Branches and Branch Managers

The Branch Manager

Section 6.2 of BCP 31-601 states that every dealer or adviser in BC must employ a branch manager to ensure that the branch, its employees comply with the Act & Regulations. If a branch has less than 4 registered individuals, it doe not require a branch manager.

A branch manager must have completed the appropriate branch managers course. A branch manager is responsible for the supervision of a branch office of a dealer or adviser who proposes to trade in or advise on securities.

Red Flags - the following may be considered Red Flags in an investigation or
examination:

  • where any one branch manager is supervising more than 5 branches;
  • where the rep /to/ branch manager ratio is greater than 15:1;
  • where branches that a manager are supervising are geographically disbursed throughout several different cities;
  • where there are no branch audits or monitoring performed;
  • more minor- where there are no backup officers in place.

Notification Required: BCP 31-601 states that a registered dealer has an ongoing obligation to notify immediately the changes in prescribed information including:  changes in business address, the addresses of its branch offices, or its address forservice.

ABOUT BRANCHES

Definition:

A branch is any location including a residence, where the dealer conducts business, alone or through one or more salespeople. The chief place of business, or head office is not considered a branch.

Must be provided to Commission:

A list of all branches used by dealer. If a branch is opened or closed, Commission should be notified within 5 days.

Official Branch – qualified branch manager required
( 4 or more reps)

4 or more reps work at branch. Required:
BC form 31-905, ($100) plus $100 for registration of branch. MFDA members have been exempted the $100 fee for the form 31-905 filing.

Sub-Branch - (2 or 3 reps)

at the sub-branch, with 2 or 3 reps, we need to know who will supervise these staff.
Required: BC form 31-905 ($100).

Home office - (1 rep)

no forms or registration of this location required. Need to know what branch this rep reports to and is supervised by.