Broker Dealer Compliance

Definition ∞ Broker-dealer compliance refers to the adherence by financial firms, specifically broker-dealers, to a comprehensive set of regulations, laws, and internal policies. These rules cover areas such as investor protection, market integrity, anti-money laundering, and capital adequacy. The objective is to ensure fair and orderly markets while safeguarding client interests. Compliance is a continuous and evolving process within the financial sector.
Context ∞ The expansion of digital assets has introduced new complexities for broker-dealer compliance, as traditional regulations are adapted to novel asset classes and decentralized trading environments. Firms operating with cryptocurrencies must navigate evolving rules from various regulatory bodies, including those related to asset classification and custody. The key discussion involves harmonizing existing securities laws with the unique characteristics of digital assets to ensure consistent oversight. This requires significant investment in technology and expertise.