This Rule shall apply exclusively to the activities of members in connection with the securities of companies registered under the Investment Company Act; provided however, that Rule 2320 shall apply, in lieu of this Rule, to members' activities in connection with "variable contracts" as defined therein.

(b) Definitions

This Rule shall apply exclusively (and in lieu of Rule 2341) to the activities of members in connection with variable contracts, to the extent such activities are subject to regulation under the federal securities laws.

(a) A member or an associated person must have a reasonable basis to believe that a recommended transaction or investment strategy involving a security or securities is suitable for the customer, based on the information obtained through the reasonable diligence of the member or associated person to ascertain the customer's investment profile.