Compliance & Data Retention

Your data security and regulatory compliance

Data Retention Policy

Retention Period: 6 Years (Minimum)

All client records, communications, transactions, and account data are retained for a minimum of 6 years from the date of record creation, in compliance with:

  • FINRA Rule 4530 (Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery)
  • SEC Rule 17a-3 & 17a-4 (Record Retention)
  • HIPAA Privacy & Security Rules (where applicable)

Note: Records may be retained longer if required by law or regulatory investigation.

Regulatory Framework

FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)

Your firm must maintain supervisory controls and ensure all recommendations are suitable and compliant with FINRA rules.

SEC (Securities Exchange Commission)

Investment advisers must comply with SEC Rule 204, maintaining books and records for all client accounts and transactions.

HIPAA (where applicable)

If handling protected health information, ensure compliance with HIPAA's Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules.

Product Licensing Requirements

Variable Universal Life (VUL) & Variable Products

Requires: Series 6 or Series 7 License

Variable Annuities

Requires: Series 6 or Series 7 License

Retirement Plans (IRAs, 401k Management)

Requires: Series 7 License & Registered Investment Advisor

Assets Under Management (AUM)

Requires: Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Registration

⚠️ Important: You cannot solicit or sell products you are not licensed for, even if you can recommend them. Violating this is a serious regulatory offense.

Compliant Communications

✅ Approved Methods

  • Email (monitored & archived)
  • In-person meetings (documented with meeting notes)
  • Phone calls (recorded with consent, if required)
  • Secure client portal messages

⚠️ Limited/Restricted

  • SMS/Text messaging. Not compliant for regulated communications. Use meeting notes instead.
Financial Projections & Disclaimers

All projections are based on averages, not guarantees:

  • ROI estimates reflect average returns from historical client data
  • Gap analysis uses typical income and coverage assumptions
  • Actual results depend on market conditions, individual circumstances, and client actions
  • Never promise specific dollar amounts or guaranteed returns

This policy is for informational purposes. For legal guidance, consult your compliance officer or legal counsel. Last updated: 9/10/2026