Text Messages and SEC Compliance: A Practical Guide for RIAs
At a Glance: 5 Tips for RIA text message archiving – Create a written policy that defines when and how employees can use text messaging for business. – Use a business texting platform instead of personal phones whenever possible. – Archive business text messages using a compliance-focused solution such as Smarsh or Global Relay. – […]
The SEC’s M Holdings Enforcement Highlights the Importance of IT Fundamentals
TL;DR– The SEC’s action against M Holdings wasn’t simply about multi-factor authentication (MFA).– The case highlights the importance of implementing and maintaining basic security controls and not just documenting them in policy.– For most RIAs with 5–25 employees, those controls are standard enterprise IT practices that are relatively straightforward to put in place with the […]
A guide to building your RIA’s multi-factor authentication policy
As a registered investment advisor (RIA), protecting your clients’ wealth and personal data remains your top priority. However, relying on passwords alone leaves your firm vulnerable to cyberattacks and compliance violations. A comprehensive multi-factor authentication policy clearly defines which users and systems require multiple verification factors, establishes the approved methods for checking a user’s identity, […]
Can RIAs Use Claude AI Safely? The Questions Advisors Are Actually Asking
TL;DR – Claude AI can be used safely in an RIA, but how you access it matters. Claude AI has been getting a lot of attention in financial services lately. Advisors are hearing that it’s more structured than other AI tools, better at summarizing complex information, and more “human-like” in reports and explanations As a […]
How RIAs Can Use AI Without Compromising Security or SEC Compliance
TL;DR: Registered Investment Advisors can use AI safely, but only if it’s deployed inside a secure, governed environment. Artificial intelligence is everywhere. If you’re a registered investment advisor, you’ve likely heard about tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude AI, and other AI platforms promising productivity gains. Some firms are experimenting cautiously. Others are avoiding AI […]
The hidden cost of slow IT help desk support services for financial advisors
For small to midsized registered investment advisory (RIA) firms, time translates directly into market opportunities. So when technology stalls, the entire business halts. Financial advisors frequently lose valuable hours waiting for technical issues, such as password resets, multifactor authentication lockouts, or software glitches, to be resolved by unresponsive IT teams. Choosing specialized IT help desk […]
Understanding the SEC cybersecurity rules investment advisors must follow in 2026
Running a successful wealth management firm means keeping up with frequent changes in regulations. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) frequently updates its cybersecurity guidelines to protect investors and help maintain stable financial markets. As a financial advisor, you must follow these rules to prevent breaches and avoid costly fines. The SEC cybersecurity rules investment […]
2026 Guide to managed IT services pricing for RIAs
As a small to midsized registered investment advisory (RIA) firm, balancing your technology and cybersecurity budget is a tough act. With mounting regulatory pressures and evolving technology, understanding current managed IT services pricing is crucial for building a secure, compliant, and efficient practice. You need a transparent partner who can cut through the noise to […]
How to choose a managed service provider for your RIA
Figuring out how to choose a managed service provider (MSP) can be a daunting task for any registered investment advisor (RIA). The wealth management industry has strict regulatory demands, so you need more than just an external company; you need a partner that understands these complexities. To find the right fit, look past generic promises […]