The correct answer is C, no doubt
Answer:
The investment advisory firm which employs the investment adviser representative (IAR).
Explanation:
FINRA's rules specifically state that before any transaction, the IAR must have a signed power of attorney. The IAR cannot start trading or operating with the client's money until he/she has received a signed written power of attorney from the client. Only after the signed power of attorney has been given tot eh IAR, can he/she act on discretionary basis.
If the IAR is not a registered broker-dealer, then NASAA rules state that oral agreements are valid for up to 10 business days, but the IAR must have a written authorization after that time expires. I.e. the IAR could buy the stocks, but he/she was not authorized to sell them. So any loss is responsibility of the firm that employs the IAR.
They have no clean water!
Legal offices should be aware of a possible conflict of interest
