Is your compliance testing strong enough? Discover practical ways to monitor high-risk areas, enhance surveillance, and prevent costly violations under SEC Rule 206(4)-7.

A strong compliance program requires more than just annual testing. Under SEC Rule 206(4)-7, advisers must conduct transactional, periodic, and forensic tests across high-risk areas like trading, fees, advertising, and safeguarding client data. Ongoing surveillance helps identify issues early and protects clients. Our article outlines key testing protocols and practical steps you can take to strengthen your compliance program. Read more to ensure your firm remains exam-ready and resilient.

Third-party vendors can make or break your firm. Are yours putting you at risk? Discover what the SEC expects and how RIAs can strengthen vendor oversight and data protection. Don't let your weakest link be your downfall—read our latest article now for more info.

Advisers understand that best execution is part of their fiduciary duty—but what does that really mean? Our article breaks down key factors advisers should evaluate before and after trades to meet fiduciary obligations. Stay compliant and informed.

Regulatory agendas from the Department of Labor and the Securities and Exchange Commission offer insight into key priorities for the agencies. The Labor Department's agenda includes proposals related to the classification of workers as employees or independent contractors and fiduciary standards for environmental, social and governance investing. The SEC's agenda features provisions related to cryptocurrencies, including the rules surrounding the sale of digital assets.

The Securities and Exchange Commission's newly established AI Task Force is expected to make investigations more efficient by analyzing large amounts of data quickly, but advisers should be prepared for more frequent inquiries and potential algorithmic bias, according to William Trout of Datos Insights. "To prepare for potential algorithmic bias," advisers "should proactively document their decision-making processes with detailed rationales for investment recommendations, client communications and trading strategies," Trout says.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has named Margaret Ryan, a senior judge on the US Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, as enforcement director. Ryan, who has a background as a Marine and clerked for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, will lead a 1,400-person division that is expected to take a changed approach under SEC Chairman Paul Atkins.

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Paul Atkins signaled a policy shift at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, saying only a small number of crypto tokens should be treated as securities. He stressed that classification should depend on the context and structure of each asset, rather than applying a broad label.

Core Compliance & Legal Services, Inc. (“Core Compliance”) is a compliance consultation firm that was founded in 2006 by Michelle Jacko. At Core Compliance, we partner with our clients to help them mitigate risks by providing custom, strategic regulatory compliance services. Whether you need ongoing compliance support or project-based services, our experienced team will work with you to deliver tailor-made solutions to support you at any stage of your firm’s growth. We don’t just check the boxes; we’re here to grow with you.