Form ADV

Laws & Regulations High Relevance

The uniform registration form used by investment advisers to register with the SEC or state regulators. Part 1 contains business information filed with regulators; Part 2A is the narrative disclosure brochure delivered to clients; Part 2B contains brochure supplements for individual advisory personnel. Part 1 must be filed with regulators within 90 days of fiscal year end; Part 2A must be delivered to clients within 120 days of fiscal year end. Material changes must be filed promptly when information changes.

Example

An investment adviser with a December 31 fiscal year end must file its annual Form ADV update by March 31. New clients must receive Part 2A (firm brochure) and Part 2B (personnel brochure) at or before signing the advisory contract.

Common Confusion

Students often confuse the 48-hour rule (delivering Part 2A 48 hours before signing triggers a 5-day withdrawal right) with the requirement to deliver at or before signing. Also commonly confused: filing amendments with regulators (30 days for material changes) versus delivering updated brochures to existing clients (annually).

How This Is Tested

  • Understanding the three parts of Form ADV (Part 1, 2A, 2B)
  • Knowing delivery requirements for Part 2A (brochure)
  • Understanding annual update requirements (within 90 days of fiscal year end)
  • Recognizing material changes must be filed promptly
  • Understanding clients must receive updated brochure or summary annually

Regulatory Limits

Description Limit Notes
Part 2A delivery deadline (new clients) At or before contract signing Or at least 48 hours before, allowing 5-day withdrawal
Annual ADV filing deadline (Part 1 to regulators) Within 90 days of fiscal year end File Part 1 with regulators; deliver Part 2A to clients within 120 days
Annual brochure delivery (Part 2A to clients) Within 120 days of fiscal year end Either full brochure or summary of material changes
Material change amendment Promptly File amendment for material business changes when information changes
Brochure delivery to existing clients Annually Either full brochure or summary of material changes

Example Exam Questions

Test your understanding with these practice questions. Select an answer to see the explanation.

Question 1

Jennifer, a recently retired teacher, is meeting with an investment adviser on Monday, October 2nd to discuss portfolio management services. The adviser plans to have Jennifer sign the advisory contract during this initial meeting. When must the adviser deliver Form ADV Part 2A to Jennifer to comply with the brochure rule?

Question 2

What is the deadline for investment advisers to file their annual Form ADV update with the SEC or state regulators?

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Question 3

Brightpath Advisers has a fiscal year end of December 31, 2025. The firm experiences a material change to its ownership structure on February 15, 2026. By what date must Brightpath file its annual Form ADV update, and by what date must it file an amendment for the material change?

Question 4

All of the following statements about Form ADV are accurate EXCEPT

Question 5

Horizon Investment Advisers filed its most recent annual Form ADV update on March 15, 2026, for its fiscal year ending December 31, 2025. On July 20, 2026, the firm hires a new Chief Compliance Officer and changes its fee structure for new clients. Which of the following actions are required?

1. File an amendment to Form ADV Part 1 within 30 days of the material changes
2. Deliver updated Form ADV Part 2A to all existing clients within 30 days
3. Deliver the updated brochure or a summary of material changes to existing clients within 120 days
4. File the next annual update no later than March 31, 2027

💡 Memory Aid

Form ADV Parts: Part 1 = Business info. Part 2A = Brochure (to clients). Part 2B = Individuals. "1-Biz, 2A-Brochure, 2B-Bio"

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