can be applied to clearly determine if stated goals are in fact realizable and, if so, at what cost and at what impact to the “normal” course of business. It is a framework for change and, therefore, can incorporate numerous other approaches to professional and organizational development. (more…)

By Jonathan Henschen

Preparing for and managing home office visits from prospective advisors is an essential part of a firm’s recruiting effort. Ideally, these visits should tell your firm’s story in all its glory, reflecting only good things about officers and staff. A primary focus should be on the congenial, healthy relationships between advisors and the firm’s various departments, and it should be emphasized that the broker dealer is always there ready to serve the needs of Mr. or Ms. Advisor. (more…)