Massachusetts Securities Division.

The Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is responsible, through the Securities Division, for regulating activities of persons and companies in the securities business in accordance with the Massachusetts Uniform Securities Act (MGLA c 110A) and regulations promulgated thereunder. The Securities Division adopts and periodically updates regulations to ensure that investors are adequately protected and that unreasonable burdens on legitimate capital raising activities are avoided.

Stockbrokers and brokerage firms must be registered with the Securities Division in order to engage in business in Massachusetts. The division also licenses financial planners and investment advisors. Additionally, stock offerings and other types of investments may have to comply with certain disclosure requirements before being sold in this state. Division staff ensure that there is compliance with applicable state laws and investigate citizen complaints about the fraudulent sale of securities by stockbrokers and issuers. The division often coordinates its activities with other state and federal regulatory agencies. The division includes corporate finance, licensing, and enforcement sections.