Securities Registration, Exemption and Notice Filings
The Division of Securities regulates securities filings and exemptions under Wis. Stat. ch. 551. Wis. Stat. s. 551.301 provides that it is unlawful for any person to offer or sell any security in this state unless it is registered under this chapter or the security or transaction is exempted, or the security is a “federal covered security."
The term “security" is broadly defined. It includes all the readily recognizable investment vehicles, such as stocks, bonds, limited partnership interests, and notes, as well as novel and unusual investment arrangements that are referred to as "investment contract" securities. In general, any transaction that involves an investment of money in a common enterprise, with an expectation of profits to be earned through the essential managerial efforts of someone other than the investor, is a transaction involving a security.
Contact Us
Phone: (608) 266-2139
Email: DFISecurities@dfi.wisconsin.gov
Franchising
The Division of Securities administers the Wisconsin Franchise Investment Law, Wis. Stat. ch. 553, for the benefit and protection of potential franchisees. That law requires a franchise to be registered prior to its being sold in Wisconsin, unless the sale qualifies for a specific exemption from the registration requirement.
A franchise is a business arrangement in which a person purchases the right to engage in marketing a particular product or service according to a specified or suggested plan. Under such an arrangement, both the business itself and the right to engage in the business are often referred to as a "franchise." The person or business entity that sells to others the right to engage in the business is the "franchisor." The buyer of that right is the "franchisee."
Contact Us
Phone: (608) 266-0448
Email: DFIDLSecuritiesEnforcement@dfi.wisconsin.gov
Crowdfunding
The Division of Securities regulates registered crowdfunding internet site operators and receives filings regarding crowdfunding offerings that are exempt from registration under Wis. Stat. s. 551.202(26) or 551.202(27).
Crowdfunding is a way to raise capital for a business by accepting investments of smaller amounts from a larger number of people, typically via the internet. In other words, a “crowd" of investors helps fund the business.
Contact Us
Phone: (608) 266-2139
Email: DFISecurities@dfi.wisconsin.gov
Mailing Address:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Division of Securities
PO Box 1768
Madison, WI 53701-1768
Physical Address:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Division of Securities
4822 Madison Yards Way, North Tower
Madison, WI 53705