Lesson

An Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA) is an investment adviser exempt from registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) but must still report certain information to the SEC and state securities regulators. This exemption is typically granted to advisers who manage private funds with assets under management below a certain threshold.

Practice Question #1

Which of the following best describes an Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA)?

Options

Select an option above to see an explanation here.

Terms

Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA):
An investment adviser exempt from registration with the SEC must report certain information to the SEC and state securities regulators.
Private Fund:
A type of investment fund not subject to the same regulatory requirements as public funds, such as mutual funds.
Assets Under Management (AUM):
The total market value of the assets an investment adviser manages.
Form ADV:
A form used by investment advisers to register with the SEC and state securities regulators and report certain information as an ERA.
Investment Advisers Act of 1940:
A federal law regulating investment advisers and establishing the registration and reporting requirements.

Practice Question #2

What form does an Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA) use to report information to the SEC and state securities regulators?

Options

Select an option above to see an explanation here.

Do Not Confuse With

Registered Investment Adviser (RIA):
An investment adviser registered with the SEC or a state securities regulator and subject to regulation.
Broker-Dealer:
A firm that buys and sells securities on behalf of clients or for its account, subject to different regulatory requirements than investment advisers.

Practice Question #3

Which of the following types of investment advisers is most likely to qualify as an Exempt Reporting Adviser (ERA)?

Options

Select an option above to see an explanation here.

Historical Example

In 2011, the SEC adopted new rules under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 that created the category of Exempt Reporting Advisers. These rules were designed to provide greater transparency and oversight of private fund advisers while reducing the regulatory burden on smaller advisers.

Practice Question #4

Become a Pro Member to see more questions

Real-World Example

A small investment adviser manages a private fund with $100 million in assets under management. Because the fund's AUM is below the threshold for SEC registration, the adviser qualifies as an Exempt Reporting Adviser and must report certain information to the SEC and state securities regulators using Form ADV.

Practice Question #5

Become a Pro Member to see more questions

Thresholds to Remember

- Assets Under Management (AUM) threshold: An adviser may be exempt from registration if they manage less than a certain amount of assets. - Private Fund Adviser threshold: An adviser may be exempt from registration if they only advise private funds and have less than a certain amount of AUM. - Venture Capital Fund Adviser threshold: An adviser may be exempt from registration if they only advise venture capital funds.

Practice Question #6

Become a Pro Member to see more questions

Threshold Examples

- AUM threshold example: An adviser with less than $25 million in AUM may be exempt from SEC registration and only need to register with the state. - Private Fund Adviser threshold example: An adviser who only advises private funds and has less than $150 million in AUM may be exempt from registration. - Venture Capital Fund Adviser threshold example: An adviser who only advises venture capital funds, regardless of AUM, may be exempt from registration.

Practice Question #7

Become a Pro Member to see more questions

Pitfalls to Remember

- AUM threshold pitfall:
If an adviser's AUM increases above the threshold, they may lose their exemption and must register with the appropriate regulatory authority.

Mark this subject as reviewed