What is BrokerCheck in the context of a Registered Investment Advisor (“RIA”)?

Definition: BrokerCheck is a website created by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) that enables the investing public to research the background of financial advisers. Though primarily meant to provide information on an advisor’s status as a Registered Representative, it also provides info on an advisor’s status as an IAR as well.

When used in an RIA context: “Before moving their investment account to the RIA, the investor first researched the financial advisor’s background using BrokerCheck.”

See also: BrokerCheck (website), IAR, Registered Representative, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, FINRA