SEC and FINRA Registration – Series 7 Exam

🛡️ SEC and FINRA Registration – Series 7 Exam

The Series 7 exam, officially the General Securities Representative Qualification Exam, is a cornerstone for professionals looking to sell a broad range of securities products in the U.S. financial markets. To legally operate as a registered representative, candidates must meet specific registration requirements with both FINRA and, in many cases, the SEC through their affiliated firm.

📘 What Is the Series 7 License?

The Series 7 license qualifies individuals to solicit, purchase, and sell:

• Stocks and bonds
• Mutual funds and ETFs
• Options and municipal securities
• Variable contracts
• Direct participation programs (DPPs)

It is one of the most comprehensive securities licenses and is typically required for representatives at full-service broker-dealers.

🏛️ FINRA Registration

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the self-regulatory organization responsible for administering the Series 7 exam and overseeing all registered representatives.

Key FINRA Registration Requirements:

• Must be sponsored by a FINRA-member firm
• Must pass both the SIE (Securities Industry Essentials) and Series 7 exams
• Registration is submitted through the CRD (Central Registration Depository) system via Form U4
• Firm must approve and file the application on the individual’s behalf

Once registered:

• You’re authorized to conduct securities business under FINRA supervision
• Subject to continuing education and compliance regulations
• Must update Form U4 for material changes (e.g., legal issues, address)

🏛️ SEC and Broker-Dealer Oversight

Although individuals do not register directly with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), broker-dealer firms are subject to SEC oversight under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a registered representative of a broker-dealer:

• You operate under the firm’s SEC registration
• Your actions must comply with SEC rules on disclosure, fraud, and recordkeeping
• SEC rules also influence product regulation, suitability, and anti-fraud standards

🔐 Regulatory Responsibilities After Registration

🚀 Get Licensed with Confidence

At 👉 finra-exam-mastery.com, we provide the tools you need to:

✔ Pass the Series 7 and SIE exams
✔ Understand FINRA and SEC registration processes
✔ Master suitability, communication rules, and product knowledge
✔ Stay compliant throughout your career

Start your securities journey with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to succeed.