Regulator: SEC / FINRA 🇺🇸
US investors are protected by a robust regulatory framework including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), FINRA, and the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC). Understanding your rights can help you recover losses and hold bad actors accountable.
SEC Registration
Investment advisers and broker-dealers must be registered with the SEC or state regulators. Verify any firm or individual using the SEC’s EDGAR database or FINRA’s BrokerCheck tool.
- Check SEC EDGAR at sec.gov
- Use FINRA BrokerCheck at brokercheck.finra.org
- Verify investment advisers at adviserinfo.sec.gov
SIPC Protection
The Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) protects customers of SIPC-member broker-dealers if the firm fails. Coverage is up to $500,000 per customer, including $250,000 for cash claims.
- Up to $500,000 per customer
- $250,000 limit for cash claims
- Does not cover investment losses from fraud
- Visit sipc.org to check membership and file claims
FINRA Arbitration
FINRA provides a dispute resolution forum for investors with complaints against broker-dealers. Arbitration is often faster and less expensive than court litigation.
- File claims at finra.org/arbitration
- Covers disputes with FINRA-member firms
- Simplified arbitration for claims under $50,000
- Attorneys can represent you in arbitration
SEC Whistleblower Program
The SEC’s whistleblower program awards 10-30% of sanctions collected in successful enforcement actions to individuals who provide original information about securities violations.
- Awards of 10-30% of sanctions over $1 million
- Confidential reporting available
- Anti-retaliation protections
- Submit tips at sec.gov/whistleblower
Reporting Fraud
Report investment fraud to the SEC at sec.gov/tcr, to FINRA at finra.org/investors/have-problem, and to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov.