RIA compliance tasks are not something firms can “set and forget.” In this episode, Stark & Stark’s investment management and securities lawyers walk through the daily, monthly, quarterly, and annual compliance work RIAs need to stay exam-ready — from filings to testing to internal controls.

You’ll hear how Form ADV annual amendments are due within 90 days of fiscal year-end and delivered to clients within 120 days, plus when “other than annual” amendments are triggered by material changes like ownership, management, services, or fees. The team also explains state notice filings vs. state registrations, including the “sixth-client” rule and the four states that trigger filing with the first client. Other topics include:

• U4/U5 filings for onboarding, terminations, and material updates (name, address, outside business activities, complaints)
• Form CRS (SEC-registered only) vs. Part 2B (state advisers must file)
• Policies & Procedures — why mismatches between the manual and real-world practice are a top exam deficiency
• Ongoing testing: personal securities transactions, email, fee testing, best execution, and marketing review
• EDGAR filings (13H, 13F, 13D/G) and why thresholds are often missed

This podcast provides general legal information and commentary only. It is not intended as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. For more information about Stark & Stark’s services, please visit www.stark-stark.com

Investment advisors face rapid changes in technology, from artificial intelligence tools to Bitcoin and electronic communications. This episode features attorneys Joseph Antonakakis, Esq., Stephen Galletto, Esq., and Jeffrey Lang, Esq., who break down the compliance challenges and best practices for RIAs. Learn how AI note-taking tools impact privacy, attorney-client privilege, and Reg SP compliance. Discover why texting and off-channel communications can trigger SEC scrutiny, and how to keep all business-related messages on compliant platforms. The attorneys also discuss the rise of Bitcoin and crypto ETFs in client portfolios, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, client disclosures, and risk management. Key takeaways:

• Understand AI tools and their compliance implications
• Learn about texting, recordkeeping, and SEC audits
• Explore Bitcoin integration and suitability standards

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Intro
• 2:00 AI note-taking tools
• 8:30 Texting and electronic communications
• 13:20 Bitcoin and crypto ETFs

This podcast provides general legal information and commentary only. It is not intended as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. For more information about Stark & Stark’s services, please visit www.stark-stark.com

Stay ahead of regulatory expectations with Episode 1 of Adviser Intelligence, where Stark & Stark’s Investment Management & Securities attorneys break down the most common Form ADV, ADV Part 1, ADV Part 2A, and Form CRS mistakes that investment advisers make—and how to avoid them.

With the SEC’s 2026 exam priorities now in focus, RIAs must ensure their filings, disclosures, and compliance procedures are accurate, defensible, and exam‑ready. This episode delivers practical, real‑world guidance to help you strengthen your RIA compliance program.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to properly calculate and classify assets under management (AUM)
• The difference between discretionary vs. non‑discretionary management
• SEC expectations for proving AUM during an exam
• Understanding custody, standing letters of authorization (SLOAs), and when surprise exams are triggered
• How to correctly disclose fees in ADV Part 2A
• The #1 compliance mistake on Form CRS
• Ensuring accuracy and consistency across all ADV filings

Whether you're preparing for ADV filing season, building internal controls, or getting ready for your next SEC examination, this episode gives you the insights you need to stay compliant and protect your firm.

Subscribe for upcoming episodes covering regulatory trends, compliance tips, risk management strategies, and more.

This podcast provides general legal information and commentary only. It is not intended as legal advice, nor does it create an attorney-client relationship. For more information about Stark & Stark’s services, please visit www.stark-stark.com