Series 65 and RIA Registration Explained

Series 65 and RIA Registration Explained
Published on finra-exam-mastery.com

💼 What Is the Series 65 License?
The Series 65 license—officially known as the Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination—is required for individuals who wish to act as Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs). It allows you to legally provide investment advice for a fee, manage portfolios, and operate under a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) firm.

📋 Who Needs the Series 65?
You’ll need the Series 65 if:
✅ You plan to start your own RIA
✅ You’ll provide fee-based investment advice to clients
✅ You’re working at an advisory firm but not licensed via Series 7 + 66
✅ You want to serve clients in most U.S. states that require IAR registration

🏢 What Is an RIA?
A Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) is either an individual or a firm that provides financial advice and manages investment portfolios. RIAs must register either with the SEC (if managing $100M+ in assets) or with state regulators (if managing less).

As an IAR, you operate under the RIA’s registration but must meet licensing requirements—typically by passing the Series 65.

🧾 RIA Registration Requirements
To register your own RIA, you must:
✔️ Pass the Series 65 exam
✔️ File Form ADV Part 1 and 2 through the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD)
✔️ Pay state filing fees
✔️ Complete fingerprinting/background check
✔️ Draft compliance documents (e.g., client agreements, privacy policies)

Each state has unique requirements—some may also require insurance, bonds, or net worth minimums.

📚 What the Series 65 Exam Covers

• Economic concepts
• Types of securities and investment vehicles
• Portfolio management strategies
• Fiduciary duty and ethics
• State and federal securities regulations

The exam is 130 questions (100 scored), with a 180-minute time limit and a required passing score of 72%.

🚀 Series 65 as a Gateway to Independence
The Series 65 empowers you to:
✅ Launch your own advisory business
✅ Charge asset-based or hourly fees
✅ Provide financial planning and portfolio management services
✅ Build long-term, trust-based client relationships

📣 Ready to Start Your RIA Career?
Our complete Series 65 prep program includes study guides, video lessons, practice tests, and exam-day strategies to help you succeed.

🔗 Begin your journey today at finra-exam-mastery.com