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 A broker/dealer recently faced a $30,000 fine from FINRA because they failed to detect a representative's involvement in an OBA with a medical cannabis company. The representative not only participated in managing and operating the cannabis company but also co-owned it. When a supervisor asked about the representative's involvement in the marijuana business, the representative denied having any knowledge or involvement with the company. Unfortunately, in this case, the broker/dealer mishandled and ignored several warning signs, which raised significant concerns for FINRA. This broker/dealer also dismissed multiple compliance issues when they were identified. According to FINRA, “The firm failed to take reasonable steps to investigate red flags that the representative was engaged in an undisclosed outside business activity and unapproved private securities transactions.” Eagle Eye was developed to tackle the challenge of relying solely on OBA disclosures from your registered representatives. It utilizes artificial intelligence and machine learning to automatically monitor their online presence. This proactive approach helps identify any compliance issues that need to be escalated to higher levels of authority for review, tracking, and documentation until they are resolved.
Moreover, Eagle Eye offers the added benefit of conducting Secretary-of-State searches across all 50 states. This feature allows you to uncover any corporate registrations associated with your advisors, seamlessly integrating the findings into Eagle Eye's workflow, accessible throughout your organization. By leveraging Eagle Eye, you can ensure comprehensive supervision of your registered representatives, effectively mitigate risks, and take proactive steps to address compliance issues. Source: finra.org  Isn't the whole purpose of a vacation to take a break from work? Why should we even need to plan to avoid working during our time off?
Surprisingly, a recent Harris Poll revealed that 66% of Americans admit to working while on vacation, and 42% even go as far as contacting colleagues during their holiday. Many individuals struggle to disconnect from work, whether due to self-imposed expectations or the unwritten rules of their workplace. That's why we've put together these five crucial tips to help you ensure a truly enjoyable and work-free summer vacation. 1. Make a Genuine Commitment to Taking a Vacation Merely going through the motions of booking flights, reserving hotels, and planning out a basic itinerary doesn't cut it. Simply being physically absent from the office doesn't guarantee that your mind and emotions won't still be entangled in work matters. The purpose of paid time off is to recharge and rejuvenate, allowing you to return to work as a more refreshed and productive individual. Embrace the idea that your vacation is meant to be a time away from work, and fully immerse yourself in the experience. 2. Ditch the Guilt. Truly relaxing becomes challenging when your mind is constantly occupied by thoughts of unfinished tasks and responsibilities you believe you should be tending to. Overcoming feelings of guilt associated with taking time off can be challenging, but it's crucial for your well-being. Find ways to minimize guilt by scheduling your vacation to a more opportune time and avoiding critical work periods. Alternatively, consider completing essential tasks before you leave or expressing gratitude to colleagues who cover for you. Remember, you deserve this break, and the guilt will only hinder your ability to unwind. 3. Communicate Early with Colleagues and Managers Don't just block off the dates on your calendar; proactively inform your colleagues and managers about your absence. Send calendar notifications to those who need to plan around your vacation or will be covering for you. It's easy for people to overlook or forget about your time off when they are engrossed in their own responsibilities. By communicating early, you ensure that everyone is aware and can make the necessary arrangements, ensuring a smoother transition during your absence. 4. Set up an "Out of the Office" Auto-Reply Auto-replies work wonders in managing expectations. Configure an "Out of the Office" message for your email and voicemail, informing clients, coworkers, and your boss that you are away and will not be available until your return. This simple reminder alleviates the pressure to respond immediately, enabling others to respect your time off. Whether it's customers, major clients, or your team members, ensure they understand that your focus is on relaxation and rejuvenation during your vacation. 5. Minimize Other Work-related Responsibilities Reducing work-related responsibilities is not limited to your job tasks alone. Many individuals, especially women, find themselves burdened with caretaking responsibilities even during vacations. To truly unwind, plan ahead and enlist the support of babysitters, family members, or partners to help shoulder these responsibilities while you take your well-deserved time off. By addressing these additional obligations, you create the space to fully enjoy your vacation without unnecessary stress. As a full-time employed individual, you work hard throughout the year, often putting in long hours. According to a Gallup poll, full-time workers in the United States spend an average of 47 hours per week on-the-job. Therefore, you deserve a vacation that allows you to unwind and recharge. Remember, vacations don't just “happen spontaneously”; they require thoughtful planning. If you haven't had the opportunity to sit down and plan your summer holiday, it's not too late. Incorporate these tips into your vacation plans and prioritize a truly work-free and then give us a call. Let us show you how our applications will help streamline your supervision processes and ease the burden of piling up workloads after your PTO. The perception of never-ending work is a common experience for professionals in the supervision and compliance departments. At SiteQuest Compliance, we understand this challenge, which is why our applications are equipped with built-in automation features to streamline your workload. EAGLE EYE is always running in the background searching the web. You can customize alerts so that if you are out of the office, alerts can go to another designated person. SQWATCHER will continue to monitor websites, even when you are on vacation. With our easy-to-use workflows, when you return you will be able to go through any changes that occurred while you were away. |
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