Pass the FINRA General Securities Representative SIE Questions and answers with ValidTests

In atenants in commonaccount, each owner has a distinct percentage of ownership. Upon the death of one owner, their share does not transfer to the surviving owner(s); instead, it becomes part of the deceased’s estate.

C is correctbecause ownership is divided, and the deceased’s share passes to their estate.

Ais incorrect because partnerships have different agreements governing ownership transitions.

Bis incorrect because trust corporations are governed by trust agreements, not estate processes.

Dis incorrect because JTWROS accounts pass ownership directly to the surviving account holder(s).

Step by Step Explanation:

403(b) Accounts: These tax-advantaged retirement plans are specifically for employees of public schools, tax-exempt organizations, and certain other nonprofit employers, such ashospitals.

Incorrect Options:

Volunteer Workers: Ineligible unless they are also employees.

Small Business Owners and Military Personnel: These groups typically qualify for other retirement plans, not 403(b).

References:

IRS Publication 571 (403(b) Plans): IRS 403(b) Guidance.

Step by Step Explanation:

ADRs: Represent foreign securities but are issued in the U.S. and quoted in U.S. dollars, making them easier for American investors to trade.

Incorrect Options:

B: ADRs are quoted in U.S. dollars, not foreign currencies.

C & D: ADRs represent foreign securities held by U.S. banks, not foreign banks.

References:

SEC Bulletin on ADRs: SEC ADR Overview.

FINRA prohibits the payment of referral fees or splitting of commissions with individuals who are not registered with a broker-dealer. However, taking a friend out to dinner as a gesture of gratitude is allowed, as it does not involve cash or monetary compensation directly tied to the referral.

C is correctbecause non-monetary expressions of gratitude (like a dinner) are permitted under FINRA rules.

Ais incorrect because commission splitting with unregistered individuals is prohibited.

Bis incorrect because paying referral fees is also prohibited without registration.

Dis incorrect because giving prepaid credit cards tied to commission income violates compensation rules.

A stock dividend increases the number of shares owned without affecting the total cost basis. The new cost basis per share is calculated by dividing the original total investment by the new number of shares:

Original total investment = 100 shares × $50.00 = $5,000

After a 10% stock dividend, the investor owns 110 shares.

New cost basis = $5,000 ÷ 110 shares =$45.45per share.

B is correctbecause it reflects the adjusted cost basis per share.

A private securities transaction involves the sale of securities outside the scope of a registered representative’s employment with their member firm. Such transactions must be disclosed to and approved by the firm under FINRA Rule 3280.

B is correctbecause raising money for a startup involves the sale of securities and must be reported as a private securities transaction.

Ais incorrect because soliciting charitable donations does not involve securities.

Cis incorrect because selling term life insurance policies is not a securities transaction.

Dis incorrect because investing personal money does not involve soliciting or selling securities to others.

Step by Step Explanation:

Federal Funds Rate: The rate at which depository institutions lend reserves to each other overnight. It is set by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC).

Other Rates:

Prime Rate: Rate banks charge their most creditworthy customers.

Discount Rate: Rate the Federal Reserve charges banks for borrowing directly from it.

LIBOR: Interbank lending rate used internationally, now being phased out.

References:

Federal Reserve Explanation of Rates: Federal Funds Rate.

Step by Step Explanation:

FINRA Rule 2210: Firms are prohibited from suggesting or implying FINRA's endorsement or approval in any advertising materials.

Approvals: Even if a principal or FINRA approves the content, such a statement remains impermissible.

Key Point: FINRA's role is to regulate, not to endorse firms or their marketing.

References:

FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public): FINRA Rule 2210.

Step by Step Explanation:

Blue-Chip Stock Mutual Funds: Invest in large, established companies that typically provide stable dividend income and potential for capital appreciation.

Incorrect Options:

A: Growth stocks prioritize capital appreciation, not income.

B: Money market accounts focus on safety and liquidity, not capital gains.

D: STRIPS provide fixed income without capital gains potential.

References:

FINRA Investment Product Education: FINRA Investment Guidance.

A transfer agent is responsible for maintaining accurate records of shareholder purchases, redemptions, and account balances. They also handle the issuance and cancellation of shares and ensure shareholders receive appropriate distributions.

D is correctbecause maintaining shareholder records is a core duty of a transfer agent.

Ais incorrect because underwriting is the responsibility of a broker-dealer.

Bis incorrect because distributing the prospectus is handled by the fund’s distributor.

Cis incorrect because custody of securities is the role of a custodian, not the transfer agent.