Financial advisors
How can I check a financial advisor's background and registration?
A common question, answered by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 10, 2026
1 answer
From MadisonWI.com
The SEC's Investor.gov points you to the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) site: search the person's name to see whether they and their firm are registered with the SEC or the states, and any disciplinary history. For brokers, it may send you to FINRA's BrokerCheck, which covers broker-dealers. In Wisconsin, the Department of Financial Institutions' Division of Securities also suggests asking whether the firm and the person are registered with DFI and verifying it by calling the Division at (608) 266-2139. Both lookups are free. Sources: U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Investor.gov, Check Out Your Investment Professional; Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Verifying an Adviser or Investment (checked November 2026).
Written by the MadisonWI.com editors · November 10, 2026