To make more readily available and streamline the process of researching advisors while promoting honesty, integrity and best practices in the financial services industry.

Advisor Check provides consumers with unbiased information to promote honest practices by advisors in the financial services industry. We run a comprehensive series of background checks to promote security for the relationship between the advisor and the client or prospect. At Advisor Check we realize that fraudulent and deceptive advisors are a major issue and we want to do everything we can to ease these concerns for consumers. We also realize the limitation of the current system where advisors are responsible for reporting their own background information to agencies like FINRA. Unlike these agencies, Advisor Check uses a third party reporting organization to complete background checks on members. Advisor Check removes the major roadblocks to building a solid relationship with the financial advisor. By simplifying the process, we put the investor in charge and in control. What typically takes numerous calls and countless hours of research is completed for your current or prospective client quickly and efficiently.

There are many consumers utilizing Advisor Check to find a financial advisor, which gives you all of the more reason to become a member and increase your business. Here are some of the reasons that consumers are using Advisor Check:

• We promote total transparency and full disclosure of advisors
• We lower major risks for the consumer
• We instill a higher level of trust with financial advisors
• We give consumers the ability to request a complete background check on any financial advisor at no cost which in turn becomes a lead for the advisor
• We give consumers extensive background information quickly and efficiently
• We aid consumers in choosing their advisor with confidence, giving them "peace of mind"

Q: What's the catch? How can you offer 100% Free Background Checks?

A: Just like restaurants that give away free meals or companies that let people try their service before purchasing, Advisor Check felt the most efficient way for consumers & advisors to experience the difference we provide in 'Full Disclosure and Total Transparency' was to offer it free of charge. In doing so, we know that advisors will want to become a 'member' to show themselves as fully disclosed and to use the power of being a ‘transparency & disclosure advocate’ to restore trust and earn new business. They will also be given the inquiring consumers’ name and contact information to follow up with after the checks have been completed. Financial security is a major goal of investors and having confidence in your advisor aids in achieving that goal. That’s what the innovation of Advisor Check is doing—Changing an Industry!

Currently, as long as the inquiry is from a consumer and we have not already completed a screening on the advisor within the last 12 months, it's free. Membership rates to join our "Pro Transparency & Disclosure Movement" remain the same.

Q: What is the cost to become a member?

A: Currently it costs $189 for a one year membership. Each renewal year thereafter is currently set at $189/year. We also offer a monthly option of $49 for the first month and $19.99 each month thereafter. These fees are subject to change.

Q: What is included with my membership?

A: Upon sign-up, you will become a member of AdvisorCheck for an entire year. You will have access to the use of the AdvisorCheck logo, PDF profile sheet for handing out to prospects, as well as the option to order several different AdvisorCheck brochures and plaques. In addition, your name will be highlighted and at the top of the advisor search list coupled with our IP pulling system which will show you as a 'Featured Member' to consumers searching from your geographical area.

Q: Will you send me a copy of my background check upon sign-up?

A: All of your background information will be posted on your profile on our website. This allows you and the public to review the information. The full credit file and report is available via email if you request a copy.

Q: What makes you different from other background screening associations?

A: There are several things that differentiate us from our competitors and 'Self Regulating' organizations like FINRA.

1. Advisor Check markets directly to the consumer. Consumers contact us to request background information on their current or prospective advisor. Previously, most consumers did not know how to find the information we provide to them.

2. Advisor Check provides a more extensive search on each advisor than our competitors. Our process makes finding the necessary information very simple. Previously, the consumer had to go to many different sources for this information, which could be confusing and time-consuming.

3. Advisor Check also allows any advisor to be a member, not just those with a squeaky clean record. This allows those that need to clear up anything, the opportunity to do so.

4. Advisor Check does not pass judgment on individuals. We will never 'pass' or 'fail' you, we simply report the facts.

5. Advisor Check searches advisors' personal history, in addition to business-related issues.

Q: Will you give someone my information if I am not a member?

A: We never release any background information without your consent. AdvisorCheck requires you to sign a release before we will run any checks due to Fair Credit Reporting Act standards.

Q: What is your cancellation policy?

A: You may cancel your membership at any time however we do not offer refunds.

Q: What checks do you perform and how do you determine what is reported and 'how' it is reported?

A: Guidelines for AdvisorCheck Screenings and Checks


All checks are completed from various public sources and compiled for the consumer. Financial checks and criminal/civil checks will be reported based on the information below and any information that is reported by these entities will be reported provided it falls within our guidelines. Information attained from state departments of insurance and securities, the SEC and FINRA will be reviewed and disclosed based on the following guidelines. Please review our terms and conditions of the site for further details. Also note that for members of AdvisorCheck, background screenings are completed once a year.

Criminal Screenings: AdvisorCheck utilizes Acxiom for all criminal screenings. Data is collected from courts throughout the country and compiled. AdvisorCheck will report all Felony convictions as “Complaints/Issues Found”. Any SIS (Suspended Imposition of Sentence), not guilty or arrests without a conviction will be marked as “No Complaints or Issues” since either charges were not made, the individual was not found guilty or in the case of an SIS it is viewed as a non-conviction in most jurisdictions and records are sealed after probationary periods are fulfilled.

Misdemeanor convictions will only be posted if they are money related situations such as fraud, bad check cases and all other financial or financially motivated situations. The only exception will be drug related cases in which they will be shown and revealed due to the potential for financial fraud. In the above noted cases, the profile will be marked as “Complaints/Issues Found”. All other items such as public intoxication, simple assault, disorderly conduct, trespass, vandalism, and DUI will be marked as “No Complaints or Issues” since the charges are not financially associated. No disclosure of these events will be posted unless the advisor desires.

Civil Judgments and Claims: Any financial/investment related civil suit will be disclosed to the consumer. A ‘No Complaints or Issues’ mark will exist for cases in which charges were filed but a finding of not-guilt was issued or charges were dropped. The explanation will be provided under the heading. A ‘Complaints/Issues Found’ will be shown for all guilty verdicts involving financial related/investment suits.

Bankruptcies/Foreclosures: All bankruptcies that are available to the public and through our searches will be listed for up to 7 years. Foreclosures within the last 7 years will be shown. Any bankruptcies or foreclosures over 7 years will be displayed as "No Complaints or Issues" with an explanation included that there was an incident over 7 years ago.

Liens/Judgments: All outstanding liens and judgments that have not been paid will be displayed and the check will be shown as ‘Complaints/Issues Found’. Any judgment or lien paid in full will not be shown since it has been resolved and paid. In those cases we will post the check as ‘No Complaints or Issues’.

Regulatory Actions involving non-investment related (State, Insurance, SEC, FINRA) in which the complaint or problem is non-investment product related (ie, advertising related, maintenance of books, continuing education requirements, or review of marketing materials) will be shown as ‘No Complaints or Issues’ with an explanation of the actions administered by the regulatory entity, provided the advisor fully complied with any and all directives of said authorities. As such, status will show ‘No Complaints or Issues’ while there will still be a disclosure of the event and the resulting regulatory requirements. In cases in which the advisor failed to comply with a ruling, suspension, etc., the profile will show a ‘Complaint/Issue Found’ status.

Regulatory Actions involving investment related issues (State, Insurance, SEC, FINRA).
All actions brought by consumers or regulators involving suitability, improper sales, unauthorized trading, fraud, misrepresentation, or other investment related concerns will be shown as a ‘Complaint/Issues Found’ if the advisor is currently under investigation or if there is a pending arbitration/mediation case. In cases where the arbitration/mediation is finalized via settlement or a damage award, regardless of who pays the award (firm or rep) the case will be disclosed as ‘Complaints/Issues Found’ with an explanation. If a complaint is made but penalties, awards and/or settlements are not made, the case will show as ‘No Complaints or Issues’ but the profile will show that there was a complaint filed but there were no actions taken by regulatory officials or penalties/awards given.

Better Business Bureau:
Any complaints that are filed with the BBB that are then taken care of by the advisor in a satisfactory manner will be shown as ‘No Complaints or Issues’ since the advisor has taken steps to correct any business concerns. There will be a disclosure of the event for the consumer to review. If the advisor fails to comply with BBB requirements or fails to responds to any complaints, the incident will show as ‘Complaints/Issues Found’ with accompanying information.

Q: What if I have a complaint on my record?

A: No problem—-you need Advisor Check even more. We are different than other companies in that we allow any advisor to become a member, regardless of their background. An advisor has the opportunity to respond to any check posted on their profile.

Q: Do you refer consumers to AdvisorCheck members?

A: No. We do not personally refer or send consumers to a specific advisor due to legal restrictions but members that have joined the “Pro Transparency & Disclosure Movement” are given prominent placement on our website. Our website has an advisor search option that lists AdvisorCheck members in the local area that the consumer is searching. Members will be highlighted and listed at the top of the search along with the "Featured Member" displayed to the right of searches based on geographical area.

Q: How does the process of ordering a background check work?

A: When a consumer contacts us, we gather the necessary information about the advisor on whom they are requesting a background check. Once we receive this information and speak with the consumer, we contact the advisor to discuss their options and ask for a decision within 24 hours. The advisor has the following options:

1. Submit to the FREE comprehensive background check by signing all appropriate releases and by providing any other relevant information. At the end of the background screenings, the consumer's information will be given to the advisor.

2. Decline to submit to the 100% FREE background check. If this option is chosen, the inquiring consumer's information will remain confidential and they will be notified that the advisor “Declined to submit to the 100% Free Comprehensive Background Check”.

We then contact the inquirer (within 2-5 business days of their original inquiry) with the advisor's response. If the advisor authorizes the background check, we compile information from all the pertinent organizations. Once all of the information has been gathered and verified with the advisor, the checks will be posted on the advisor’s temporary profile for 30 days. Should the advisor choose to become a full member of AdvisorCheck, the background checks will remain on the profile for a year and each year the advisor renews the membership.

Q: How often is my report updated?

A: We run your report originally upon signup. We will re-run your report each year as you renew your membership.

Q: What information do you need from me to run a background check?

A: We will need your name, company name, best contact phone number, e-mail address, last four digits of your social security number, date of birth, and residence address. We will also need to know the state(s) in which you are registered and the professional license(s) you hold. We will also need a signed waiver or electronic submission registering your approval under Fair Credit Reporting Act standards for Advisor Check to process the request.

Q: Do I have a profile on your website if I am not a member?

A: Yes. You will be able to edit your contact information, if necessary. You are also able to add a picture, your education, work history, services provided, affiliations, as well as a link to your business website.

Q: Why do you have AdvisorCheck in some places and Advisor Check in others?

A: Simply put, google. Our company is named AdvisorCheck but due to search engines and the internet, in some places we must separate the two words to help maximize internet search results.

To put it in the simplest of terms: People have no idea who to trust with their investments.

Understanding what consumers' concerns were in finding and trusting a financial advisor, we believed there must have been an easier way to help protect consumers, while also allowing advisors to demonstrate that they are head and shoulders above the competition in the financial services industry.

Out of all this confusion and uncertainty, Advisor Check was born. We are devoted to helping protect consumers from advisors misrepresenting themselves. Advisor Check was designed for the CONSUMER and ADVISOR to restore what has been in many cases, lost trust and integrity by knowing the facts before investing.