A registered representative, also called a general securities representative, a
stockbroker
A stockbroker is an individual or company that buys and sells stocks and other investments for a financial market participant in return for a commission, markup, or fee. In most countries they are regulated as a broker or broker-dealer and ...
, or an account executive, is an individual who is licensed to sell
securities
A security is a tradable financial asset. The term commonly refers to any form of financial instrument, but its legal definition varies by jurisdiction. In some countries and languages people commonly use the term "security" to refer to any for ...
and has the legal power of an
agent in the
United States
The United States of America (USA), also known as the United States (U.S.) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It is a federal republic of 50 U.S. state, states and a federal capital district, Washington, D.C. The 48 ...
.
Registered representatives usually work for
broker/dealers licensed by the
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the
Self Regulatory Organizations (SRO) of the
New York Stock Exchange
The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE, nicknamed "The Big Board") is an American stock exchange in the Financial District, Manhattan, Financial District of Lower Manhattan in New York City. It is the List of stock exchanges, largest stock excha ...
(NYSE) and
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is a private American corporation that acts as a self-regulatory organization (SRO) that regulates member brokerage firms and exchange markets. FINRA is the successor to the National Associati ...
(FINRA).
To become a registered representative in the United States, one must be sponsored by a
broker/dealer firm and must pass the FINRA-administered
Series 7 examination (known as the General Securities Representative Exam) or another Limited Representative Qualifications Exam. Some state laws and broker/dealer policies also require the
Series 63 examination (known as the Uniform Securities Agent State Law Exam).
A registered representative ("RR" or "rep" or "broker") is authorized to sell a large array of securities such as stocks, bonds, options, mutual funds, limited partnership programs and variable annuities. Registered representatives who sell variable products such as variable annuities or
variable universal life insurance policies typically also must obtain the appropriate state insurance department license(s).
See also
*
List of securities examinations
*
Stock selection criterion
*
Proper authority, in Australia
References
External links
* FINRA Registration and Examination Requirements
Series 7 Sponsorship Gateway
United States securities law
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