FINRA SIE Dumps

Form U4 (Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer) requires disclosure of any felony convictions, regardless of whether they are securities-related. A felony conviction for drunk driving falls under this requirement.

B is correctbecause a felony conviction must be reported on Form U4.

Ais incorrect as misdemeanor speeding tickets do not require disclosure unless they involve fraud, theft, or dishonesty.

Cis incorrect as bench warrants are not reportable unless they lead to a conviction.

Dis incorrect because gross misdemeanors (except those involving fraud or dishonesty) do not require reporting.

Mutual funds are traded based on forward pricing. Orders received after the market closes are executed at the NAV calculated at the next market close.

A is correctbecause it aligns with forward pricing rules.

B,C, andDare incorrect as they do not follow mutual fund trade practices.

A limit order to buy allows the investor to specify the maximum price he is willing to pay for the stock. The order will only execute if the stock price falls to or below the specified price.

B is correctbecause a limit order to buy aligns with the investor’s desire to secure a better price.

Ais incorrect because a limit order to sell is used when an investor wants to sell at a minimum price.

CandDare incorrect because market orders execute at the current market price, not at a preferred price.

An unrealized gain occurs when the value of an asset increases but has not yet been sold. If the customer sells the stock, the unrealized gain becomes a realized gain.

B is correctbecause the increase in value without selling the stock is an unrealized gain.

Ais incorrect because interest income refers to earnings from fixed-income securities.

Cis incorrect because operating profit relates to a company’s earnings, not an investor’s portfolio.

Dis incorrect because "out of the money" is a term used for options, not stocks.

Step by Step Explanation:

Tender Offer Definition: A tender offer is an offer to purchase a certain number of shares from shareholders, typically at a price above the current market value. This is often part of mergers, acquisitions, or corporate takeovers.

Stock Split: A stock split increases the number of shares but decreases the price per share without affecting the total value of an investor's holdings.

Redemption: Redemption refers to the repayment of a bond or preferred stock at maturity or at a predetermined date.

Class Action: A class action is a lawsuit filed by a group of people with similar grievances.

References:

SEC Rule 14e on tender offers: SEC Tender Offers.

The cooling-off period begins after the registration statement is filed with the SEC and lasts for at least 20 days. During this time, the issuer and underwriters can market the securities but cannot finalize sales.

D is correctbecause marketing (e.g., roadshows) is permitted during the cooling-off period.

Ais incorrect because the final prospectus is distributed after the offering is effective.

BandCare incorrect because sales and deliveries are prohibited until the registration becomes effective.

The annual interest on a bond is calculated based on thecoupon rateand the bond’s par value.

Coupon rate = 4.0%.

Annual interest = $10,000 (par value) × 4.0% =$400.

A is correctbecause the coupon rate determines the annual interest.

B,C, andDare incorrect because they reflect incorrect calculations. The current yield, YTM, and tax-equivalent yield do not affect the bond’s fixed coupon payments.

Step by Step Explanation:

DVP Process: Ensures that payment occurs simultaneously with the delivery of securities, mitigating counterparty risk. Cash payment is made before or at the time of delivery.

Incorrect Options:

A: The T+5 timeline is not standard for DVP.

C: Payment must occur at delivery, not after.

D: Settlement date agreements with the issuer are irrelevant for DVP.

References:

FINRA Guidelines on DVP/RVP Transactions: FINRA DVP Info.

The announcement of negative regulatory changes introducesunsystematic risk, specific to the technology sector. Diversification into unrelated sectors can reduce exposure to this risk.

A is correctbecause uncorrelated holdings reduce portfolio risk.

Bis incorrect because adding more microchip companies increases exposure to sector-specific risk.

Cdoes not address the core issue of over-concentration.

Dis the opposite of mitigating risk.

The cost basis of a stock represents the purchase price and does not include dividends received. Taxes paid on dividends also do not affect the cost basis.

Original purchase price per share =$20.00.

Dividends and taxes on dividends do not adjust the stock’s cost basis.

A is correctbecause the cost basis remains $20.00.

B,C, andDincorrectly assume that dividends or taxes change the cost basis.

Step by Step Explanation:

National Securities Clearing Corporation (NSCC): A subsidiary of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), the NSCC handles the clearance and settlement of broker-to-broker equity, corporate bond, municipal bond, and UIT transactions.

Incorrect Options:

A: The SEC oversees regulatory compliance but does not settle trades.

B: FINRA is a self-regulatory organization, not a clearing entity.

C: The Federal Reserve manages monetary policy and banking but is not involved in securities settlement.

References:

DTCC Overview of NSCC:DTCC NSCC.

When a firm acts in a principal capacity, it trades securities for its own account, buying or selling directly to or from its inventory. The firm’s role differs from an agency capacity, where it acts as an intermediary.

A is correctbecause principal capacity involves selling directly from the firm's inventory.

B,C, andDare incorrect because these scenarios describe agency transactions, where the firm facilitates trades between two parties.

FINRA Rule 3270 requires registered representatives to disclose all outside business activities that involve compensation or could reasonably be perceived as a conflict of interest.

C is correctbecause serving as a board member for a publicly traded company is a business activity requiring disclosure, even if compensation is indirect.

Ais incorrect because volunteer work for charities does not require disclosure.

Bis incorrect because acting as a trustee for a personal or family estate is generally not considered an OBA.

Dis incorrect because unpaid board membership for a not-for-profit entity does not typically require disclosure.

FINRA Rule 3260 requires that discretionary trades be approved by the customer in writing and reviewed by the supervising firm. The order ticket must indicate that discretion was exercised to ensure proper oversight.

B is correctbecause marking the order ticket ensures compliance with supervisory requirements.

Ais incorrect because discretionary authority is not limited to market orders.

Cis incorrect as discretionary trades do not require pre-approval for each trade but require prior written authorization.

Dis incorrect because discretionary authority allows the RR to decide on price and timing without specific customer instructions.

Step by Step Explanation:

Inverse Relationship: Bond prices and interest rates have an inverse relationship. When interest rates fall, existing bonds with higher coupon rates become more valuable, leading to an increase in market value.

Incorrect Options:

A: Market value decreases as interest rates increase.

C: Interest rates and bond values move inversely, not in the same direction.

D: Interest rates are not constant; they fluctuate over time.

References:

SEC Municipal Bonds Overview: SEC Municipal Bonds.

Step by Step Explanation:

Margin Accounts: Allow investors to borrow funds to purchase securities, with the securities serving as collateral for the loan.

Cash Accounts: Require full payment for securities purchased.

IRAs: Do not permit borrowing due to their tax-advantaged status.

DVP/RVP: Settlement mechanisms, not account types for borrowing.

References:

FINRA Rule 4210 (Margin Requirements): FINRA Rule 4210.

Fundamental analysis focuses on evaluating a company’s financial health and potential for growth by analyzing its financial statements, such as the income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement.

C is correctbecause financial statements provide the data necessary for fundamental analysis.

AandBare incorrect because chart patterns and moving averages are tools of technical analysis, not fundamental analysis.

Dis incorrect because resistance and support levels are also part of technical analysis.

Step by Step Explanation:

FINRA Rule 3210: Requires registered representatives to obtain written consent from their employing broker-dealer before opening accounts at other financial institutions if securities transactions will occur.

Incorrect Options:

A, B, and C: These accounts are exempt because they do not involve direct securities transactions requiring monitoring.

References:

FINRA Rule 3210 (Accounts at Other Institutions): FINRA Rule 3210.

Step by Step Explanation:

Closed-End Funds: Trade on exchanges like stocks, and the investor receives the bid price (market price) minus any applicable commissions.

Incorrect Options:

A & B: NAV applies to open-end mutual funds, not closed-end funds.

D: POP applies to initial sales of mutual fund shares.

References:

SEC Guidance on Closed-End Funds: SEC Closed-End Funds.

A secondary market transaction occurs when securities are bought and sold between investors, typically on an exchange.

C is correctbecause securities purchased on a registered exchange are secondary market transactions.

Ais incorrect as open-end mutual fund shares are purchased directly from the issuer.

Brefers to the primary market.

Dis also incorrect as private placements occur in the primary market.

A transfer agent is responsible for maintaining accurate records of shareholder purchases, redemptions, and account balances. They also handle the issuance and cancellation of shares and ensure shareholders receive appropriate distributions.

D is correctbecause maintaining shareholder records is a core duty of a transfer agent.

Ais incorrect because underwriting is the responsibility of a broker-dealer.

Bis incorrect because distributing the prospectus is handled by the fund’s distributor.

Cis incorrect because custody of securities is the role of a custodian, not the transfer agent.

Step by Step Explanation:

Cost Basis in Reverse Split: The total cost basis remains unchanged in a reverse stock split. Only the number of shares and price per share adjust.

Pre-Split: 1,000 shares at $5 each = $5,000.

Post-Split: 200 shares at $25 each = $5,000.

Incorrect Options:

A, B, and D: Do not reflect the unchanged total cost basis.

References:

IRS Guidance on Stock Splits: IRS Stock Split Info.

Step by Step Explanation:

Backing Away: Refers to the failure of a market maker to honor a firm quote when a customer attempts to trade at that price. It is a violation of market rules.

Incorrect Options:

Freeriding: Involves selling securities before paying for them in a cash account.

Interpositioning: Involves unnecessary intermediaries in trades, which can harm customers.

Market Manipulation: Covers a range of deceptive practices, such as wash trading or spoofing, not specific to honoring quotes.

References:

FINRA Rule 5220 (Firm Quote Rule): FINRA Rule 5220.

Step by Step Explanation:

Call Option Writer: When writing (selling) a call option, the writer has the obligation to sell the underlying stock at the strike price if the buyer exercises the option.

Incorrect Options:

A & B: Only the option buyer has rights, not the writer.

D: Obligations to buy stock apply to put option writers, not call option writers.

References:

Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) Options Education:OCC Options Education.

Step by Step Explanation:

Prohibition on Signing Customer Names: It is never permissible to sign a customer's name without written authorization (POA) due to legal and ethical concerns. Unauthorized signing constitutes forgery and violates FINRA rules.

Incorrect Options:

A: Firm principal approval does not override this prohibition.

B: Verbal authorization is insufficient.

C: Discretionary authority does not allow unauthorized signing.

References:

FINRA Rule 4512 (Customer Account Information): FINRA Rule 4512.

Under Federal Reserve Regulation T, customers must deposit at least 50% of the purchase price for margin trades. However, theminimum deposit requirement is $2,000, regardless of the 50% rule, if the account is below this threshold.

50% of $3,000 = $1,500.

Since $1,500 is less than the $2,000 minimum, the customer must deposit the full $2,000.

B is correctbecause $2,000 is the required minimum deposit.

Ais incorrect because the $1,500 calculation does not meet the minimum.

CandDare incorrect because they exceed the minimum deposit requirement.

Step by Step Explanation:

Suspicious Activity: The use of multiple money orders, lack of investment activity, andrequest to wire funds to another firm raise red flags for potential money laundering.

FINRA Rules: The RR should escalate the issue by reporting internally and potentially filing a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR).

Incorrect Options:

A: Denying the request without investigation may violate customer instructions.

B: Freezing the account requires a valid legal or regulatory basis.

D: Processing the request without investigation could facilitate illegal activity.

References:

FINRA Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Guidance: FINRA AML Rules.

Step by Step Explanation:

SIPC Coverage Limits: Protects up to $500,000 per customer, including a maximum of $250,000 for cash.

In this case, $300,000 in cash exceeds the SIPC limit, so only $250,000 is protected.

Incorrect Options:

A: $150,000 understates the SIPC limit for cash.

C: The full $300,000 in cash is not protected.

D: Total coverage exceeds SIPC limits.

References:

SIPC Coverage Details:SIPC Protection.

Step by Step Explanation:

Interest Rate Risk: Treasury securities are sensitive to changes in interest rates. When rates rise, Treasury prices fall, exposing investors to price risk.

Incorrect Options:

Credit Risk: Virtually nonexistent for Treasuries, as they are backed by the U.S. government.

Liquidity Risk: Treasuries are highly liquid.

Prepayment Risk: Applies to mortgage-backed securities, not Treasuries.

References:

SEC Bond Risk Disclosures: SEC Treasury Risks.

SEC Regulation A provides a registration exemption for smaller public offerings but includes a "bad actor" disqualification. If certain key parties, such as the issuer, underwriter, or affiliates, have been involved in securities violations, the exemption is forfeited.

B is correctbecause underwriters are considered essential participants, and their status as bad actors disqualifies the offering.

A,C, andDare incorrect because custodians, transfer agents, and clearing corporations are not included in the "bad actor" provisions of Regulation A.

Step by Step Explanation:

Escalation Requirement: The RR must promptly notify their supervisor or compliance department about the customer’s complaint as required by FINRA rules. Supervisors handle customer complaints according to firm procedures.

Incorrect Options:

B: Reimbursing the customer is not permissible without firm approval and may create compliance issues.

C: Complaints requiring Form U4 updates involve specific allegations such as fraud, not general dissatisfaction.

D: The RR should not contact FINRA directly; the firm will handle communications.

References:

FINRA Rule 4530 (Reporting Requirements): FINRA Rule 4530.

Step by Step Explanation:

MSRB Rule G-37: Requires municipal securities dealers to report contributions to the MSRB, even if the amount is below the $1,000 threshold that would trigger a two-year prohibition on municipal business.

Incorrect Options:

SEC and FINRA: Not involved in reporting political contributions for municipal securities.

References:

MSRB Rule G-37 (Political Contributions): MSRB Rule G-37.

FINRA prohibits the payment of referral fees or splitting of commissions with individuals who are not registered with a broker-dealer. However, taking a friend out to dinner as a gesture of gratitude is allowed, as it does not involve cash or monetary compensation directly tied to the referral.

C is correctbecause non-monetary expressions of gratitude (like a dinner) are permitted under FINRA rules.

Ais incorrect because commission splitting with unregistered individuals is prohibited.

Bis incorrect because paying referral fees is also prohibited without registration.

Dis incorrect because giving prepaid credit cards tied to commission income violates compensation rules.

Step by Step Explanation:

Short Sale Definition: Involves selling borrowed securities with the expectation of repurchasing them at a lower price.

Investor Ownership: Short sales do not involve securities already owned by the seller.

Other Options: None of the other choices accurately define a short sale.

References:

SEC Regulation SHO (Short Selling): SEC Short Sales.

Step by Step Explanation:

Secondary Offering: Involves the sale of shares by an existing shareholder, such as an insider, rather than the company itself issuing new shares.

Incorrect Options:

A: Rights offerings involve giving existing shareholders the opportunity to buy additional shares.

B: Private offerings are not registered with the SEC and involve limited investors.

C: An exempt offering refers to securities exempt from SEC registration, such as Regulation D offerings.

References:

SEC Guide on Secondary Offerings:SEC Secondary Offerings.

A covered call involves selling a call option on a stock the investor already owns. The strategy generates income in the form of the premium collected for selling the call, providing additional returns on the stock position.

D is correctbecause the primary goal of a covered call is to generate income.

Ais incorrect because covered calls do not hedge against large declines in the stock price.

Bis incorrect because speculation involves taking higher risks, not a covered call’s conservative strategy.

Cis incorrect because no strategy guarantees a profit.

FINRA Rule 3220 prohibits member firms from giving gifts exceeding $100 per individual per year to ensure that gifts do not influence business conduct. The rule applies to gifts given in connection with the firm’s business.

C is correctbecause it adheres to FINRA’s $100 annual limit.

Ais incorrect because the total value of gifts must also not exceed $100 annually.

Bis incorrect as there is no $200 limit.

Dis incorrect as gifts are allowed within the $100 limit.

Step by Step Explanation:

SIPC Coverage: Protects customers of brokerage firms against the loss of securities and cash due to broker-dealer insolvency, but it does not protect against market losses.

FDIC Coverage: Protects bank deposits (checking, savings, CDs) up to $250,000 per depositor, per institution.

Incorrect Options:

A: SIPC covers both securities and cash held at brokerage firms (within limits).

C & D: Money market mutual funds are not FDIC insured, and securities are not covered by the FDIC.

References:

SIPC Overview:SIPC Coverage.

FDIC Insurance:FDIC Coverage.

When bond yields rise, the price of existing bonds falls. This inverse relationship exists because the fixed coupon payments of the bonds become less attractive compared to new bonds issued at higher yields.

B is correctbecause the bond’s market value decreases as its yield increases.

Ais incorrect because bond values decrease, not increase, with rising yields.

Cis incorrect because the face value (par value) remains unchanged.

Dis incorrect because changes in yield directly affect the bond’s market price.

Step by Step Explanation:

Debentures: Corporate bonds not backed by physical assets or collateral. They rely on the issuer’s creditworthiness.

Incorrect Options:

B: Trust certificates are a legacy term for bonds backed by a trust.

C: Collateral trust bonds are secured by financial assets.

D: GO bonds are issued by municipalities, not corporations.

References:

SEC Guide on Corporate Bonds:SEC Corporate Bonds.

Step by Step Explanation:

Liquidity Risk: Refers to the difficulty of selling a security quickly without significantly affecting its price. This is common in thinly traded securities or complex instruments.

Other Risks:

Credit Risk: Relates to the possibility of default by the issuer.

Market Risk: Pertains to overall price changes due to market conditions.

Prepayment Risk: Associated with mortgage-backed securities and early repayment of loans.

References:

SEC Investor Bulletin on Risks: SEC Risk Guidance.

Step by Step Explanation:

ETF Expense Ratios: ETFs generally have lower expense ratios compared to mutual fundsdue to their passive management style.

Incorrect Options:

A: ETFs do not have sales loads; they are traded like stocks.

B: ETFs can be purchased on margin, like other equities.

C: ETFs are traded throughout the day at market prices, not NAV.

References:

SEC ETF Fact Sheet: SEC ETF Info.

Step by Step Explanation:

Warrants: Are often issued alongside fixed-income securities, such as bonds, to enhance their appeal to investors. Warrants give the holder the right to purchase company stock at a specific price in the future.

Incorrect Options:

Options: Not typically bundled with fixed-income securities.

Common and Preferred Stock: Usually issued separately, not as part of a package with bonds.

References:

SEC Guide on Warrants: SEC Warrants Information.

Step by Step Explanation:

Telemarketing Rules (FINRA Rule 3230): Require firms to check the National Do Not Call Registry before contacting individuals, even if those individuals provide their contact information voluntarily.

Incorrect Options:

A: Approval isn’t required for individual follow-ups; compliance with the registry is.

B: While calls must be limited to appropriate hours, the registry check is still mandatory.

C: Written consent does not override the registry requirement.

References:

FINRA Rule 3230 (Telemarketing): FINRA Rule 3230.

Step by Step Explanation:

Expense Ratio: Class A shares typically have lower ongoing expense ratios but higher front-end sales charges. Class C shares often have higher ongoing expense ratios but no front-end charges.

Incorrect Options:

B: NAV is determined daily and does not vary by share class.

C: All share classes invest in the same underlying portfolio.

D: Purchase timing is the same for all share classes.

References:

SEC Guidance on Mutual Fund Share Classes:SEC Fund Classes.

Restricted stock refers to securities acquired through private placements, such as those offered under Regulation D. These securities are not registered with the SEC and are subject to holding period restrictions before resale.

A is correctbecause Regulation D offerings involve private placements, resulting in restricted stock.

Bis incorrect because IPOs involve publicly traded shares, not restricted stock.

CandDare incorrect because restricted stock is not obtained through warrants or exchange-traded options.

FINRA’s Continuing Education (CE) requirements include the Regulatory Element, which must be completed:

Within 120 days of the second anniversary of a registered representative’s initialregistration.

Every three years thereafter (changed to every two years as of 2023).

C is correctbecause registered persons must complete the CE Regulatory Element after their initial requirement and then every two years.

AandBare incorrect because CE is not required annually or semiannually.

Dis incorrect because CE is not tied to customer complaints.

Step by Step Explanation:

Regulatory Element Requirement: Newly registered persons must complete the Continuing Education (CE) Regulatory Element on the second anniversary of their initial registration and every three years thereafter.

Incorrect Options:

A: The requirement begins on the second anniversary, not the following calendar year.

D: The cycle is every three years, not five.

References:

FINRA Rule 1240 (Continuing Education): FINRA Rule 1240.

Step by Step Explanation:

Reverse Split Calculation: A 1-for-2 reverse split reduces the number of shares by half while doubling the price per share.

Pre-Split Holdings: 100 shares at $5.00 = $500.

Post-Split Holdings: 50 shares at $10.00 = $500.

Incorrect Options: The total value remains unchanged; only the number of shares and price per share adjust.

References:

FINRA Corporate Actions Guidance: FINRA Reverse Splits.