BrokerCheck is FINRA's free search tool for researching the background of brokers, brokerage firms and investment adviser firms and representatives.
Its information comes from the Central Registration Depository, the industry's registration database. A person's record shows current and past registrations, exams passed, about the last 10 years of employment inside and outside the industry, and disclosures such as customer complaints, arbitrations, regulatory actions, terminations and certain criminal and financial matters.
Former brokers stay on BrokerCheck for 10 years after their registration ends. Those with a final regulatory action, certain criminal convictions, certain civil injunctions or certain arbitration awards stay on permanently.
For someone registered only as an investment adviser representative, BrokerCheck links to the SEC's Investment Adviser Public Disclosure site for the full record. A disclosure is a reported event, not a verdict: some complaints are pending or were denied, so read the details.
How to check
Search the person's name or CRD number at brokercheck.finra.org. A current broker registration means they can be paid commissions.
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