News & Perspective

This distinction between different FINRA licenses is critical, as using the wrong license can create regulatory exposure even when the underlying transaction is otherwise compliant. As an independent broker-dealer, we here at Britehorn Securities help our Registered Representatives choose the right exams for them, as well as provide sponsorship for those exams.

2025 has been a banner year, and we are proud to have welcomed an exceptional group of 31 investment banking, M&A advisory, and private placement professionals to the Britehorn Securities platform.

An independent broker-dealer is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer that operates independently from large banks and wirehouses, providing M&A advisors, placement agents, and capital markets professionals with regulatory supervision, broker-dealer sponsorship, and compliance services. Independent broker-dealers support M&A transactions, private placements, and institutional deals while offering greater flexibility, autonomy, and deal-focused compliance than traditional broker-de

See how Britehorn Securities provides industry-leading customer service as a broker-dealer.

Many M&A brokers often look to the federal broker exemption as a way to avoid the formalities and costs associated with FINRA registration. However, this may not be the smartest path forward — here's why.