SEC Guides
Practical explainers for SEC filings, EDGAR, private funds and adviser records.

What Is IAPD How to Check an Investment Adviser
SEC VERIFY DATA TITLE: What Is IAPD How to Check an Investment Adviser SEO DESCRIPTION: Learn what the SEC IAPD database is, how to search an investment adviser, what Form ADV information it shows, and what IAPD registration does not prove. WHAT IS IAPD IAPD stands for Investment Adviser Public Disclosure. It is a publ
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What Is SEC Form ADV Investment Adviser Registration Explained
SEC VERIFY DATA TITLE: What Is SEC Form ADV Investment Adviser Registration Explained SEO DESCRIPTION: Learn what SEC Form ADV is, what investment advisers disclose, how to search Form ADV through IAPD, and how Form ADV differs from Form D. WHAT IS SEC FORM ADV Form ADV is the primary disclosure and registration form u
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What Is Rule 504 of Regulation D SEC Exemption Explained
SEC VERIFY DATA TITLE: What Is Rule 504 of Regulation D SEC Exemption Explained SEO DESCRIPTION: Learn how SEC Rule 504 of Regulation D works, including the $10 million offering limit, Form D filing requirements, eligibility rules and state securities laws. WHAT IS RULE 504 OF REGULATION D Rule 504 is an exemption from
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What Is a CIK Number SEC EDGAR Identifier Explained
SEC VERIFY DATA TITLE: What Is a CIK Number SEC EDGAR Identifier Explained SEO DESCRIPTION: Learn what an SEC CIK number means, how it is used in EDGAR, how to search a CIK, and why a CIK does not mean a company is licensed or approved by the SEC. WHAT IS A CIK NUMBER A CIK, or Central Index Key, is a unique identifica
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What Is an Accredited Investor SEC Rules Explained
SEC VERIFY DATA TITLE: What Is an Accredited Investor SEC Rules Explained SEO DESCRIPTION: Learn what an accredited investor is under SEC Regulation D, including income, net worth and professional qualification rules for private offerings. WHAT IS AN ACCREDITED INVESTOR An accredited investor is a person or entity that
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Rule 506(b) vs Rule 506(c): Key Differences in Regulation D
SEC VERIFY DATA TITLE: Rule 506(b) vs Rule 506(c): Key Differences in Regulation D SEO DESCRIPTION: Learn the difference between Rule 506(b) and Rule 506(c), including public advertising, accredited investors, verification requirements and Form D filings. RULE 506(b) VS RULE 506(c) Rule 506(b) and Rule 506(c) are two w
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What Is a CRD Number How to Verify Investment Advisers and Brokers
What Is a CRD Number A CRD number is a unique identifier used within the Central Registration Depository system. CRD stands for: Central Registration Depository The system is widely used in the U.S. securities industry to track information about: Broker-dealer firms Registered representatives Investment adviser firms I
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Form ADV Part 1 vs Part 2 vs Form CRS: What Investors Should Check
Form ADV Part 1 vs Part 2 vs Form CRS: What Investors Should Check Investment advisers in the United States may be required to provide several different regulatory disclosures. The most important documents commonly reviewed by investors are: Form ADV Part 1 Form ADV Part 2 Form CRS These documents serve different purpo
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What Is an Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA) Form ADV, Private Funds and SEC Registration Explained
What Is an Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA) An Exempt Reporting Adviser, commonly abbreviated as ERA, is an investment adviser that is exempt from full registration with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission but is still required to report certain information through Form ADV. ERA status is most commonly associated
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How to Verify Whether an Investment Adviser Is Really SEC Registered
How to Verify Whether an Investment Adviser Is Really SEC Registered Investors often see financial companies describe themselves as “SEC registered,” “SEC regulated,” or “registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.” Those phrases can sound authoritative. But they do not always mean the same thing. A co
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