GENERAL FAQs

What kind of companies do you list?
Broker Dealer Market offers a range of Broker Dealers for sale as well as Registered investment Advisors (RIA), from clean unused shells to producing, profitable Broker Dealers/RIA's with nationally recognized names. Please note however, that due to consideration for discretion, larger Broker Dealers/RIA's in the 10MM - 80MM range will often not be visible in the monthly list. Additionally, we arrange, via approved affiliate Broker Dealers, Public Shells, and a variety of other services.

What other services do you offer?
BDM offers a number of related services. For additional information Click HERE.

What is special about BDM?
For 21 years, Broker Dealer Market has served the special Buy, Sell and Merge needs of small to medium sized Broker Dealer's/RIA's. Our experience has allowed Broker Dealer Market to streamline the process for those who have a Broker Dealer for Sale as well as those who wish to Buy a Broker Dealer - providing quick and smooth transition of ownership.

It DOES make a difference who represents YOU when you Buy, Sell or Merge a Broker Dealer or Registered Investment Advisor! Some people "claim" to be the leading company in financial services acquisitions intermediary, BUT do your due diligence and check their credentials.... Then, give us a call.

What do I need to do to sell?

I'm considering a job change. Can BDM help?
Quite possibly yes. BDM constantly receives requests for top talent in a variety of disciplines. We have an affiliate relationship with an exclusive executive search firm which places top talent mainly to the major brokerages. Please see the career information, located HERE.

I'm a securities consultant. Can you help me increase my business?
BDM is always looking for top talent. If you have an expert talent in a brokerage related field, possess the highest levels of integrity, and have a powerful drive to succeed and exceed expectations, BDM may have a challenge for you! Over the years, we have grown to service an ever widening area of practice. Our associates are all experts in their areas of practice, many of them former CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Compliance Specialists, Securities Lawyers, etc.

BUYERS FAQs
What license do I need in order to run a Broker Dealer?
FINRA says you must have a Series 24 with a minimum of 2 years experience.

Do I have to buy a Broker Dealer located in the same state that I am in?
No, you can purchase a Broker Dealer located in any state. In the 1017 process the Broker Dealer will be re-domiciled to your state.

I don’t see any Broker Dealer’s that fit what I am looking for. What should I do?
There are multiple options for you. We consistently get new Broker Dealers for sale. Just because we don’t have what you need now, doesn’t mean that we won’t have it tomorrow. In addition, you could always buy a Broker Dealer that has the most important things that you need to get started and then add the other business types into the Broker Dealer in your 1017.

I have some specific needs - but there are no Broker Dealers that fit exactly. What can I do?
Usually there are companies that fit. Keep in mind, that part of the purchase process involves a regulatory review. It is possible to structure a purchase so that you can apply to implement the necessary changes to the Broker Dealer. BDM has done this on countless occasions, and can assist you in achieving your goals. When in doubt, contact us. If we truly do not have anything that may be custom tailored to your needs in an efficient manner, chances are that we can locate it.

Why do people sell?
There are many reasons. It may be that the owner of the successful Broker Dealer/RIA has built his company over decades, and is finally looking to move on; it could be that the owner is simply tired of dealing with the vagaries of the market as well as the regulatory burden. Then again, an owner may have simply not been able to make a success of things, and has slowly stepped back – and now wishes to sell his clean, up to date company as a shell. There are simply as many reasons as there are individuals.

How do I buy a Broker Dealer?
The purchase process can be lengthy. BDM streamlined the process over the years, and we will do everything in our power to facilitate an efficient, smooth transition. Take a look at the “Process for Buyers” document, found HERE. It provides a very general overview of the process. Once you have done that, take a look at our list; when you have identified a potential match, give BDM a call. If structured correctly, a transition can often take place with NO DOWNTIME. Allow us to explain how.

SELLER's FAQs
Why do people sell?
There are many reasons. It may be that the owner of the successful Broker Dealer has built his company over decades, and is finally looking to move on; it could be that the owner is simply tired of dealing with the vagaries of the market as well as the regulatory burden. Then again, an owner may have simply not been able to make a success of things, and has slowly stepped back – and now wishes to sell his clean, up to date company as a shell. There are simply as many reasons as there are individuals.

What do I need to do to sell?
The decision to sell can be a very difficult one to make. Please contact BDM to discuss your goals in confidence; there may be better alternatives. Once the decision has been made, however, there is a certain pattern of steps that BDM has found over the years to be very common. It is described in general terms in the “process for sellers” document, found HERE.

How much is my company worth?
There are a number of formulas that BDM uses in calculating a fair valuation, given the market dynamics of today. If you are interested in selling, please contact us before making any commitments; you may find that BDM can bring you significantly more than you thought. Of course, the opposite may be true… BDM strives to calculate a valuation that not only reflects the uniqueness of your company, but also the realities of the marketplace.

Utter Discretion is Necessary… How do You Protect My Identity?
Broker Dealer Market will never release any recognizable details about your firm until the potential Buyer has been qualified, and brought to your attention. If - and only if – you are comfortable talking with this buyer, then we’ll introduce you. But first, the buyer must sign a confidentiality agreement. If necessary, we will change relevant details in the description of your company to disguise your identity. Our reputation is built upon our discretion. All inquiries are held in strictest confidence.

Why Do People Sell Good, Clean, Profitable Broker Dealers?
There are as many reasons as there are individuals. But the most common are 1) the owner, after successfully building his business over many years, has decided to move on 2) the owner is simply tired of the regulatory responsibilities of running a Broker Dealer, and wishes to move on and 3) personal obligations will not permit the owner to continue producing at the current level.

How Long Does It Take?
The time varies by situation. Many owners who are set to retire are very concerned about finding the RIGHT buyer who will protect the legacy he has built; sometimes a match happens very quickly, other times months go by. The regulatory process itself may take as little as thirty days in some jurisdictions, and several months in others. The sooner BDM knows the owners requirements, the sooner we can locate a potential buyer. If you are selling a clean shell with no production, turn around time is currently very fast.

What do I need to do to Sell?
The decision to sell can be a very difficult one to make. Please contact BDM to discuss your goals in confidence; there may be better alternatives. Once the decision has been made, however, there is a certain pattern of steps that BDM has found over the years to be very common. It is described in general terms in the “process for sellers” document, found HERE.

What is My Company Worth?
Broker Dealer Market determines a valuation based on accepted industry practices, with recognition of current market dynamics and other proprietary factors. We have found that owners of producing Broker Dealers are often pleasantly surprised. Please fill out a profile, and contact us in confidence.

I Just Received a Withdrawal Letter From FINRA. Can I Still Sell My Broker Dealer?
Yes. But you’ll have to act quickly. The clean company you have maintained will have value. Often, individuals withdraw from the marketplace, and simply close down their companies. This is a shame, since there are Buyers out there who would appreciate an opportunity to purchase a clean shell, and avoid the lengthy and expensive process of starting from scratch. Please call BDM immediately if you or anyone you know receives such a letter. Contact us in confidence immediately if you receive such a letter.