Uniform Securities Agent State Law (Series 63) Practice Exam

Who is considered a federal covered advisor?

1. Any investment adviser registered in multiple states

2. An adviser regulated by the SEC with more than $30 million assets under management

3. A financial planner offering advisory services

4. All investment advisers with clients nationwide

The correct answer is: An adviser regulated by the SEC with more than $30 million assets under management

A federal covered adviser is defined within the framework of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. This designation is specifically given to investment advisers who are registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and manage a certain threshold of assets. The key threshold typically referenced is $100 million in assets under management, but the question indicates a scenario concerning those with more than $30 million under management, which aligns with the SEC's regulations regarding state registration exemptions for advisers. These advisers do not need to register at the state level in states where they have clients, thus establishing their federal coverage. They must adhere to SEC regulations rather than the state laws of individual jurisdictions, which simplifies compliance for advisers who operate at a higher level of asset management and often have a broader client base that transcends state lines. The other options do not correctly align with the specific definition of a federal covered adviser. For instance, an investment adviser registered in multiple states may still be subject to various state laws depending on their level of assets and client interactions, but they are not inherently classified as federally covered simply by virtue of registration in multiple states. On the other hand, a financial planner offering advisory services may not necessarily be a federally covered adviser, particularly if they do not meet the required