A client recently provided a CRD number and said that she was able to obtain a FINRA record on an individual. Yet our researcher was unable to obtain one. We searched the online Brokercheck, then contacted FINRA directly, then contacted the local regulatory agency at the state level. All of which stated that there was no person by that name or with that CRD number registered.
I discussed with the client and she said that she might have special persmission because her company is considering the person as a registered rep. Might give her more authority than a background checking firm can do?
National Student Clearinghouse to Acquire Degree and Enrollment Verification Services from Credentials Inc.
HERNDON, VA, May 30, 2008 - The National Student Clearinghouse and Credentials Inc. today jointly announced the acquisition of Credentials’ online degree and enrollment verification services by the Clearinghouse. Credentials, Inc., located in Northfield, Illinois, provides educational verification to employers and others on behalf of colleges via its Web-based services, DegreeChk and EnrollChk. The Clearinghouse, a non-profit organization located in Herndon, Virginia, will work with institutions that participate in these services to transition them to its online verification services, DegreeVerify and EnrollmentVerify. Terms of the transaction, which is effective May 31, 2008, were not disclosed.
For the entire story: https://www.studentclearinghouse.org/about/news/release_2008-05-30.htm
The “Chartered Financial Analyst” program is administered by the CFA Institute. This organization is very particular about who can claim the title of “CFA” after their name.
See http://www.cfainstitute.org/
We do find a fund manager who claims to hold a CFA, but is not entitled to that title. Typically they have either not completed their studies, or have not kept their dues and credentials up to date.
We can only verify education when we know which institution to contact. A resume or biography will usually contain this information. Most institutions in the US do not require signed consent to verify education.