02 / Institutional
Broker-Dealer and Bank-Dealer Compliance Services
Comprehensive compliance for fixed income groups, including public finance, government banking, underwriting, and institutional sales.
Fixed Income Compliance
ARS provides compliance services specifically designed for the fixed income operations of broker-dealers and bank-dealers. We cover public finance, government banking, underwriting, and institutional sales, building compliance programs around the rules and regulations that apply to your firm's specific business lines. Our team's background in these areas means we understand the operational realities of your business, not just the regulations.
Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs) and Internal Controls
We develop and maintain Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs) for principal oversight and internal controls, tailored to your firm's structure and business activities. When FINRA, SEC, or MSRB rules change, we update your WSPs to reflect the new requirements and communicate the changes to your supervisory team.
FINRA Membership Application Support
ARS has extensive experience completing new and existing firm changes specific to FINRA's new and continuing member application process. We handle the documentation, regulatory filings, and coordination with FINRA throughout the process.
Surveillance Program Implementation
We design and implement comprehensive surveillance programs covering trading activity, communications, and other areas of regulatory focus. Our programs include exception identification, reporting to management, and documentation that demonstrates a functioning compliance infrastructure during examinations.
Regulatory Exam Preparation and Support
We prepare your firm for FINRA and SEC examinations by reviewing your compliance infrastructure, identifying potential issues, and ensuring your documentation is examination-ready. During the exam, we help you respond to document requests and provide hands-on support throughout the process. Our team has been instrumental in achieving positive outcomes for regulatory exams, inquiries, and investigations.
Training for Registered Representatives and Principals
We provide on-site and remote training covering current rules and regulations, recent enforcement actions, and industry best practices. Training is tailored to your firm's business activities and the specific regulatory requirements that apply to your registered representatives and principals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What compliance services does ARS provide for broker-dealers?
ARS provides comprehensive fixed income compliance for broker-dealers and bank-dealers, covering public finance, government banking, underwriting, and institutional sales. Services include Written Supervisory Procedures (WSPs), surveillance programs, FINRA new and continuing member application support, regulatory exam preparation, and ongoing training for registered representatives and principals.
Can ARS help with FINRA membership applications?
Yes. ARS has extensive experience completing new and existing firm changes specific to FINRA's new and continuing member application process. We handle the documentation, regulatory filings, and coordination with FINRA throughout the process.
How does ARS support broker-dealers during a FINRA or SEC exam?
We prepare your firm before the examination by reviewing your compliance infrastructure, help you respond to document requests, and provide hands-on support throughout the exam process. Our team has been instrumental in achieving positive outcomes for regulatory exams, inquiries, and investigations.
What is the difference between a broker-dealer and bank-dealer for compliance purposes?
A bank-dealer operates under a bank's charter and is exempt from certain FINRA requirements but still subject to SEC and MSRB rules. ARS works with both types of firms and tailors compliance programs to the specific regulatory framework that applies to your firm's structure.
Get Started
Ready to strengthen your compliance program?
Schedule a consultation with our team to discuss your firm's specific needs.