What is SEC Form BD?

SEC Form BD is an application with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to register as a broker-dealer.

How Does SEC Form BD Work?

A Form BD makes public the information about any broker-dealer that wishes to trade securities. The form requires the broker-dealer to disclose primary contact information, the states in which it does business, details about business activities, criminal backgrounds or regulatory actions, detailed information about the executives and general partners, civil actions and bankruptcy actions.

Why Does SEC Form BD Matter?

The objective of the Form BD and other SEC-required forms is to provide shareholders and prospective shareholders with accurate, relevant and timely information about the financial and operating performance of the company.