What Is Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD)?

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Written by True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

Reviewed by Subject Matter Experts

Updated on August 10, 2023

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An investment adviser public disclosure is a report of the history and business practices of an investment advisory firm.

An investment adviser public disclosure can provide information to help you make a more informed decision about a company, such as its disciplinary record and financial stability.

Through IAPD, you can search:

You can also access:

  • The latest investment adviser public disclosure reports filed with the SEC by investment adviser firms and their representatives
  • Links to related enforcement actions and investor alerts


Have questions about Investment Adviser Public Disclosures? Click here.

Why Is It Important?

An investment adviser public disclosure can provide you with important information about a company, including its disciplinary record and financial stability.

By understanding an investment adviser's history and business practices, you can make a more informed decision about whether to do business with them. Getting an investment adviser public disclosure is very important for any potential client to do.

This is due to the fact that investment advisory firms are required by law to provide information about their business practices, disciplinary history, compliance procedures, and more.

The Benefits of Having One

Investment adviser public disclosures can help you determine if an investment advisory firm's values are appropriate for your needs.

Investing in a company with a history of bad business practices can be risky and costly.

By reviewing an investment adviser public disclosure report, you can get a better understanding of the risks associated with working with a particular investment adviser firm.

Additionally, you can learn about an investment adviser's experience, licensing, and other important factors.

How to Find a Qualified Investment Adviser

There are several ways to find a qualified investment adviser. You can ask family and friends for referrals, or you can use online resources like the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) website.

The IAPD website is a searchable database of registered investment advisers, exempt reporting advisers, investment adviser representatives, broker-dealers, and mutual funds. You can use this website to check the background of potential investment advisory firms.

The Bottom Line

As an investor, you have the right to know about an investment advisory firm's history and business practices.

By reviewing an investment adviser public disclosure report, you can find out if a particular firm is appropriate for your needs or if they are subject to disciplinary action or other problems.

Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) FAQs

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About the Author

True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF®

True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists.

True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics.

To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.

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