SEC Rule 17a-4, under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, establishes the recordkeeping and retention requirements for broker-dealers. Enacted in 1997 and amended over time, it ensures that firms maintain and preserve electronic records in a manner that supports regulatory oversight and investor protection.
The rule applies to
broker-dealers, investment banks, alternative trading systems (ATSs), and other
registered securities firms operating in the United States. It complements SEC Rule 17a-3, which defines the types of records to be made, and requires firms to implement comprehensive digital record management systems with proper
document verification and authentication protocols to ensure regulatory compliance and data integrity.
