Brokerages need to update tech systems to show Reg BI work to SEC

February 1, 2023

Brokerages need to upgrade their technology to better show their work on meeting Regulation Best Interest obligations, but it remains unclear when the SEC will put teeth into the rule, compliance experts and investor advocates say.


Earlier this week, the Securities and Exchange Commission released a risk alert that outlined compliance failures related to Reg BI the agency has seen in recent examinations. One theme in the document was that brokerages lacked systems for ensuring their registered representatives met Reg BI requirements when making recommendations on rollovers, account selection and investment strategies.


The SEC also found a lack of systems to help reps consider costs and reasonably available alternatives and monitor whether they’re doing so.


Brokerages should consider bolstering their technology, said Parham Nasseri, vice president of product and regulatory strategy at InvestorCom, a compliance consulting firm. It’s difficult to prove Reg BI compliance with manual documentation and self-attestation., especially for a firm with many reps.


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