OCIE Examined 15% of RIAs in 2017

OCIE Examined 15% of RIAs in 2017

In 2017, the SEC examined 2,114 investment advisers, approximately 15 percent of the 14,000+ registered investment advisers, the SEC confirmed in its Fiscal Year 2019 Congressional Budget Justification Annual Performance Plan.

In the same report, the SEC said the staff will continue to improve its efforts of RIAs, noting that nearly 35 percent of all registered investment advisers have never been examined.

The SEC reports the number of examinations of Investment Advisers since 2012 as follows:

  • 2012: 8%,
  • 2013: 9%
  • 2014: 10%
  • 2015: 10%
  • 2016: 11%
  • 2017: 15%

In its performance goals for 2018 and 2019, the SEC estimates examinations of investment advisers to continue at 15%.

Meanwhile, the growth in the number of registered advisers continues. In just the last five years, the number of registered advisers has grown by over 15 percent, and the assets under management of these firms has increased by more than 40 percent.

The SEC reports in addition to conducting examinations, the staff continued enhancing its risk assessment efforts to ensure that the exam program is spending its limited time and resources on firms presenting the highest risk.


Ascendant has significant experience preparing clients for SEC exams. If you need help, contact us via email or at 860-435-2255.