We’re Leading the Way in 17a-4 Data Compliance
I’ve noticed lots of confusion these days about data compliance, I don’t know whose fault it is – could be the regulators, or the compliance officers, could be the consultants; I suspect it’s the big IT vendors trying to up-sell us (you know who I'm talking about) but the problem is no one is coming [...]
AdvisorVault's 17a-4 Cloud Backup Plug-in will make you purr like a kitten; it’s a game changer when you need to be compliant on the cloud, I am talking about Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 (the only two options firms today). I mean, at the end of the day, moving your company to the cloud is [...]
Since we are a FINRA Designated Third Party (D3P) currently doing data archiving for customers, I decided to help firms with cybersecurity too. So naturally I downloaded FINRA’s Cybersecurity Checklist for Small Firms in attempts to get some guidance, boy was I disappointed, and surely I’m not alone. I mean if you’re a small [...]
I’ve notice there’s lots of talk these days about data compliance and the cloud, specifically the problem surrounding the FINRA Designated Third-Party Provider or 17a-4 D3P. What I’m talking about here is a FINRA firm such as a broker-dealer and the compliance officer, who, if they’ve done their homework, will need to fully understand [...]
Compliance officers end up feeling like they’re hanging from a tree, scratching their heads when it comes to FINRA rule 17a-4. Its complex and they need to also understand the technology behind it; at the same time, few have the expertise to fully grasp it. However, the best way to approach 17a-4 (especially if you’re [...]
Since FINRA has given firms the green light to use the cloud, it’s important they understand how to make it 17a-4 compliant. Because compliance officers don’t want to be a Stooge if they go ahead and move their operations to Microsoft 365, then come audit time, it'll be especially embarrassing when the regulator is in [...]
An important thing I’ve learned working with small FINRA firms over the past 20 years is their need to continually find ways to keep technology spending as low as possible yet keep regulators happy, i.e., pass the 17a-4 electronic records request. It’s not a simple task since there are lots of ways to store data, [...]
Let’s go over three simple things you can do (I am talking to compliance officers now) that'll help your firm reduce tech spending while at the same time meet the demands of rule 17a-4: a really important thing these days, especially if you’re a small FINRA firm with a limited budget and no in-house IT [...]
