Rules & Regulations of the State of Tennessee
Title 0780 - Commerce and Insurance
Subtitle 0780-04 - Division of Securities
Chapter 0780-04-03 - Industry Regulation
Section 0780-04-03-.02 - POST REGISTRATION

Universal Citation: TN Comp Rules and Regs 0780-04-03-.02

Current through December 26, 2024

(1) Broker-Dealer Required Records.

(a) Every broker-dealer registered in this state shall make and keep current the following books and records relating to its business, unless waived by order of the commissioner:
1. Blotters (or other records of original entry) setting forth an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of securities (including certificate number), all receipts and disbursements of cash, and all other debits and credits. The record shall show the account for which each such transaction was effected, the name and amount of securities, the unit and aggregate purchase or sale price (if any), the trade date, the settlement date, the name or other designation of the person from whom purchased or received or to whom sold or delivered, and some identification of the agent effecting the transaction;

2. Ledgers reflecting all assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and capital accounts;

3. Ledgers (or other records) itemizing separately as to each cash and margin account of every customer and of the broker-dealer and partners or principals thereof, all purchases, sales, receipts, and deliveries of securities and commodities for such accounts, and all other debits and credits to such accounts.

4. Ledgers (or other records) reflecting the following:
(i) Securities in transfer;

(ii) Dividends and interest received;

(iii) Securities borrowed and securities loaned;

(iv) Monies borrowed and monies loaned (together with a record of the collateral thereof and any substitutions in such collateral);

(v) Securities failed to receive and failed to deliver; and

(vi) A record of all puts, calls, spreads, and straddles and other options in which the broker-dealer has any direct or indirect interest or which it has granted or guaranteed, containing at least identification of the security and the number of units involved;

5. A memorandum of each order (order ticket) and of any other instruction given or received for the purchase or sale of securities, whether executed or unexecuted. The memorandum shall show the terms and conditions of the order or instruction, any modification or cancellation thereof, the account for which entered, whether the transaction was unsolicited, the time of entry, the price at which executed, and, to the extent feasible, the time of execution or cancellation. Orders entered pursuant to the exercise of discretionary power by the broker-dealer or any employee thereof shall be so designated. The term "time of entry" shall mean the time when the broker-dealer transmits the order instructions for execution, or, if it is not so transmitted, the time when it is received;

6. A memorandum (order ticket) of each purchase and sale of securities for the account of the broker-dealer showing the price and, to the extent feasible, the time of execution;

7. Copies of confirmations of all purchases and sales of securities, whether the confirmations are issued by the broker-dealer or the issuer of the security involved, and copies of notices of all other debits and credits for securities, cash, and other items for the account of customers and partners or principals of the broker-dealer;

8. A securities record or ledger reflecting separately for each security as of the clearance dates all "long" or "short" positions (including securities in safekeeping) carried by such broker-dealer for its account or for the account of its customers, partners, or principals showing the location of all securities long and the offsetting position to all securities short, and in all cases the name or designation of the account in which each position is carried;

9. Copies of all communications, correspondence, and other records relating to securities transactions with customers;

10. A separate file containing all written complaints made or submitted by customers to the broker-dealer or agents relating to securities transactions;

11. A customer information form (new account information worksheet) for each customer. If recommendations are to be made to the customer, the form shall include such information as is necessary to determine suitability;

12. For each cash or margin account established and maintained with the broker-dealer, copies of all guarantees of accounts and all powers of attorney and other evidence of the granting of any discretionary authority with respect to the account, the name and address of the beneficial owner of each account, and all margin and lending agreements; provided that in the case of a joint account, or of an account of a corporation, the records are required only as to persons authorized to transact business for the account;

13. A record of the proof of money balances of all ledger accounts in the form of trial balances. Such trial balances shall be prepared currently at least once a month;

14. All partnership certificates and agreements or, in the case of a corporation, all articles of incorporation, bylaws, minute books, and stock certificate books of the broker-dealer;

15. A separate file containing copies of all advertising circulated by the broker-dealer in the conduct of its securities business;

16. A computation made quarterly (on a calendar year basis) of its net capital and ratio of its aggregate indebtedness to its capital on Form C-17A-5, as adopted by the SEC (FOCUS Report), if the broker-dealer is a broker-dealer described in subparagraph (5)(a) of Rule 0780-04-03-.01. Otherwise, a computation made quarterly (on a calendar year basis) of its net capital in the manner prescribed paragraph (5) of Rule 0780-04-03-.01;

17. All records required under SEC Rule 17a-3 (17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-3) not otherwise delineated in this paragraph (1); and

18. All records made and kept pursuant to Section 17(f)(2) of the 1934 Act and SEC Rule 17f-2 ( 17 C.F.R. § 240.17f-2) .

(b) All records required to be kept by subparagraph (1)(a) of this Rule shall be kept for a period of five (5) years, or for the period of time such records are required to be maintained by SEC Rule 17a-4 (17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-4) , whichever is shorter. For the first two (2) years, such records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.

(c) All broker-dealers who act as investment advisers shall maintain the records required by subparagraph (3)(a) of this Rule.

(2) Broker-Dealer Reporting Requirements.

(a) Financial Reports.
1. Upon request by the Division, each registered broker-dealer shall immediately file with the Division a report of its financial condition as of and for each requested fiscal year, including a balance sheet and income statement for such period. Such annual report shall be prepared and filed in accordance with the following requirements:
(i) The report shall be certified by an independent certified public accountant or independent public accountant;

(ii) The audit shall be made in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The examination shall include a review of the accounting system and the internal accounting controls and procedures for the safeguarding of securities and funds, including appropriate tests thereof since the prior examination;

(iii) The report shall be accompanied by an opinion of the accountant as to the broker-dealer's financial condition which is unqualified except as to matters which would not have a substantial effect on the financial condition of the broker-dealer. In addition, the accountant shall submit, as a supplementary opinion, any comments, based upon the audit, as to any material inadequacies found to exist in the accounting system, the internal accounting controls and procedures for safeguarding securities, and shall indicate any corrective action taken or proposed; and

(iv) The annual report shall include as a supporting schedule a computation of net capital as required by paragraph (5) of Rule 0780-04-03-.01.

2. In lieu of complying with part (2)(a)1. of this Rule, an applicant may file with the Division a copy of the annual financial report required to be filed by SEC Rule 17a-5 ( 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5) . Any such report shall be filed in the form specified in SEC Rule 17a-5, and shall be accompanied by a copy of any comments made by the independent accountant as to material inadequacies in accordance with SEC Rule 17a-5.

(b) Criminal, Civil, Administrative, or Self-Regulatory Actions.
1. Upon request by the Division, each broker-dealer registered in this state shall file with the Division a copy of:
(i) Any indictment or information filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the broker-dealer, any affiliate, partner, officer, or director of the broker-dealer, or any person occupying a similar status with or performing similar functions for the broker-dealer, alleging the commission of any felony regardless of subject matter, or of any misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business;

(ii) Any complaint filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the broker-dealer, any affiliate, partner, officer, or director of the broker-dealer, or any person occupying a similar status with or performing similar functions for the broker-dealer, seeking a permanent or temporary injunction enjoining any of such person's conduct or practice involving any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business; and

(iii) Any complaint or order filed by a federal or state regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization or the United States Post Office naming the broker-dealer, any affiliate, partner, officer, or director of the broker-dealer, or any person occupying a similar status with or performing a similar function for the broker-dealer, related to the broker-dealer's securities business or investment-related business.

2. Upon request by the Division, each broker-dealer registered in this state shall file with the Division a copy of any answer, response, or reply to any complaint, indictment, or information described in subparts (2)(b)1.(i-iii) of this Rule.

3. Upon request by the Division, each broker-dealer registered in this state shall file with the Division a copy of any decision, order, or sanction that is made, entered, or imposed with respect to any proceedings described in subparts (2)(b)1.(i-iii) of this Rule.

4. Nothing in subparagraph (2)(b) is intended to relieve the registrant from any duty the registrant has to comply with legal process or any reporting requirements elsewhere specified in these Rules or in the Act.

(c) Transfer of Control or Change of Name.
1. Each broker-dealer registered in this state shall file with the Division a notice of transfer of control or change of name not more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the transfer of control or change of name becomes effective.

2. Such notice of transfer of control or change of name shall be submitted through the CRD System or directly to the Division, whichever is appropriate.

3. Such notice of transfer of control or change of name shall be filed as an amendment to a broker-dealer's existing Form BD or as a complete new Form BD from the successor to a registered broker-dealer as provided under T.C.A. § 48-1-110(c).

4. Each broker-dealer that files a notice of transfer of control or change of name shall furnish, upon request from the Division, any additional information relating to the transfer of control or change of name within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such request. Such additional information, if requested, shall be submitted directly to the Division.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in the Act, or in these Rules, all material changes in the information included in a broker-dealer's most recent application for registration shall be set forth in an amendment to Form BD filed promptly with the Division through the CRD System or by a direct filing, whichever is appropriate.

(e) Every broker-dealer shall file directly with the Division the following reports concerning its net capital, liquid capital, and aggregate indebtedness:
1. Immediate telegraphic, facsimile, or written notice whenever the net capital or liquid capital of the broker-dealer is less than that which is required by these Rules, specifying the respective amounts of its net capital, liquid capital, and aggregate indebtedness on the date of notice; and

2. A copy of every report or notice required to be filed by the broker-dealer pursuant to SEC Rule 17a-11 (17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-11) , contemporaneously with the date of filing with the SEC.

(f) Each broker-dealer shall give immediate telegraphic, facsimile, or written notice to the Division of the theft or mysterious disappearance from any office in this state of any securities or funds which might affect the financial stability of the broker-dealer, stating all material facts known to it concerning the theft or disappearance.

(3) Investment Adviser Required Records.

(a) Except as provided in subparagraph (3)(c) of this Rule, every registered investment adviser shall maintain and keep current the following books and records relating to its business, unless waived by order of the commissioner:
1. Ledgers (or other records) reflecting assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and capital accounts;

2. A record showing all payments received, including date of receipt, purpose, and from whom received, and all disbursements, including date paid, purpose, and to whom made;

3. A record showing all receivables and payables;

4. Records showing separately for each client the securities purchased or sold, and to the extent it has been made available to the investment adviser, the date on which, amount of, and price at which the purchases or sales were executed, and the name of the broker-dealer who effected the transaction;

5.
(i) Records showing separately all securities bought or sold by clients insofar as known to the investment adviser and indicating thereon:
(I) Proper identification of the individual account;

(II) The date on which such securities were purchased or sold;

(III) The amount of securities purchased or sold; and

(IV) The price at which such securities were purchased or sold; or

(ii) A record showing:
(I) All securities bought or sold by or for the accounts of all clients of the investment adviser in each month;

(II) The total number of shares bought or sold; and

(III) The lowest and highest price at which such purchases or sales were made during the month;

6. Copies of broker-dealers' confirmations of all transactions placed by the investment adviser for any account, and such other broker-dealers' confirmations as may be supplied to the investment adviser by a client or broker-dealer;

7. Records of all accounts in which the investment adviser is vested with discretionary authority, including powers of attorney and other evidence of discretionary authority;

8. Copies of all agreements entered into by the investment adviser with respect to any account, which agreements shall set forth the fees to be charged and the manner of computation and method of payment thereof, and copies of all communications, correspondence, and other records relating to securities transactions;

9. All partnership certificates and agreements, or all articles of incorporation, bylaws, minute books, and stock certificate books of the investment adviser;

10. A computation made monthly of the investment adviser's net capital; and

11. Copies of all written agreements, acknowledgements, and solicitor disclosure statements required by paragraphs (5-6) of Rule 0780-04-03-.13.

(b) All records required by subparagraph (3)(a) of this Rule shall be kept for a period of five (5) years, or for the period of time such records are required to be maintained by SEC Rule 204-2 (17 C.F.R. § 275.204-2) , whichever is shorter. For the first two (2) years, such records shall be kept in an easily accessible place.

(c) An investment adviser which has its principal place of business in another state shall not be subject to the books and records requirement of this paragraph (3) if:
1. The investment adviser is registered as an investment adviser in the state in which it maintains its principal place of business;

2. The investment adviser is in compliance with the applicable books and records requirements of the state in which it maintains its principal place of business; and

3. The provisions of this paragraph (3) would require the investment adviser to maintain books or records in addition to those required under the laws of the state in which the investment adviser maintains its principal place of business.

As used herein "principal place of business" of an investment adviser means the executive office of the investment adviser from which the officers, partners, or managers of the investment adviser direct, control, and coordinate the activities of the investment adviser.

(4) Investment Adviser Reporting Requirements.

(a)
1. Each investment adviser registered in this state shall file with the Division, within ninety (90) days after the end of its fiscal year, a copy of its annual statement of financial condition (balance sheet) and thereafter, any other related financial statements which the Division may request.

2. For any investment adviser registered in this state which has custody of client funds or securities, or which requires prepayment of more than five hundred dollars ($500) in advisory fees six (6) or more months in advance, such statement of financial condition (balance sheet) shall be:
(i) Certified by an independent certified public accountant or independent public accountant;

(ii) Prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied; and

(iii) Accompanied by an opinion of the accountant as to the investment adviser's financial condition which is unqualified, except as to matters which would not have a substantial effect on the financial condition of the investment adviser.

3. Such annual financial statements shall be sent to the Division by certified mail return receipt requested.

(b)
1. Upon request by the Division, each investment adviser registered in this state shall file with the Division a copy of:
(i) Any indictment or information filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the investment adviser, any affiliate, partner, officer, or director of the investment adviser, or any person occupying a similar status with or performing similar functions for the investment adviser, alleging the commission of any felony regardless of subject matter, or of any misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business;

(ii) Any complaint filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the investment adviser, any affiliate, partner, officer, or director of the investment adviser, or any person occupying a similar status with or performing similar functions for the investment adviser, seeking a permanent or temporary injunction enjoining any of such persons from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business; and

(iii) Any complaint or order filed by a federal or state regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization or the United States Post Office naming the investment adviser, any affiliate, partner, officer, or director of the investment adviser, or any person occupying a similar status with or performing similar functions for the investment adviser, related to the investment adviser's securities or investment-related business.

2. Upon request of the Division, each investment adviser registered in this state shall file with the Division a copy of any answer, response, or reply to any complaint, indictment, or information described in subparts (4)(b)1.(i-iii) of this Rule.

3. Upon request by the Division, each investment adviser registered in this state shall file with the Division a copy of any decision, order, or sanction that is made, entered, or imposed with respect to any proceeding described in subparts (4)(b)1.(i-iii) of this Rule.

4. Nothing in this Rule is intended to relieve the registrant from any duty the registrant has to comply with legal process or any reporting requirements elsewhere specified in these Rules or in the Act.

(c)
1. Each investment adviser, registered in this state, shall file with the Division a notice of transfer of control or change of name not more than thirty (30) days after the date on which the transfer of control or change of name becomes effective.

2. Such notice of transfer of control or change of name shall be submitted directly to the Division or through a central registration depository designated by the Division, whichever is appropriate.

3. Such notice of transfer of control or change of name shall be filed as an amendment to an investment adviser's existing Form ADV or as a complete new Form ADV from the successor to a registered investment adviser as provided under T.C.A. § 48-1-110(c).

4. Each investment adviser, which files a notice of transfer of control or change of name, shall furnish, upon request from the Division, any additional information relating to the transfer of control or change of name within fifteen (15) days of receipt of such request. Such additional information, if requested, shall be submitted directly to the Division.

5. An investment adviser, which has made a notice filing with the Division pursuant to T.C.A. § 48-1-109(c)(2), shall notify the Division of a transfer of control or a change of name by filing an amended Form ADV with the Division within thirty (30) days after the date on which the transfer of control or change of name becomes effective.

(d) Except as otherwise provided in the Act, all material changes in the information included in an investment adviser's most recent application for registration shall be set forth in an amendment to Form ADV, pursuant to the updating instructions on Form ADV, and filed promptly through the IARD or directly with the Division, whichever is appropriate.

(e) Each investment adviser registered in this state shall file with the Division within ninety (90) days after the end of the registrant's fiscal year, an annual updated Form ADV prepared pursuant to the updating instructions on Form ADV. Such annual updating amendment to Form ADV shall be filed through the IARD or directly with the Division, whichever is appropriate.

(5) Agent Reporting Requirements.

(a) Upon request by the Division, each agent registered in this state shall file with the Division through his or her broker-dealer a copy of:
1. Any indictment or information filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the agent and alleging the commission of any felony regardless of subject matter, or any misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business;

2. Any complaint filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the agent and seeking a permanent or temporary injunction enjoining any of such persons from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business; and

3. Any complaint or order filed by a federal or state regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization or the United States Post Office naming the agent and related to the agent's securities or investment-related business.

(b) Upon request by the Division, each agent registered in this state shall file with the Division through his or her broker-dealer a copy of any answer, response, or reply to any complaint, indictment, or information described in parts (5)(a)1.-3. of this Rule.

(c) Upon request by the Division, each agent registered in this state shall file with the Division through his or her broker-dealer a copy of any decision, order, or sanction that is made, entered, or imposed with respect to any proceeding described in parts (5)(a)1.-3. of this Rule.

(d) Nothing in this Rule is intended to relieve the registrant from any duty the registrant has to comply with legal process or any reporting requirements elsewhere specified in these Rules or in the Act.

(6) Prohibited Business Practices.

(a) The following shall be deemed "dishonest or unethical business practices" by a broker-dealer under T.C.A. § 48-1-112(a)(2)(G), without limiting that term to the practices specified herein:
1. Causing any unreasonable delay in the delivery of securities purchased by any of its customers;

2. Inducing trading in a customer's account which is excessive in size or frequency in view of the financial resources and character of the account;

3. Recommending to a customer the purchase, sale, or exchange of any security without reasonable grounds to believe that the recommendation is suitable for the customer on the basis of information furnished by the customer after reasonable inquiry concerning the customer's investment objectives, financial situation, and needs, and any other information known by the broker-dealer;

4. Executing a transaction on behalf of a customer without authority to do so;

5. Exercising any discretionary power in effecting a transaction for a customer's account without first obtaining written discretionary authority from the customer unless the discretionary power relates solely to the time and/or price for the execution of orders;

6. Extending, arranging for, or participating in arranging for credit to a customer in violation of the 1934 Act or the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board;

7. Executing any transaction in a margin account without obtaining from its customers a written margin agreement prior to settlement date for the initial transaction in the account;

8. Failing to segregate customers' free securities or securities in safekeeping;

9. Hypothecating a customer's securities without having a lien thereon unless written consent of the customer is first obtained, except as permitted by rules of the SEC;

10. Charging its customers an unreasonable commission or service charge in any transaction executed as agent for the customer;

11. Entering into a transaction for its own account with a customer with an unreasonable mark up or mark down. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that any mark up or mark down in excess of the guidelines set by the FINRA is unreasonable;

12. Entering into a transaction for its own account with a customer in which a commission is charged;

13. Entering into a transaction with or for a customer at a price not reasonably related to the current market price;

14. Executing orders for the purchase or sale of securities which the broker-dealer knew or should have known were not registered under the Act unless the securities or transactions are exempt under the Act;

15. Violating any rule of a national securities exchange or national securities dealers association of which it is a member with respect to any customer, transaction, or business in this state;

16. Requiring investment advisory clients of a broker-dealer or an affiliated investment adviser to use the broker-dealer to execute trades for such client, and failing to disclose to such clients their rights to use any broker-dealer for trade execution;

17. For a registered broker-dealer which shares office space with, or occupies the same business premises as, a person not so registered, failing to disclose clearly, conspicuously, and continuously the relationship, or lack thereof, between it and such other person;

18. Causing any unreasonable delay in the execution of a transaction on behalf of a customer; and

19. Failing to provide information requested by the Division pursuant to the Act or these Rules promulgated thereunder.

(b) The following are deemed "dishonest or unethical business practices" by an agent under T.C.A. § 48-1-112(a)(2)(G), without limiting those terms to the practices specified herein:
1. Borrowing money or securities from a customer;

2. Acting as a custodian for money, securities, or an executed stock power of a customer;

3. Effecting securities transactions with a customer not recorded on the regular books or records of the broker-dealer which the agent represents, unless the transactions are disclosed to, and authorized in writing by, the broker-dealer prior to execution of the transactions;

4. Operating an account under a fictitious name, unless disclosed to the broker-dealer that the agent represents;

5. Sharing directly or indirectly in profits or losses in the account of any customer without the written authorization of the customer and the broker-dealer which the agent represents;

6. Dividing or otherwise splitting commissions, profits, or other compensation receivable in connection with the purchase or sale of securities in this state with any person not registered as an agent for the same broker-dealer, or for an affiliate of the same broker-dealer;

7. Inducing trading in a customer's account which is excessive in size or frequency in view of the financial resources and character of the account;

8. Recommending to a customer the purchase, sale, or exchange of any security without reasonable grounds to believe that the recommendation is suitable for the customer on the basis of information furnished by the customer after reasonable inquiry concerning the customer's investment objectives, financial situation, and needs, and any other information known by the broker-dealer or agent;

9. Executing a transaction on behalf of a customer without authority to do so;

10. Exercising any discretionary power in effecting a transaction for a customer's account without first obtaining written discretionary authority from the customer unless the discretionary power relates solely to the time and/or price for the execution of orders;

11. Extending, arranging for, or participating in arranging for credit to a customer in violation of the 1934 Act or the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board;

12. Executing any transaction in a margin account without obtaining from his or her customers a written margin agreement prior to settlement date for the initial transaction in the account;

13. Charging a customer an unreasonable commission or service charge in any transaction executed as agent for the customer;

14. Entering into a transaction for his or her broker-dealer's account with a customer with an unreasonable mark up or mark down. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that any mark up or mark down in excess of the guidelines set by the FINRA is unreasonable;

15. Entering into a transaction with or for a customer at a price not reasonably related to the current market price;

16. Executing orders for the purchase or sale of securities which the agent knew or should have known were not registered under the Act unless the securities or transactions are exempt under the Act;

17. Violating any rule of a national securities exchange or national securities dealers association of which the agent is an associated person with respect to any customer, transaction, or business in this state;

18. Causing any unreasonable delay in the execution of a transaction on behalf of a customer; and

19. Failing to provide information requested by the Division pursuant to the Act or these Rules.

(c) The following are deemed "dishonest or unethical business practices" by an investment adviser or an investment adviser representative under T.C.A. § 48-1-112(a)(2)(G), to the extent permitted under Section 203A of the Investment Advisers Act, without limiting those terms to the practices specified herein:
1. Exercising any discretionary power in placing an order for the purchase or sale of securities for the account of a customer without first obtaining written discretionary authority from the customer;

2. Placing an order for the purchase or sale of a security pursuant to discretionary authority if the purchase or sale is in violation of the Act or these Rules;

3. Inducing trading in a customer's account which is excessive in size or frequency in view of the financial resources and character of the account;

4. Recommending to a customer the purchase, sale, or exchange of any security without reasonable grounds to believe that the recommendation is suitable for the customer on the basis of information furnished by the customer after reasonable inquiry concerning the customer's investment objectives, financial situation, and needs, and any other information known by the investment adviser;

5. Executing a transaction on behalf of a customer without authority to do so;

6. Extending, arranging for, or participating in arranging for credit to a customer in violation of the 1934 Act or the regulations of the Federal Reserve Board;

7. Failing to segregate customers' free securities or securities in safekeeping;

8. Hypothecating a customer's securities without having a lien thereon unless written consent of the customer is first obtained, except as permitted by rules of the SEC;

9. Entering into a transaction for the investment adviser's own account with a customer with an unreasonable mark up or mark down. There shall be a rebuttable presumption that any mark up or mark down in excess of the guidelines set by the FINRA is unreasonable;

10. Placing an order to purchase or sell a security for the account of a client upon instruction of a third party without first having obtained a written third party trading authorization from the client;

11. Misrepresenting to any advisory client, or prospective advisory client, the qualifications of the investment adviser or any employee of the investment adviser, or misrepresenting the nature of the advisory services being offered or fees to be charged for such service, or omitting to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made regarding qualifications, services, or fees, in light of the circumstances under which they are made, not misleading;

12. Providing a report or recommendation to any advisory client prepared by someone other than the adviser without disclosing that fact (This prohibition does not apply to a situation where the adviser uses published research reports or statistical analyses to render advice or where an adviser orders such a report in the normal course of providing service.);

13. Charging a client an unreasonable advisory fee;

14. Failing to disclose to clients, in writing, before any advice is rendered, any material conflict of interest relating to the adviser or any of its employees which could reasonably be expected to impair the rendering of unbiased and objective advice including:
(i) Compensation agreements connected with advisory services to clients, which are in addition to compensation from such clients for such services; and

(ii) Charging a client an advisory fee for rendering advice when a commission for executing securities transactions, pursuant to such advice, will be received by the adviser or its employees;

15. Guaranteeing a client that a specific result will be achieved (gain or no loss) with advice which will be rendered;

16. Publishing, circulating, or distributing any advertisement which does not comply with Rule 0780-04-03-.09 under the Act;

17. Disclosing the identity, affairs, or investments of any client unless required by law to do so, or unless consented to by the client;

18. Taking any action, directly or indirectly, with respect to those securities or funds in which any client has any beneficial interest, where the investment adviser has custody or possession of such securities or funds when the adviser's action is subject to and does not comply with the requirements of Rule 0780-04-03-.07 under the Act;

19. Entering into, extending, or renewing any investment advisory contract, unless such contract is in writing and, in substance, discloses:
(i) The services to be provided;

(ii) The term of the contract;

(iii) The advisory fee;

(iv) The formula for computing the fee;

(v) The amount of prepaid fee to be returned in the event of contract termination or non-performance;

(vi) Whether the contract grants discretionary power to the adviser; and

(vii) That no assignments of such contract shall be made by the investment adviser without the consent of the other party to the contract;

20. Failing to establish, maintain, and enforce written policies and procedures reasonably designed, taking into consideration the nature of such investment adviser's business, to prevent the misuse in violation of the Investment Advisers Act or the 1934 Act, or the rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, of material, non-public information by such investment adviser or any person associated with such investment adviser;

21. Entering into, extending, or renewing any advisory contract which would violate Section 205 of the Investment Advisers Act;

22. Indicating, in an advisory contract, any condition, stipulation, or provisions binding any person to waive compliance with any provision of the Act or of the Investment Advisers Act, or any other practice that would violate Section 215 of the Investment Advisers Act;

23. Engaging in conduct or any act, indirectly or through or by any other person, which would be unlawful for such person to do directly under the provisions of the Act or these Rules;

24. Borrowing money or securities from a client unless the client is a broker-dealer, an affiliate of the investment adviser, or a financial institution engaged in the business of loaning funds;

25. Loaning money to a client unless the investment adviser is a financial institution engaged in the business of loaning funds or the client is an affiliate of the investment adviser; and

26. Failing to provide information requested by the Division pursuant to the Act or these Rules.

(d) Use of Senior-Specific Certifications and Professional Designations.
1. The following shall be deemed "dishonest or unethical business practices" by a broker-dealer, agent of a broker-dealer, an investment adviser or an investment adviser representative under T.C.A. § 48-1-112(a)(2)(G):
(i) The use of a senior-specific certification or designation by any person in connection with the offer, sale, or purchase of securities, or the provision of advice as to the value of or the advisability of investing in, purchasing, or selling securities, either directly or indirectly or through publications or writings, or by issuing or promulgating analyses or reports relating to securities, that indicates or implies that the user has special certification or training in advising or servicing senior citizens or retirees, in such a way as to mislead any person shall be a dishonest and unethical practice within the meaning of T.C.A. § 48-1-112(a)(2)(G). The prohibited use of such certifications or professional designation includes, but is not limited to, the following:
(I) Use of a certification or professional designation by a person who has not actually earned, or is otherwise ineligible to use, such certification or designation;

(II) Use of a nonexistent or self-conferred certification or professional designation;

(III) Use of a certification or professional designation that indicates or implies a level of occupational qualifications, obtained through education, training, or experience, that the person using the certification or professional designation does not have; and

(IV) Use of a certification or professional designation that was obtained from a designating or certifying organization that:
I. Is primarily engaged in the business of instruction in sales and/or marketing;

II. Does not have reasonable standards or procedures for assuring the competency of its designees or certificants;

III. Does not have reasonable standards or procedures for monitoring and disciplining its designees or certificants for improper or unethical conduct; or

IV. Does not have reasonable continuing education requirements for its designees or certificants in order to maintain the designation or certificate.

2. There is a rebuttable presumption that a designating or certifying organization is not disqualified solely for purposes of subitem 1.i(IV) of this subparagraph (d) above when the organization has been accredited by:
(i) The American National Standards Institute; or

(ii) The National Commission for Certifying Agencies; or

(iii) An organization that is on the United States Department of Education's list entitled "Accrediting Agencies Recognized for Title IV Purposes" and the designation or credential issued therefrom does not primarily apply to sales and/or marketing.

3. In determining whether a combination of words (or an acronym standing for a combination of words) constitutes a certification or professional designation indicating or implying that a person has special certification or training in advising or servicing senior citizens or retirees, factors to be considered shall include:
(i) Use of one or more words such as "senior," "retirement," "elder," or like words, combined with one or more words such as "certified," "registered," "chartered," "adviser," "specialist," "consultant," "planner," or like words, in the name of the certification or professional designation; and

(ii) The manner in which those words are combined.

4. For purposes of this rule, a certification or professional designation does not include a job title within an organization that is licensed or registered by a state or federal financial services regulatory agency, when that job title:
(i) Indicates seniority or standing within the organization; or

(ii) Specifies an individual's area of specialization within the organization; unless

(iii) Such job title is used in a way that indicates or implies that the user has special certification or training in advising or servicing senior citizens or retirees.

For purposes of this subsection, financial services regulatory agency includes, but is not limited to, an agency that regulates broker-dealers, investment advisers, or investment companies as defined under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

5. Nothing in this rule shall limit the Commissioner's authority to enforce existing provisions of law.

(7) Rules of Conduct - Broker-Dealers.

(a) Confirmations.
1. Every broker-dealer shall give or send to the customer a written confirmation, promptly after execution of and before completion of, each transaction. The confirmation shall set forth:
(i) A description of the security purchased or sold, the date of the transaction, the price at which the security was purchased or sold, and any commission charged;

(ii) Whether the broker-dealer was acting for its own account, as agent for the customer, as agent for some other person, or as agent for both the customer and some other person;

(iii) When the broker-dealer is acting as agent for the customer, either the name of the person from whom the security was purchased or to whom it was sold, or the fact that the information will be furnished upon the request of the customer, if the information is known to, or with reasonable diligence may be ascertained by, the broker-dealer;

(iv) Whether the transaction was unsolicited; and

(v) The name of the agent that effected the transaction.

2. Compliance with SEC Rule 10b-10 ( 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-10) or with Article III, Section 12 of the FINRA Rules of Fair Practice shall be deemed compliance with this Rule.

(b) Every broker-dealer shall establish and keep current a set of written supervisory procedures and a system for applying such procedures, which may be reasonably expected to prevent and detect any violations of the Act, these Rules, and orders thereunder. The procedures shall include the designation by name or title of a number of supervisory employees reasonable in relation to the number of its registered agents, offices, and transactions in this state. A complete set of the procedures and systems for applying them shall be kept and maintained at every branch office.

(c) A broker-dealer shall not enter into any contract with a customer if the contract contains any conditions, stipulations, or provisions binding the customer to waive any rights under the Act, these Rules, or order thereunder. Any such condition, stipulation, or provision is void.

(d) Any person receiving a commission, fee, or other remuneration directly or indirectly for soliciting prospective purchasers in this state in connection with any offering for which an exemption is claimed pursuant to Rule 0780-04-02-.08, the Tennessee Uniform Limited Offering Exemption, must be appropriately registered in this state pursuant to the Act and these Rules.

(8) Investment Adviser Representative Reporting Requirements.

(a) Upon request by the Division, each investment adviser representative registered in this state shall file with the Division through his or her investment adviser, if registered, or directly if his or her investment adviser has filed a completed investment adviser notice filing pursuant to T.C.A. § 48-1-109(c)(2), a copy of:
1. Any indictment or information filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the investment adviser representative and alleging the commission of any felony regardless of subject matter, or any misdemeanor involving a security or any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business;

2. Any complaint filed in any court of competent jurisdiction naming the investment adviser representative and seeking a permanent or temporary injunction enjoining any of such persons from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving any aspect of the securities business or any investment-related business; and

3. Any complaint or order filed by a federal or state regulatory agency or self-regulatory organization or the United States Post Office naming the investment adviser representative and related to the investment adviser representative's securities or investment-related business.

(b) Upon request by the Division, each investment adviser representative registered in this state shall file with the Division through his or her investment adviser, if registered, or directly if his or her investment adviser has filed a completed investment adviser notice filing pursuant to T.C.A. § 48-1-109(c)(2), a copy of any answer, response, or reply to any complaint, indictment, or information described in parts (8)(a)1.-3. of this Rule.

(c) Upon request by the Division, each investment adviser representative registered in this state shall file with the Division through his or her investment adviser, if registered, or directly if his or her investment adviser has filed a completed investment adviser notice filing pursuant to T.C.A. § 48-1-109(c)(2), a copy of any decision, order, or sanction that is made, entered, or imposed with respect to any proceeding described in parts (8)(a)1.-3. of this Rule.

(d) Nothing in this Rule is intended to relieve the registrant from any duty the registrant has to comply with legal process or any reporting requirements elsewhere specified in these Rules or in the Act.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 48-1-102, 48-1-107, 48-1-109, 48-1-110, 48-1-111, 48-1-112, 48-1-113, 48-1-115, 48-1-116, 48-1-118, 48-1-121(a)(2), Public Acts of 2001, Chapter 61, § 222 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended by § 304(a) of the National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996, §§ 203A, 205, and 215 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, § 17(f)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, 17 C.F.R. § 240.10b-10, 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-3 through 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-5, 17 C.F.R. § 240.17a-11, 17 C.F.R. § 240.17f-2, 17 C.F.R. § 275.204-2, and the FINRA Rules of Fair Conduct.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Tennessee may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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