Series 24 for Investment Bankers – Do You Need It?

🏦 Series 24 for Investment Bankers – Do You Need It?

If you’re building a career in investment banking, the Series 24 license might seem like a natural next step — but do you actually need it? The answer depends on your role within the firm and whether you’ll be supervising others or engaging in principal-level oversight.

Let’s break down when the Series 24 is required — and when it’s not — for professionals in investment banking.

📘 What Is the Series 24?

The Series 24, also known as the General Securities Principal Exam, qualifies individuals to supervise broker-dealer activities, including trading, underwriting, and customer account management.

It is not a product-sales license, but a supervisory license for those overseeing registered reps, investment banking teams, and firm operations.

💼 When Investment Bankers Need the Series 24

✅ You supervise underwriting activity
If you’re responsible for overseeing syndicate participation, managing firm commitment offerings, or approving public offerings, the Series 24 is likely required.

✅ You manage investment bankers or reps
If you’re in charge of a team conducting deal structuring, M&A advisory, or capital raising, and your role includes regulatory supervision, Series 24 is essential.

✅ You’re transitioning into a compliance or principal role
Professionals moving from dealmaking into compliance, risk management, or supervisory functions at a FINRA-member firm need this license.

🚫 When Investment Bankers Don’t Need It

❌ You’re focused solely on M&A advisory
If your activities are limited to advisory-only roles (without securities sales), you may not need the Series 24 — depending on firm structure and regulatory definitions.

❌ You already hold a specialized principal license
If you’re supervising only investment banking activities, the Series 79 + Series 24 combo might be replaced with a Series 79 + Series 9/10 or Series 79 + Series 14, depending on firm requirements.

❌ You don’t supervise or approve transactions
If you’re working on deals but not reviewing, approving, or supervising reps or trades, the Series 24 may be unnecessary.

📊 Key License Comparison

🚀 The Bottom Line

The Series 24 is not required for all investment bankers — but if you’re supervising teams, approving transactions, or transitioning into a regulatory oversight role, it’s a critical credential.

Looking to advance your career into management or compliance? Prepare for the Series 24 with guided study tools, practice exams, and principal-level scenarios at:
👉 finra-exam-mastery.com