National Securities Markets Improvement Act (NSMIA)

What is ‘National Securities Markets Improvement Act – NSMIA’

Passed by the U.S. Congress in 1996, the NSMIA was an attempt to update and amend previous security acts and create one uniform code that companies and regulators could follow.

Explaining ‘National Securities Markets Improvement Act – NSMIA’

This bill deals with securities, brokers, advisors, and dealers. Its goal is to provide a federally imposed set of rules, instead of having to deal with each individual state’s rules and regulations.

National Securities Markets Improvement Act (nsmia) FAQ

What are federally covered securities?

Covered securities are those subject to federally imposed exemptions from state restrictions and regulations. Covered securities standardize security regulations and filings across the U.S., rather than making individual companies register, file and comply with differing state regulations.

What are exempted securities?

Exempt securities are the instruments backed by the government, with tax-exempt status. An exempt transaction is a securities exchange that ought to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but does not because of the nature of the transaction in question.

Who must register as an investment adviser?

Generally, advisers with a minimum of $25 million in assets under management or provide advice to investment companies must register with the SEC. Advisors managing smaller amounts typically register with state securities authorities.

What does it take to be a registered investment advisor?

RIAs must pass the Series 65 exam. RIAs must register with the SEC or state authorities, depending on the amount of money they manage. Applying to become an RIA includes filing a Form ADV, which includes a disclosure document distributed to all clients.

Who is a supervised person of an investment adviser?

The term “person associated with an investment adviser” means any partner, officer, or director of such investment adviser (or any person performing similar functions), or any person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by such investment adviser, including any employee of such investment adviser.

Can investment advisers execute trades?

Investment advisers are paid a flat fee or percentage of AUM to advise clients on securities and/or manage portfolios. Brokers are paid commissions to execute trades or buy and sell assets for clients. Both professionals must not give advice that conflicts with their clients’ needs.

Further Reading