As we read the headlines every day, we can see that non-compliance with industry regulations can result in significant fines for businesses. It can be intimidating to keep track of all the rules and guarantee that your standards safeguard both your clients and your business. In this post, we demystify the complexity of compliance and equip you with seven actionable tips to remain compliant.
1. Stay Informed, Stay Educated
Knowledge is your first line of defense against compliance pitfalls. Regularly attending seminars, workshops, and webinars can help you stay informed on changes in regulations and industry best practices, At IAA, we’re committed to ensuring that our advisors are knowledgeable on the latest compliance updates. That’s why we host a monthly Compliance Best Practices webinar with our Chief Compliance Officer, Jessica Sexton.
2. Know Your Clients
The “Know Your Customer” (KYC) rule is important for preventing money laundering and providing suitable financial advice. Understanding your clients’ financial goals, risk tolerance, and personal circumstances is both a good business practice and a compliance requirement. Keep this information documented and updated as clients’ situations change.
3. Keep Proper Records Using a CRM
To show compliance with regulatory requirements, it is essential to maintain thorough records of client interactions, financial plans, transactions, and other relevant documentation. The most effective way to keep track of your client information and meetings is by using a CRM (Customer Relationship Manager), such as Redtail or Wealthbox.
4. Disclose Your Fees and Conflicts of Interest
To maintain trust with your clients, it’s vital to be transparent. Thoroughly and clearly disclose all fees, compensation, structures, and potential conflicts of interest. Clients should have a comprehensive understanding of your compensation and whether any conflicts could impact the advice you provide.
5. Implement a Robust Cybersecurity Policy
In today’s world, data security is a major concern, especially for financial advisors who handle sensitive client information. A well-defined and robust cybersecurity policy is essential to keep this data safe. To achieve this, measures such as encryption, software updates, strong password policies, and employee training on security best practices must be implemented. Independent Advisor Alliance is partnered with We Handle Tech: 4 Advisors who assists financial advisors in setting up and maintaining technology for an efficient, secure, and compliant practice.
6. Participate in a Proactive Audit
Participating in regular compliance audits can help prevent serious violations and enhance your overall compliance practices. By taking a proactive approach to reviewing policies, procedures, and operations, you can ensure that you are complying with relevant laws and standards. IAA advisors can partner with their dedicated compliance analyst who will oversee the process and provide recommendations on how to improve office procedures. Analyzing the results can help you pinpoint and strengthen weak areas, potentially saving you from costly fines and penalties down the road.
7. Supervise and Train Your Staff
Your team and office procedures play a significant role in helping your practice remain compliant. To achieve this, it’s crucial to train your staff in regulations and best practices. By doing so, you can ensure that they understand their role in upholding these standards.
Compliance is the cornerstone of trust in the financial industry, and it is a top priority of Independent Advisor Alliance. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success in protecting your clients, your business, and your reputation. Staying informed, educated, and ethical should always be the guiding principles to thrive in this regulated environment.
Learn more how IAA helps our partner firms remain compliant here.