Becoming a Principal: Careers with Series 24

Becoming a Principal: Careers with Series 24

The Series 24 license, also known as the General Securities Principal (GSP) license, qualifies individuals to supervise and manage broker-dealer activities. Earning this credential opens the door to senior supervisory roles in the financial services industry, with a focus on compliance, operations, and leadership. Here’s a breakdown of the key career paths, responsibilities, and benefits of becoming a principal with Series 24.

🧾 What Is the Series 24?

The Series 24 exam, administered by FINRA, qualifies individuals to supervise:

• General securities business
• Trading, investment banking, advertising, and compliance
• Other registered representatives (Series 7 holders, etc.)

To sit for the Series 24, you must already hold a prerequisite license, such as the Series 7.

🏢 Career Paths for Series 24 Principals

👨‍💼 1. Branch Manager

Role: Oversee daily operations at a brokerage branch
Duties:

• Supervise registered reps
• Ensure regulatory compliance
• Handle customer complaints
• Approve new accounts and trades

📋 2. Compliance Officer

Role: Ensure the firm adheres to FINRA, SEC, and internal policies
Duties:

• Monitor communications and trading activity
• Conduct internal audits
• Implement firm-wide compliance programs
• Liaise with regulators

💼 3. Operations Manager

Role: Manage trade processing, reporting, and back-office support
Duties:

• Oversee trade settlements and reconciliations
• Coordinate with clearing firms
• Ensure accurate client reporting
• Support supervisory systems

📈 4. Trading Desk Supervisor

Role: Supervise traders and proprietary trading activities
Duties:

• Monitor risk and position limits
• Ensure proper trade documentation
• Review trade activity for compliance violations
• Authorize trade adjustments

🏛️ 5. Investment Banking Supervisor

Role: Oversee underwriting and advisory activity
Duties:

• Review IPOs, mergers, and fundraising transactions
• Ensure disclosures meet legal and regulatory standards
• Supervise deal teams and communication

✅ Benefits of Holding the Series 24

• Career advancement to senior leadership roles
• Regulatory authority to supervise and approve transactions
• Higher earning potential with broader responsibility
• Essential for compliance-focused positions in broker-dealers
• Required for firm principals in many supervisory roles

🎓 Train for Success with the Right Resources

At Options America, we offer complete Series 24 prep courses designed by industry veterans—with real-world examples, practice exams, and coaching to help you pass on the first attempt.
👉 Advance your financial career and become a qualified principal with confidence.

If you’re ready to move into supervisory and leadership roles in finance, earning the Series 24 is your next strategic step.