North Carolina Securities License Requirements Guide
Understand North Carolina's securities license requirements for broker-dealers, investment advisers, and agents. Learn about application steps, fees, and recent regulatory updates in NC.
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North Carolina requires broker-dealers, agents, investment advisers, and investment adviser representatives to register with the NC Secretary of State Securities Division. This process, governed by the North Carolina Securities Act (NCGS Chapter 78A), involves passing FINRA exams and submitting applications through FINRA's CRD/IARD systems.
Quick Answer: North Carolina Securities Licensing Overview
The North Carolina Secretary of State, Securities Division is the primary regulator for securities professionals and firms operating in the state. Registration is mandatory for four core categories: broker-dealers, agents (registered representatives), investment advisers, and investment adviser representatives (IARs). Operating without registration exposes individuals and firms to civil and criminal liability under the North Carolina Securities Act (NCGS Chapter 78A).
The general path to licensure includes:
- Passing required FINRA qualification exams (SIE, Series 7, Series 63/65/66, depending on your role).
- Submitting your application through FINRA's Central Registration Depository (CRD) for broker-dealers and agents, or the Investment Adviser Registration Depository (IARD) for investment advisers and IARs.
- Satisfying any state-specific documentation requirements, including background checks and, for firms, surety bonds or net capital demonstrations.
- Receiving approval from the NC Securities Division before conducting business.
The NC Securities Act (NCGS Chapter 78A) sets the legal framework. Violations, including anti-fraud provisions,
Sources & Verification (6)
- NC Digital Asset and Stablecoin Act.
- Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (15 U.S.C. §80b-1 et seq.) — federal IA registration framework; firms under $100M AUM generally state-registered (NSMIA §203A).
- Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. §78a et seq.) — broker-dealer regulation, anti-fraud, and SEC supervisory authority.
- National Securities Markets Improvement Act of 1996 (NSMIA, Pub. L. 104-290) — preempts state registration of federal covered advisers and securities; states retain anti-fraud.
- Uniform Securities Act (NASAA model) — adopted with variations by most states; governs IAR registration, blue sky filings, and exemptions.
- FINRA Series 65 / 63 / 66 / 7 — uniform state and federal exams administered via Prometric; pass scores and content outlines published by NASAA/FINRA.
Last verified: June 7, 2026
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- Series 65 Exam Prep — Investment Adviser LawThe most common path to becoming a Registered Investment Adviser Rep in any state. Covers Uniform Securities Act, fiduciary duty, and fraud prevention.
- Series 66 Exam Prep — Combined State LawCombines Series 63 + 65 into a single test for candidates already holding Series 7. Required in most states for IAR registration.
- Series 7 Exam Prep — General Securities RepFINRA's broker-dealer rep license. Required by every state before selling general securities. Recently revised for the post-2018 split format.
- Investment Adviser Compliance Manual — Form ADV & CustodyHow to navigate the SEC/state Form ADV split, custody rule, and code of ethics. The reference RIA firms hand new compliance hires.