​​​​​Definitions

Code:
The Wisconsin Administrative Code which includes the rules of the Division of Securities.

CRD:
Central Registration Depository; the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)-operated clearinghouse for broker-dealer and securities agent applications and source of information on agent's qualification examinations.

Division:
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions - Division of Securities.

DFI-Sec:
Section of the Wisconsin Administrative Code which includes the rules of the Division of Securities; the section number may be followed by the number of the sub-section and a paragraph within the sub-section.

FA:
Federal Adviser; this abbreviation is used in Wisconsin to designate a federal covered investment adviser. A federal covered investment adviser manages investments for a fee where the total assets exceed $100 million. A federal covered investment adviser is regulated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

IA:
Investment Adviser; this abbreviation is used in Wisconsin to designate state-registered investment advisers. An investment adviser is any person or firm who, for compensation, is in the business of advising others as to the value, advisability of investing in, and purchasing or selling of securities or produces reports or analysis of specific securities.  They can manage total assets of $100 million or less.

IA Representative:
Persons representing either state-registered investment advisers or federal covered investment advisers in this state; certain minimum qualifications are required.

Issuer:
Any person or firm who issues or proposes to issue any security.

FINRA:
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is the self-regulatory agency of broker-dealers and their agents; FINRA also administers all qualification exams for the registration of agents.

SEC:
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission; the federal regulator of the securities industry.
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Series 6:
Investment company product/variable contracts product exam used for securities agent qualification in conjunction with the Series 63 exam.

Series 7:
General securities product exam used for securities agent qualification in conjunction with the SIE Exam and either of the Series 63 or 66 exams.

Series 63:
Exam used for securities agent state registration qualification.

Series 65:
Exam used for qualification of investment adviser representatives.

Series 66:
Combines the testing and qualification of both securities agents and investment adviser representatives; used for securities agent and investment adviser representative qualification in conjunction with the Series 7 exam.

​SIE Exam:
The Securities Industry Essentials® (SIE®) Exam is a FINRA exam for prospective securities industry professionals. This introductory-level exam assesses a candidate’s knowledge of basic securities industry information including concepts fundamental to working in the industry, such as types of products and their risks; the structure of the securities industry markets, regulatory agencies and their functions; and prohibited practices.

UCSLE:
Uniform Combined State Law Examination; the Series 66 combines testing and qualification of both securities agents and investment adviser representatives.

UIALE:
Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination; the Series 65 exam used for qualification of investment adviser representatives.

USASLE:
Uniform Securities Agent State Law Examination; the Series 63 exam used for securities agent state registration qualification.

Wis. Admin. Code:
Wisconsin Administrative Code; comprises the rules of the Division of Securities.

Wis. Stats.:
Wisconsin Statutes; for securities, the Wisconsin Uniform Securities Law, Chapter 551​.