How Financial Advisors Can Make Client Calls While Staying Compliant

A client calls an advisor on their personal cell: “Buy 200 shares today.”
The advisor agrees, hangs up, and moves on.

But here’s the problem: under SEC Rule 17a-4 and FINRA supervision rules, that call is a business record. If it isn’t captured and stored, the firm is exposed to compliance risk — and potential fines.

Why Calls Are a Compliance Blind Spot

Texts and emails get attention, but phone calls and voicemails are often overlooked. Regulators, however, see no difference. If advice or instructions are shared, it must be archived and reviewable. Many small firms learn this only after an audit uncovers gaps.

Making Calls Compliant Without Losing the Personal Touch

The solution is not to stop taking calls. Clients value the personal connection. Instead, advisors need tools that:
✔️ Provide a dedicated business line
✔️ Record or log calls automatically
✔️ Archive voicemails in tamper-proof formats

This way, compliance happens in the background while advisors focus on relationships.

The Takeaway

Every client call counts as a business record. With the right secure calling tools, financial advisors can protect themselves, satisfy regulators, and maintain the personal service clients expect. Compliance doesn’t have to be a burden — it can be the foundation of trust.

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