As a general rule, securities firms and stockbrokers, as well as investment advisers and their representatives, must be registered with the Securities Division in order to do business in North Carolina lawfully. This registration is recorded on the Central Registration Depository (CRD) and the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) registration systems operated by NASD Regulation, Inc., a subsidiary of the National Association of Securities Dealers.

Investors who wish to check the registration status and background of stockbrokers, investment advisers, and persons selling investments in securities are encouraged to contact the Securities Division of the North Carolina Department of the Secretary of State (1-800-688-4507) and ask to speak with a staff employee responsible for “broker-dealer registration” or “investment adviser registration”. Please be ready to provide the following information when calling the Securities Division:

• Full name of the specific company.
• Complete address of the specific company.
• The CRD number of the company (if available).

• Full name (first, middle, last) of the specific individual.
• Complete address of the specific individual.
• The CRD number of the person (if available).