On-Demand Webinar >>>

FINRA and the SEC have underscored their focus on firms’ adherence to Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI), with an emphasis on the care obligation that requires firms to evaluate reasonably available alternatives (RAA). Facing more intense scrutiny than ever before, firms must evaluate their compliance processes when it comes to the care obligation. 

Join InvestorCOM for an enlightening discussion that delves into real-world applications of RAA under the care obligation of Reg BI. This essential session features industry veterans Ed Wegener, Managing Director and Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance Practice at Oyster Consulting LLC, and Dawn Thomason, Chief Compliance Officer at USA Financial. Together, they will dissect the care obligation, focusing on RAA, through the lens of actual case studies, providing a tangible understanding of regulatory expectations and compliance intricacies. 

During the webinar, attendees can expect to: 

• Gain insights from concrete examples of RAA’s implementation and its impact on advising practices. 
• Evaluate the best processes to align with the Reg BI care obligation.  
• Learn how innovative technology can facilitate the evaluation of reasonably available alternatives.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding of Reg BI’s care obligation through the experiences and expertise of Ed Wegener and Dawn Thomason. 

Ed Wegener, Managing Director, Oyster Consulting LLC

Ed Wegener is an innovative compliance, risk management and supervisory controls expert with deep understanding of Federal Securities Laws and the rules of self-regulatory organizations, as well as technology optimization and risk mitigation. Prior to joining Oyster, Ed held several posts in FINRA, most recently as  Senior VP and Midwest Regional Director.  While there, he was responsible for the Region’s risk assessment, examination and investigation programs. Ed was a member of the team that developed FINRA’s risk-based examination program and he developed and managed FINRA’s first Digital Asset and Cybersecurity examination programs.

Dawn Thomason, Chief Compliance Officer, USA Financial

Dawn Thomason is the Chief Compliance Officer at USA Financial, joining the firm in 2008. She oversees the compliance department and the team responsible for regulatory audit and response (FINRA and SEC), policy creation and new rule implementation, branch inspections, and advertising review across all registered entities.

Dawn brought experience in the banking industry prior to joining the team at USA Financial. In her previous roles, she started out on the New Business team where she conducted suitability review for new account applications and supported the trade desk. She quickly transitioned into an advertising compliance role where she picked up review and approval of various back-office functions such as OBA review, vendor due diligence, performance reporting, and ad hoc compliance issues. Dawn graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree and has a CIPM (Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement) from CFA Institute.

Randy Barnes, Director of Product & Sales Engineering, InvestorCOM

Parham Nasseri, Vice President Regulatory Strategy, InvestorCOM

Parham Nasseri has spent his career translating complex regulatory requirements into technology solutions that improve investor and advisor outcomes. He has over 15 years of regulatory and wealth management experience, including senior roles in regulatory analytics, digital transformation, and investment analytics.

Parham currently serves as Vice President, Product & Regulatory Strategy at InvestorCOM, a leading software solutions provider for the financial services industry. He serves on several advisory boards including Ontario Securities Commission’s Investor Advisory Panel, CFA Societies’ Canadian Advocacy Council, The Canadian RegTech Association, and Junior Achievements of Central Ontario. He is also the host of the Wealth Compliance Leaders series.