what is BrokerCheck

FINRA BrokerCheck is a powerful tool for investors looking to vet brokers, investment firms, and financial advisors. Here's what you need to know about it:

1. **Information Available**: BrokerCheck provides a comprehensive view of an individual broker's or firm's history, including their credentials, services offered, registrations, and any sanctions or legal issues. It also includes information on a firm's history and any indiscretions.
2. **Data Sources**: The information in BrokerCheck comes mainly from the Central Registration Depository (CRD), the securities industry online registration and licensing database, and the Securities and Exchange Commission's Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) database.
3. **Accessibility and Usage**: BrokerCheck is user-friendly and allows investors to search for brokers or firms by name or registration number. It provides details on a broker's current employment, registration history, and any legal issues or regulatory actions.
4. **Limitations**: BrokerCheck does not disclose information that investment professionals have not reported or are not required to report. It also may have limited information for individuals whose last registration ended before August 1999.
5. **Disciplinary Actions**: FINRA maintains a separate database for viewing FINRA’s disciplinary actions against brokers. This can provide additional insights into a broker's history.

In conclusion, BrokerCheck is a valuable resource for investors looking to make informed decisions about the professionals and firms they choose to do business with. By providing a detailed and up-to-date view of a broker's or firm's history, it helps investors avoid those with a checkered past and promotes a safer investment environment.