
REGISTRATION
Taylor & Gray LLC offers practical solutions with strategic guidance and customized best practices that increase focus on business opportunities while reducing risk exposure. We work closely with our clients to identify and evaluate their specific issues and challenges to pro-actively develop practical and economic procedures and solutions to ensure compliance in their financial and regulatory responsibilities and requirements.
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Registration
SEC Registration of Investment Advisers
Taylor & Gray efficiently and effectively guides Investment Advisers – Registered Investment Advisers (RIA) and Exempt Reporting Advisers (ERA) – through the SEC registration process. We collaborate with our clients to develop, implement and administer ongoing regulatory support through the adoption of written policies and procedures, designation of a knowledgeable Chief Compliance Officer and execution of annual review programs.
FINRA Broker-Dealer Registration
Taylor & Gray offers resources and expertise to enable broker-dealers to navigate through the exacting New Membership Application (NMA) process. We collaborate with our clients to file data in a timely manner while ensuring prompt responses to FINRA and interview preparedness.
NFA Registration
Taylor & Gray will lead or assist with Introducing Broker (IB), Commodity Pool Operator (CPO) and Commodity Trading Advisor (CTA) registration with the CFTC/NFA, granted only after a thorough background investigation to determine fitness standards set forth in the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA).
Compliance
Compliance and Oversight for SEC-Registered Advisers
Our clients can confidently outsource their Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) function, their Compliance Support function, or both. Our services are thoughtfully and economically customized for each of our clients.
Compliance and Oversight for FINRA- & NFA-Registered Broker-Dealers
We provide Broker-Dealers with Regulatory Compliance guidance from time of membership application through growth stages by diligently developing internal policies and procedures to mitigate risk and maximize business opportunities.
Outsourced CCO Role
Taylor & Gray’s seasoned experts can be engaged, on an outsourced basis, to perform the Chief Compliance role and duties, including comprehensive creation, implementation and administration of our clients’ Compliance programs and reviews. As our clients grow, the outsourced CCO can train permanent and support staff. Our clients have found that outsourcing parts or the entirety of the CCO role can be financially and strategically advantageous.
Annual Compliance Program Review
Taylor & Gray will develop, implement and maintain reviews of our clients' business operations and compliance programs in relation to current and anticipated rules and regulations, including assessment of proper workflows and compliance controls. We will assist with regulatory inquiries and/or issues, and will interacting with regulators on our clients' behalf.
AML Independent Testing
We review and implement written AML policy and procedures. We review and independently test the effectivenss of our clients' AML program as it relates to compliance with the USA Patriot Act, the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) and FINRA Rule 3310, as applicable. Our AML Testing Report and recommendations are provided upon completion of testing and evaluation.
Regulatory Financial Reporting
The financial requirements mandated by FINRA include retention of a licensed professional to oversee the books and records, in addition to ensuring compliance with net capital rules. Taylor & Gray has the expertise and resources to supervise and/or manage financial reporting and accounting services functions, in addition to providing outsourced CFO and CCO services for a variety of financial institutions, including Broker-Dealers, Investment Banks, Investment Advisory firms, Commercial Banking, Private Funds and Early-Stage/Development Start-Ups.
Outsourced Accounting & Bookkeeping Services
Taylor & Gray will perform all back office accounting and bookkeeping services. These activities may be performed at a cadence that best suits our clients – on a weekly, semi-monthly or monthly basis. Our experienced team can be engaged to:
set-up and support accounting for basic bookkeeping
balance and reconcile ledgers as needed
prepare and analyze GAAP and/or regulatory financial statements
collaborate on and manage financial analysis, modeling valuations, budgeting, and forecasts
FinOp Services for Broker-Dealers
Our team will support and/or lead all financial duties corresponding with FinOp responsibilities and obligations at levels desired by our customers as follows:
maintenance / oversight of the regulatory books and records, including preparation of regulatory reporting
Financial and Operational Combined Uniform Single (FOCUS) Report filing, monthly or quarterly
maintenance / oversight of member duties related to Net Capital calculations and other financial compliance requirements
prepare or file Supplemental Statement of Income (SSOI), Securities Investor Protection Corporation (“SIPC”) Report and Assessment Report
Outsourced CFO Role
The team at Taylor & Gray can be engaged to perform Chief Financial Officer or Controller duties as well as business operations at levels stipulated by our clients. These services include a variety of practices and areas including start-up management, payroll, strategic planning/business development, budgeting, cost inefficiencies, contract negotiation, banking relationship management, risk management and tax advisory.
Independent Annual Audit Support
The experts at Taylor & Gray keenly collaborate with outside auditors and/or regulators as warranted for the annual audit and for audit exams. As requested, we can serve as our clients’ Appointed Representative and will respond unhesitatingly to all FINRA requests on their behalf.
Ancillary Services
Taylor & Gray will consult on, oversight and manage selected accounting, bookkeeping and financial reporting activities outside the scope of specific FINRA mandates and responsibilities including internal controls review, process framework and reporting, bankruptcy, liquidation and liability management, statutory dissolution, acquisitions support and investor due diligence and communications.
Other Services
SEC / FINRA / NFA Examination Support, including Mock Exams
The Taylor & Gray approach and philosophy is based on being prepared and pro-active. In that spirit, we will conduct mock exams and rehearsals on a periodic basis by evaluating the initial document request list, performing in-person interviews and assessing internal systems and controls. At the conclusion of our process, we provide our recommendations and roadmap to your senior management team.
Risk Management
At Taylor & Gray, we strongly recommend proactive steps, where possible, to identify and manage areas of risk, and to enhance. If necessary, we develop and implement policies and procedures that address and manage these risks effectively. We will evaluate any aspects of your business that are subject to regulatory compliance, including but not limited to:
- Corporate Books and Records
- Customer Complaints and Arbitration Matters
- Associated Persons' and Representatives' Files
- Advertising and Marketing Materials
- Written Policies and Procedures Manual
- Firm Registration Records
- Client Disclosure Documents and Privacy Notices
- Anti-Money Laundering Program
- Business Continuity Plan
- Client Contracts and Account Files
- Supervisory Compliance Controls
Legal Entity Formation
- State Entity Formation
- New York State Foreign Entity Authority
- State Agent Filings
- IRS Tax ID Acquisition
- Corporate Formation Contractual Agreements
Virtual Currency Company Set-Up
- Application Filing with New York State Department of Financial Services for License to Engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity
Facilitation of Broker-Dealer Purchases and Sales
- Identification of Potential Targets
- Provision of Contracts and Letters of Intent
- Execution of FINRA Change of Control/Continuing Membership Applications