When the SEC, FINRA, or state regulators initiate contact, the quality of your legal response matters. We represent RIAs and broker-dealers through examinations, investigations, enforcement actions, and regulatory inquiries — from initial notice through resolution.
Regulatory examinations and investigations are a normal part of operating a registered financial advisory firm. The SEC examines RIAs on a routine cycle; FINRA examines broker-dealers regularly; state regulators conduct their own reviews. Not every contact escalates — but every contact requires a considered, well-prepared response.
When matters do escalate — to a formal investigation, a Wells notice, or an enforcement action — having experienced legal representation in place from the beginning allows you to respond strategically rather than reactively.
Our SEC defense attorneys represent RIAs and broker-dealers through the full spectrum of regulatory matters. We handle the legal strategy, prepare your response, and manage the process from initial notice through resolution.
We handle the full spectrum of regulatory investigations and enforcement actions facing RIAs and broker-dealers.
How you respond in the first hours and days after receiving regulatory notice can significantly affect the outcome. Here’s what to do:
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We’ve worked extensively with the SEC, FINRA, and state regulators. We understand how investigations proceed, what examiners focus on, when to negotiate, and when to push back.
We work only with RIAs and broker-dealers. The regulatory issues you face — marketing rules, custody, Reg BI, supervision — are issues we work on every day. There’s no learning curve.
We don’t just respond to regulator requests. We develop a defense strategy from the outset. Shaping the narrative, presenting mitigating factors, and working toward the best possible resolution.
Regulatory defense is covered under your monthly SGC hours. Additional hours are available at your locked-in rates if the matter requires extended work. Subscription clients receive priority scheduling for urgent regulatory matters.
The same day. Your initial response sets the tone for the entire matter. Early involvement allows us to structure your response strategically, rather than correcting problems created by an unrepresented reply.
No. Regulators expect firms to have legal representation during significant regulatory matters. Responding without counsel can suggest a lack of preparedness, not the opposite. Legal representation is the professional, expected response.
In most cases, yes. Unless regulators have imposed specific operational restrictions, you can continue normal business while the investigation proceeds. We manage the legal defense while you run your firm.
Yes — but with counsel guiding what you provide and how. Cooperation is expected and required, but it doesn’t mean volunteering unnecessary information, accepting unfavorable characterizations, or responding without legal review. We ensure you cooperate appropriately while protecting your firm’s interests.
An examination is a routine review — typically scheduled on a cycle and covering compliance with applicable regulations. An investigation is targeted and typically involves a specific concern or allegation. Examinations can lead to investigations if examiners identify significant issues. Both require careful handling, but investigations carry greater risk and generally require more active legal involvement.
Let’s Talk.
Whether you’ve received an examination notice, a document request, a Wells notice, or an enforcement action — getting experienced legal counsel in place early is the most important step you can take.
We represent RIAs and broker-dealers through every stage of the regulatory process. Schedule a consultation to discuss your matter.