SEA Rule 17a-3 and Related Interpretations

Publication Date: February 23, 2023

Interpretations are marked in blue background beneath the rule text to which they relate.

17a-3 Records to be made by certain exchange members, brokers and dealers.

This section applies to the following types of entities: A member of a national securities exchange who transacts a business in securities directly with others than members of a national securities exchange; a broker or dealer who transacts a business in securities through the medium of a member of a national securities exchange; a broker or dealer, including an OTC derivatives dealer as that term is defined in § 240.3b-12, registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o); a security-based swap dealer registered pursuant to section 15F of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o-10) that is also a broker or dealer, including an OTC derivatives dealer, registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act; and a major security-based swap participant registered pursuant to section 15F of the Act that is also a broker or dealer, including an OTC derivatives dealer, registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act. Section 240.18a-5 (rather than this section) applies to the following types of entities: A security-based swap dealer registered pursuant to section 15F of the Act that is not also a broker or dealer, including an OTC derivatives dealer, registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act; and a major security-based swap participant registered pursuant to section 15F of the Act that is not also a broker or dealer, including an OTC derivatives dealer, registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act.

17a-3(a) Every member of a national securities exchange who transacts a business in securities directly with others than members of a national securities exchange, every broker or dealer who transacts a business in securities through the medium of any such member, and every broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o) must make and keep current the following books and records relating to its business:
17a-3(a)/01 Definition of “Make and Keep Current”
The following are general guidelines for the requirements of SEA Rule 17a-3 to “make and keep current” books and records prescribed by the Rule. In subparagraphs (a)(1) through (a)(12) the term “current” shall mean:
  • (a)(1), (3), (5), and (10) - books and records should be posted no later than the first business day following the transaction.
  • (a)(2) - records of original entry should be maintained not only daily but in a form which will facilitate posting of the general ledger as frequently as necessary to ascertain compliance with the Net Capital Rule and the Customer Protection Rule.
  • (a)(4) - subsidiary ledgers relating to securities transactions, dividends, interest and securities borrowed and loaned should be posted no later than two business days following the date of the securities or money movement. Transactions between brokers not completed on settlement date should be posted to the fail ledger no later than the first business day following settlement date.
  • (a)(6) and (7) - order tickets should be prepared at the time of the transaction.
  • (a)(8) - confirmations should be prepared and mailed on the day of the transaction or the following business day.
  • (a)(9) - account records should be prepared prior to the transaction.
  • (a)(11) - books and records should be prepared no later that 10 business days after the end of the accounting period.
  • (a)(12) - records should be prepared at or prior to commencement of employment.

(SEC Release 34-10756, April 26, 1974) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)

17a-3(a)/02 Definition of “Customer”
The term “customer” should be construed broadly in order to effectuate the purpose of SEA Rule 17a-3, which is to ensure that the Commission has access to certain basic information about securities transactions and firms subject to its regulatory supervision to enable it to police adequately the U.S. securities markets. Broker-dealers which operate under the laws of multiple jurisdictions (including secrecy provisions) are required to be aware of the need to conduct their operations in a manner which will ensure compliance with U.S. securities laws.

(SEC Release 34-29243, May 29, 1991) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)

17a-3(a)(1) Blotters (or other records of original entry) containing an itemized daily record of all purchases and sales of securities (including security-based swaps), all receipts and deliveries of securities (including certificate numbers), all receipts and disbursements of cash and all other debits and credits. Such records must show the account for which each such purchase or sale was effected, the name and amount of securities, the unit and aggregate purchase or sale price, if any (including the financial terms for security-based swaps), the trade date, and the name or other designation of the person from whom such securities were purchased or received or to whom sold or delivered. For security-based swaps, such records must also show, for each transaction, the type of security-based swap, the reference security, index, or obligor, the date and time of execution, the effective date, the scheduled termination date, the notional amount(s) and the currenc(ies) in which the notional amount(s) is expressed, the unique transaction identifier, and the counterparty's unique identification code.
17a-3(a)(2) Ledgers (or other records) reflecting all assets and liabilities, income and expense and capital accounts.
17a-3(a)(2)/01 Accrual Method of Accounting
All registered broker-dealers are required to use the accrual method of accounting in order to ensure a proper matching of revenues and expenses and to provide an accurate reflection of a broker-dealer’s financial condition.

(SEC Release 34-18737, May 13, 1982) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)
(SEC Letter to Abiel Bolles Securities, Inc., January 19, 1984)
(NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)

17a-3(a)(3) Ledger accounts (or other records) itemizing separately as to each cash, margin, or security-based swap account of every customer and of such member, broker or dealer and partners thereof, all purchases, sales, receipts and deliveries of securities (including security-based swaps) and commodities for such account, and all other debits and credits to such account; and, in addition, for a security-based swap, the type of security-based swap, the reference security, index, or obligor, the date and time of execution, the effective date, the scheduled termination date, the notional amount(s) and the currenc(ies) in which the notional amount(s) is expressed, the unique transaction identifier, and the counterparty's unique identification code.
17a-3(a)(4) Ledgers (or other records) reflecting the following:
17a-3(a)(4)(i) Securities in transfer;
17a-3(a)(4)(ii) Dividends and interest received;
17a-3(a)(4)(iii) Securities borrowed and securities loaned;
17a-3(a)(4)(iv) Moneys borrowed and moneys loaned (together with a record of the collateral therefor and any substitutions in such collateral);
17a-3(a)(4)(v) Securities failed to receive and failed to deliver;
17a-3(a)(4)(vi) All long and all short securities record differences arising from the examination, count, verification, and comparison pursuant to §§ 240.17a-5, 240.17a-12, 240.17a-13, and 240.18a-7, as applicable (by date of examination, count, verification, and comparison showing for each security the number of long or short count differences); and
17a-3(a)(4)(vii) Repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements.
17a-3(a)(5) A securities record or ledger reflecting separately for each:
17a-3(a)(5)(i) Security, other than a security-based swap, as of the clearance dates all “long” or “short” positions (including securities in safekeeping and securities that are the subjects of repurchase or reverse repurchase agreements) carried by such member, broker or dealer for its account or for the account of its customers or partners, or others, and showing the location of all securities long and the offsetting position to all securities short, including long security count differences and short security count differences classified by the date of the physical count and verification in which they were discovered, and in all cases the name or designation of the account in which each position is carried.
17a-3(a)(5)(i)/01 OCC Daily Position Report in Lieu of Securities Position Record
A broker-dealer who trades solely for his own account and carries no customers, may use the OCC Daily Position Report as its securities position record for purposes of SEA Rule 17a-3(a)(5), provided that the OCC Daily Position Report is verified against the broker-dealer’s own internal records as the report pertains to the prior day’s activity and the total position in each series and class of option.

(SEC Letter to Icahn & Co., January 2, 1980) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)

17a-3(a)(5)(i)/02 Loanet Reports in Lieu of Stock Record
A broker-dealer whose business is limited to a securities loaned and borrowed business may utilize the Loanet reports in lieu of a stock record provided that all borrows and loans are with full Loanet participants and no other clearing or carrying functions are performed.

(SEC Staff to NYSE) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)

17a-3(a)(5)(ii) Security-based swap, the reference security, index, or obligor, the unique transaction identifier, the counterparty's unique identification code, whether it is a “bought” or “sold” position in the security-based swap, whether the security-based swap is cleared or not cleared, and if cleared, identification of the clearing agency where the security-based swap is cleared.
17a-3(a)(6)
17a-3(a)(6)(i) A memorandum of each brokerage order, and of any other instruction, given or received for the purchase or sale of a security, except for the purchase or sale of a security-based swap, whether executed or unexecuted.
17a-3(a)(6)(i)(A) The memorandum must show the terms and conditions of the order or instructions and of any modification or cancellation thereof, the account for which entered, the time the order was received, the time of entry, the price at which executed, the identity of each associated person, if any, responsible for the account, the identity of any other person who entered or accepted the order on behalf of the customer, or, if a customer entered the order on an electronic system, a notation of that entry; and, to the extent feasible, the time of execution or cancellation. The memorandum need not show the identity of any person, other than the associated person responsible for the account, who may have entered or accepted the order if the order is entered into an electronic system that generates the memorandum and if that system is not capable of receiving an entry of the identity of any person other than the responsible associated person; in that circumstance, the member, broker or dealer must produce upon request by a representative of a securities regulatory authority a separate record which identifies each other person. An order entered pursuant to the exercise of discretionary authority by the member, broker or dealer, or associated person thereof, must be so designated. The term instruction must include instructions between partners and employees of a member, broker or dealer. The term time of entry means the time when the member, broker or dealer transmits the order or instruction for execution.
17a-3(a)(6)(i)(B) The memorandum need not be made as to a purchase, sale or redemption of a security on a subscription way basis directly from or to the issuer, if the member, broker or dealer maintains a copy of the customer's or non-customer's subscription agreement regarding a purchase, or a copy of any other document required by the issuer regarding a sale or redemption.
17a-3(a)(6)(ii) A memorandum of each brokerage order, and of any other instruction, given or received for the purchase or sale of a security-based swap, whether executed or unexecuted. The memorandum must show the terms and conditions of the order or instructions and of any modification or cancellation thereof; the account for which entered; the time the order was received; the time of entry; the price at which executed; the identity of each associated person, if any, responsible for the account; the identity of any other person who entered or accepted the order on behalf of the customer, or, if a customer entered the order on an electronic system, a notation of that entry; and, to the extent feasible, the time of cancellation, if applicable. The memorandum also must include the type of the security-based swap, the reference security, index, or obligor, the date and time of execution, the effective date, the scheduled termination, the notional amount(s) and the currenc(ies) in which the notional amount(s) is expressed, the unique transaction identifier, and the counterparty's unique identification code. An order entered pursuant to the exercise of discretionary authority must be so designated.
17a-3(a)(7)
17a-3(a)(7)(i) A memorandum of each purchase or sale of a security, other than for the purchase or sale of a security-based swap, for the account of the member, broker or dealer showing the price and, to the extent feasible, the time of execution; and, in addition, where the purchase or sale is with a customer other than a broker or dealer, a memorandum of each order received, showing the time of receipt; the terms and conditions of the order and of any modification thereof; the account for which it was entered; the identity of each associated person, if any, responsible for the account; the identity of any other person who entered or accepted the order on behalf of the customer, or, if a customer entered the order on an electronic system, a notation of that entry. The memorandum need not show the identity of any person other than the associated person responsible for the account who may have entered the order if the order is entered into an electronic system that generates the memorandum and if that system is not capable of receiving an entry of the identity of any person other than the responsible associated person. In the circumstance in the preceding sentence, the member, broker or dealer must produce upon request by a representative of a securities regulatory authority a separate record that identifies each other person. An order with a customer other than a member, broker or dealer entered pursuant to the exercise of discretionary authority by the member, broker or dealer, or associated person thereof, must be so designated.
17a-3(a)(7)(ii) A memorandum of each purchase or sale of a security-based swap for the account of the member, broker or dealer showing the price; and, in addition, where the purchase or sale is with a customer other than a broker or dealer, a memorandum of each order received, showing the time of receipt; the terms and conditions of the order and of any modification thereof; the account for which it was entered; the identity of any other person who entered or accepted the order on behalf of the customer, or, if a customer entered the order on an electronic system, a notation of that entry. The memorandum must also include the type of security-based swap, the reference security, index, or obligor, the date and time of execution, the effective date, the scheduled termination date, the notional amount(s) and the currenc(ies) in which the notional amount(s) is expressed, the unique transaction identifier, and the counterparty's unique identification code. An order entered pursuant to the exercise of discretionary authority must be so designated.
17a-3(a)(8)
17a-3(a)(8)(i) With respect to a security other than a security-based swap, copies of confirmations of all purchases and sales of securities, including all repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and copies of notices of all other debits and credits for securities, cash and other items for the account of customers and partners of such member, broker or dealer.
17a-3(a)(8)(i)/01 DTC Institutional Delivery (ID) System Confirmations
A broker-dealer may substitute the ID System confirmation in lieu of sending out its own confirmations to ID System customers, provided that the ID System confirmation satisfies all of the requirements of SEA Rule 10b-10.

(SEC Letter to The Depository Trust Company, March 3, 1977)
(NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)

17a-3(a)(8)(ii) With respect to a security-based swap, copies of the security-based swap trade acknowledgment and verification made in compliance with § 240.15Fi-2.
17a-3(a)(9) A record with respect to each cash, margin, and security-based swap account with such member, broker or dealer indicating, as applicable:
17a-3(a)(9)(i) The name and address of the beneficial owner of such account;
17a-3(a)(9)(ii) Except with respect to exempt employee benefit plan securities as defined in § 240.14a-1(d), but only to the extent such securities are held by employee benefit plans established by the issuer of the securities, whether or not the beneficial owner of securities registered in the name of such members, brokers or dealers, or a registered clearing agency or its nominee objects to disclosure of his or her identity, address, and securities positions to issuers;
17a-3(a)(9)(iii) In the case of a margin account, the signature of such owner; provided that, in the case of a joint account or an account of a corporation, such records are required only in respect of the person or persons authorized to transact business for such account; and
17a-3(a)(9)(iv) For each security-based swap account, a record of the unique identification code of such counterparty, the name and address of such counterparty, and a record of the authorization of each person the counterparty has granted authority to transact business in the security-based swap account.
17a-3(a)(10) A record of all puts, calls, spreads, straddles, and other options in which such member, broker or dealer has any direct or indirect interest or which such member, broker or dealer, has granted or guaranteed, containing, at least, an identification of the security, and the number of units involved. An OTC derivatives dealer must also keep a record of all eligible OTC derivative instruments as defined in § 240.3b-13 in which the OTC derivatives dealer has any direct or indirect interest or which it has written or guaranteed, containing, at a minimum, an identification of the security or other instrument, the number of units involved, and the identity of the counterparty.
17a-3(a)(11) A record of the proof of money balances of all ledger accounts in the form of trial balances and a record of the computation of aggregate indebtedness and net capital, as of the trial balance date, pursuant to § 240.15c3-1 or § 240.18a-1, as applicable. The computation need not be made by any member, broker or dealer unconditionally exempt from § 240.15c3-1 pursuant to § 240.15c3-1(b)(1) or (3). Such trial balances and computations must be prepared currently at least once a month.
17a-3(a)(11)/01 Electronic Record For Theoretical Options Pricing Methodology
Broker-dealers using the theoretical options pricing methodology to determine haircut charges pursuant to SEA Rule 15c3-1a(b)(1) (Appendix A) are required to save and be able to provide an electronic record of their proprietary positions used in computing net capital requirements. In addition, brokers or dealers which carry accounts of listed options specialists or market makers must save and be able to provide an electronic record of the positions to support the margin requirement on these accounts and any appropriate charges. The electronic record must be maintained in a format used by an approved model.

The Options Clearing Corporation (OCC) model is currently the only approved model. The OCC format for this electronic record must be in the same format as stated in the OCC Theoretically Based Capital Charges User Guide.

(SEC Staff to NYSE) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 98-8, July 1998)

17a-3(a)(12)
17a-3(a)(12)(i) A questionnaire or application for employment executed by each associated person as that term is defined in paragraph (g)(4) of this section of the member, broker or dealer, which questionnaire or application must be approved in writing by an authorized representative of the member, broker or dealer and must contain at least the following information with respect to the associated person:
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(A) The associated person's name, address, social security number, and the starting date of the associated person's employment or other association with the member, broker or dealer;
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(B) The associated person's date of birth;
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(C) A complete, consecutive statement of all the associated person's business connections for at least the preceding ten years, including whether the employment was part-time or full-time;
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(D) A record of any denial of membership or registration, and of any disciplinary action taken, or sanction imposed, upon the associated person by any federal or state agency, or by any national securities exchange or national securities association, including any finding that the associated person was a cause of any disciplinary action or had violated any law;
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(E) A record of any denial, suspension, expulsion, or revocation of membership or registration of any member, broker or dealer with which the associated person was associated in any capacity when such action was taken;
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(F) A record of any permanent or temporary injunction entered against the associated person, or any member, broker, dealer, security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant with which the associated person was associated in any capacity at the time such injunction was entered;
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(G) A record of any arrest or indictment for any felony, or any misdemeanor pertaining to securities, commodities, banking, insurance or real estate (including, but not limited to, acting or being associated with a broker or dealer, investment company, investment adviser, futures sponsor, bank, or savings and loan association), fraud, false statements or omissions, wrongful taking of property or bribery, forgery, counterfeiting, or extortion, and the disposition of the foregoing; and
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(H) A record of any other name or names by which the associated person has been known or which the associated person has used.
17a-3(a)(12)(i)(I) Provided, however, that if such associated person has been registered as a registered representative of such member, broker or dealer with, or the associated person's employment has been approved by a registered national securities association or a registered national securities exchange, then retention of a full, correct, and complete copy of any and all applications for such registration or approval will be deemed to satisfy the requirements of this paragraph (a)(12)(i).
17a-3(a)(12)(ii) A record listing every associated person of the member, broker or dealer which shows, for each associated person, every office of the member, broker or dealer, where the associated person regularly conducts the business of handling funds or securities or effecting any transactions in, or inducing or attempting to induce the purchase or sale of any security for the member, broker or dealer and the Central Registration Depository number, if any, and every internal identification number or code assigned to that person by the member, broker or dealer.
17a-3(a)(13) Records required to be maintained pursuant to paragraph (d) of § 240.17f-2.
17a-3(a)(14) Copies of all Forms X-17F-1A filed pursuant to § 240.17f-1, all agreements between reporting institutions regarding registration or other aspects of § 240.17f-1, and all confirmations or other information received from the Commission or its designee as a result of inquiry.
17a-3(a)(15) Records required to be maintained pursuant to paragraph (e) of § 240.17f-2.
17a-3(a)(16)
17a-3(a)(16)(i) The following records regarding any internal broker-dealer system of which such a broker or dealer is the sponsor:
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(A) A record of the broker's or dealer's customers that have access to an internal broker-dealer system sponsored by such broker or dealer (identifying any affiliations between such customers and the broker or dealer);
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(B) Daily summaries of trading in the internal broker-dealer system, including:
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(B)(1) Securities for which transactions have been executed through use of such system; and
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(B)(2) Transaction volume (separately stated for trading occurring during hours when consolidated trade reporting facilities are and are not in operation):
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(B)(2)(i) With respect to equity securities, stated in number of trades, number of shares, and total U.S. dollar value;
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(B)(2)(ii) With respect to debt securities, stated in total settlement value in U.S. dollars; and
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(B)(2)(iii) With respect to other securities, stated in number of trades, number of units of securities, and in dollar value, or other appropriate commonly used measure of value of such securities; and
17a-3(a)(16)(i)(C) Time-sequenced records of each transaction effected through the internal broker-dealer system, including date and time executed, price, size, security traded, counterparty identification information, and method of execution (if internal broker-dealer system allows alternative means or locations for execution, such as routing to another market, matching with limit orders, or executing against the quotations of the broker or dealer sponsoring the system).
17a-3(a)(16)(ii) For purposes of paragraph (a) of this section, the term:
17a-3(a)(16)(ii)(A) Internal broker-dealer system means any facility, other than a national securities exchange, an exchange exempt from registration based on limited volume, or an alternative trading system as defined in Regulation ATS, §§ 242.300 through 242.303 of this chapter, that provides a mechanism, automated in full or in part, for collecting, receiving, disseminating, or displaying system orders and facilitating agreement to the basic terms of a purchase or sale of a security between a customer and the sponsor, or between two customers of the sponsor, through use of the internal broker-dealer system or through the broker or dealer sponsor of such system;
17a-3(a)(16)(ii)(B) Sponsor means any broker or dealer that organizes, operates, administers, or otherwise directly controls an internal broker-dealer trading system or, if the operator of the internal broker-dealer system is not a registered broker or dealer, any broker or dealer that, pursuant to contract, affiliation, or other agreement with the system operator, is involved on a regular basis with executing transactions in connection with use of the internal broker-dealer system, other than solely for its own account or as a customer with access to the internal broker-dealer system; and
17a-3(a)(16)(ii)(C) System order means any order or other communication or indication submitted by any customer with access to the internal broker-dealer system for entry into a trading system announcing an interest in purchasing or selling a security. The term “system order” does not include inquiries or indications of interest that are not entered into the internal broker-dealer system.
17a-3(a)(17) For each account with a natural person as a customer or owner:
17a-3(a)(17)(i)
17a-3(a)(17)(i)(A) An account record including the customer's or owner's name, tax identification number, address, telephone number, date of birth, employment status (including occupation and whether the customer is an associated person of a member, broker or dealer), annual income, net worth (excluding value of primary residence), and the account's investment objectives. In the case of a joint account, the account record must include personal information for each joint owner who is a natural person; however, financial information for the individual joint owners may be combined. The account record must indicate whether it has been signed by the associated person responsible for the account, if any, and approved or accepted by a principal of the member, broker or dealer. For accounts in existence on the effective date of this section, the member, broker or dealer must obtain this information within three years of the effective date of the section.
17a-3(a)(17)(i)(B) A record indicating that:
17a-3(a)(17)(i)(B)(1) The member, broker or dealer has furnished to each customer or owner within three years of the effective date of this section, and to each customer or owner who opened an account after the effective date of this section within thirty days of the opening of the account, and thereafter at intervals no greater than thirty-six months, a copy of the account record or an alternate document with all information required by paragraph (a)(17)(i)(A) of this section. The member, broker or dealer may elect to send this notification with the next statement mailed to the customer or owner after the opening of the account. The member, broker or dealer may choose to exclude any tax identification number and date of birth from the account record or alternative document furnished to the customer or owner. The member, broker or dealer must include with the account record or alternative document provided to each customer or owner an explanation of any terms regarding investment objectives. The account record or alternate document furnished to the customer or owner must include or be accompanied by prominent statements that the customer or owner should mark any corrections and return the account record or alternate document to the member, broker or dealer, and that the customer or owner should notify the member, broker or dealer of any future changes to information contained in the account record.
17a-3(a)(17)(i)(B)(2) For each account record updated to reflect a change in the name or address of the customer or owner, the member, broker or dealer furnished a notification of that change to the customer's old address, or to each joint owner, and the associated person, if any, responsible for that account, on or before the 30th day after the date the member, broker or dealer received notice of the change.
17a-3(a)(17)(i)(B)(3) For each change in the account's investment objectives the member, broker or dealer has furnished to each customer or owner, and the associated person, if any, responsible for that account a copy of the updated customer account record or alternative document with all information required to be furnished by paragraph (a)(17)(i)(B)(1) of this section, on or before the 30th day after the date the member, broker or dealer received notice of any change, or, if the account was updated for some reason other than the firm receiving notice of a change, after the date the account record was updated. The member, broker or dealer may elect to send this notification with the next statement scheduled to be mailed to the customer or owner.
17a-3(a)(17)(i)(C) For purposes of this paragraph (a)(17), the neglect, refusal, or inability of a customer or owner to provide or update any account record information required under paragraph (a)(17)(i)(A) of this section will excuse the member, broker or dealer from obtaining that required information.
17a-3(a)(17)(i)(D) The account record requirements in paragraph (a)(17)(i)(A) of this section will only apply to accounts for which the member, broker or dealer is, or has within the past 36 months been, required to make a suitability determination under the federal securities laws or under the requirements of a self-regulatory organization of which it is a member. Additionally, the furnishing requirement in paragraph (a)(17)(i)(B)(1) of this section will not be applicable to an account for which, within the last 36 months, the member, broker or dealer has not been required to make a suitability determination under the federal securities laws or under the requirements of a self-regulatory organization of which it is a member. This paragraph (a)(17)(i)(D) does not relieve a member, broker or dealer from any obligation arising from the rules of a self-regulatory organization of which it is a member regarding the collection of information from a customer or owner.
17a-3(a)(17)(ii) If an account is a discretionary account, a record containing the dated signature of each customer or owner granting the authority and the dated signature of each natural person to whom discretionary authority was granted.
17a-3(a)(17)(iii) A record for each account indicating that each customer or owner was furnished with a copy of each written agreement entered into on or after the effective date of this paragraph pertaining to that account and that, if requested by the customer or owner, the customer or owner was furnished with a fully executed copy of each agreement.
17a-3(a)(18) A record:
17a-3(a)(18)(i) As to each associated person of each written customer complaint received by the member, broker or dealer concerning that associated person. The record must include the complainant's name, address, and account number; the date the complaint was received; the name of any other associated person identified in the complaint; a description of the nature of the complaint; and the disposition of the complaint. Instead of the record, a member, broker or dealer may maintain a copy of each original complaint in a separate file by the associated person named in the complaint along with a record of the disposition of the complaint.
17a-3(a)(18)(ii) Indicating that each customer of the member, broker or dealer has been provided with a notice containing the address and telephone number of the department of the member, broker or dealer to which any complaints as to the account may be directed.
17a-3(a)(19) A record:
17a-3(a)(19)(i) As to each associated person listing each purchase and sale of a security attributable, for compensation purposes, to that associated person. The record must include the amount of compensation if monetary and a description of the compensation if non-monetary. In lieu of making this record, a member, broker or dealer may elect to produce the required information promptly upon request of a representative of a securities regulatory authority.
17a-3(a)(19)(ii) Of all agreements pertaining to the relationship between each associated person and the member, broker or dealer including a summary of each associated person's compensation arrangement or plan with the member, broker or dealer, including commission and concession schedules and, to the extent that compensation is based on factors other than remuneration per trade, the method by which the compensation is determined.
17a-3(a)(20) A record, which need not be separate from the advertisements, sales literature, or communications, documenting that the member, broker or dealer has complied with, or adopted policies and procedures reasonably designed to establish compliance with, applicable federal requirements and rules of a self-regulatory organization of which the member, broker or dealer is a member which require that advertisements, sales literature, or any other communications with the public by a member, broker or dealer or its associated persons be approved by a principal.
17a-3(a)(21) A record for each office listing, by name or title, each person at that office who, without delay, can explain the types of records the firm maintains at that office and the information contained in those records.
17a-3(a)(22) A record listing each principal of a member, broker or dealer responsible for establishing policies and procedures that are reasonably designed to ensure compliance with any applicable federal requirements or rules of a self-regulatory organization of which the member, broker or dealer is a member that require acceptance or approval of a record by a principal.
17a-3(a)(23) A record documenting the credit, market, and liquidity risk management controls established and maintained by the broker or dealer to assist it in analyzing and managing the risks associated with its business activities, Provided, that the records required by this paragraph (a)(23) need only be made if the broker or dealer has more than:
17a-3(a)(23)(i) $1,000,000 in aggregate credit items as computed under § 240.15c3-3a; or
17a-3(a)(23)(ii) $20,000,000 in capital, which includes debt subordinated in accordance with § 240.15c3-1d.
17a-3(a)(24) A record of the date that each Form CRS was provided to each retail investor, including any Form CRS provided before such retail investor opens an account.
17a-3(a)(25) A record of the daily calculation of the current exposure and, if applicable, the initial margin amount for each account of a counterparty required under § 240.18a-3(c).
17a-3(a)(26) A record of compliance with possession or control requirements under § 240.15c3-3(p)(2).
17a-3(a)(27) A record of the reserve computation required under § 240.15c3-3(p)(3).
17a-3(a)(28) A record of each security-based swap transaction that is not verified under § 240.15Fi-2 within five business days of execution that includes, at a minimum, the unique transaction identifier and the counterparty's unique identification code.
17a-3(a)(29) A record documenting that the broker or dealer has complied with the business conduct standards as required under § 240.15Fh-6.
17a-3(a)(30) A record documenting that the broker or dealer has complied with the business conduct standards as required under §§ 240.15Fh-1 through 240.15Fh-5 and 240.15Fk-1.
17a-3(a)(31)
17a-3(a)(31)(i) A record of each security-based swap portfolio reconciliation, whether conducted pursuant to § 240.15Fi-3 or otherwise, including the dates of the security-based swap portfolio reconciliation, the number of portfolio reconciliation discrepancies, the number of security-based swap valuation disputes (including the time-to-resolution of each valuation dispute and the age of outstanding valuation disputes, categorized by transaction and counterparty), and the name of the third-party entity performing the security-based swap portfolio reconciliation, if any.
17a-3(a)(31)(ii) A copy of each notification required to be provided to the Commission pursuant to § 240.15Fi-3(c).
17a-3(a)(31)(iii) A record of each bilateral offset and each bilateral portfolio compression exercise or multilateral portfolio compression exercise in which it participates, whether conducted pursuant to § 240.15Fi-4 or otherwise, including the dates of the offset or compression, the security-based swaps included in the offset or compression, the identity of the counterparties participating in the offset or compression, the results of the compression, and the name of the third-party entity performing the offset or compression, if any.
17a-3(a)(32) – (34) [Reserved]
17a-3(a)(35) For each retail customer to whom a recommendation of any securities transaction or investment strategy involving securities is or will be provided:
17a-3(a)(35)(i) A record of all information collected from and provided to the retail customer pursuant to § 240.15l-1, as well as the identity of each natural person who is an associated person, if any, responsible for the account.
17a-3(a)(35)(ii) For purposes of this paragraph (a)(35), the neglect, refusal, or inability of the retail customer to provide or update any information described in paragraph (a)(35)(i) of this section shall excuse the broker, dealer, or associated person from obtaining that required information.
17a-3(b) A broker or dealer may comply with the recordkeeping requirements of the Commodity Exchange Act and chapter I of this title applicable to swap dealers and major swap participants in lieu of complying with paragraphs (a)(1), (3), and (5) of this section solely with respect to required information regarding security-based swap transactions and positions if:
17a-3(b)(1) The broker or dealer is registered as a security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant pursuant to section 15F of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o-10);
17a-3(b)(2) The broker or dealer is registered as a swap dealer or major swap participant pursuant to section 4s of the Commodity Exchange Act and chapter I of this title;
17a-3(b)(3) The broker or dealer is subject to 17 CFR 23.201, 23.202, 23.402, and 23.501 with respect to its swap-related books and records;
17a-3(b)(4) The broker or dealer preserves all of the data elements necessary to create the records required by paragraphs (a)(1), (3), and (5) of this section as they pertain to security-based swap and swap transactions and positions;
17a-3(b)(5) The broker or dealer upon request furnishes promptly to representatives of the Commission the records required by paragraphs (a)(1), (3), and (5) of this section as well as the records required by 17 CFR 23.201, 23.202, 23.402, and 23.501 as they pertain to security-based swap and swap transactions and positions in the format applicable to that category of record as set forth in this section; and
17a-3(b)(6) The broker or dealer provides notice of its intent to utilize this paragraph (b) by notifying in writing the Commission, both at the principal office of the Commission in Washington, DC, and at the regional office of the Commission for the region in which the registrant has its principal place of business, as well as by notifying in writing the registrant's designated examining authority.
17a-3(c) A member of a national securities exchange, or a broker or dealer registered pursuant to section 15 of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78o), that introduces accounts on a fully-disclosed basis, is not required to make or keep such records of transactions cleared for such member, broker or dealer as are made and kept by a clearing broker or dealer pursuant to the requirements of this section and § 240.17a-4. Nothing in this paragraph (c) will be deemed to relieve such member, broker or dealer from the responsibility that such books and records be accurately maintained and preserved as specified in this section and § 240.17a-4.
17a-3(c)/01 Floor Broker Requirements
A floor broker has a responsibility to maintain the appropriate records described in SEA Rules 17a-3(a)(1), (2), (6), (7), (11), and (12).

(NYSE Information Memo 78-40, June 9, 1978) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)

17a-3(c)/02 Exchange Market Maker’s Using Clearance Account as Books and Records
An exchange market maker who processes all transactions as a broker-dealer through his clearance account, may utilize the clearance account records to satisfy his SEA Rule 17a-3 record keeping requirements, provided that the clearing firm complies with the provisions of SEA Rules 17a-4(i).

(SEC Letter to NYSE, July 18, 1985) (NYSE Interpretation Memo 94-6, December 1994)
(SEC Staff to FINRA) (FINRA Regulatory Notice 21-45)

17a-3(d) For purposes of transactions in municipal securities by municipal securities brokers and municipal securities dealers, compliance with Rule G-8 of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board or any successor rule will be deemed to be in compliance with this section.
17a-3(e) The provisions of this section will not apply to security futures product transactions and positions in a futures account (as that term is defined in § 240.15c3-3(a)(15)); provided, that the Commodity Futures Trading Commission's recordkeeping rules apply to those transactions and positions.
17a-3(f) Every member, broker or dealer must make and keep current, as to each office, the books and records described in paragraphs (a)(1), (6), (7), (12), and (17), (a)(18)(i), and (a)(19) through (22) of this section.
17a-3(g) When used in this section:
17a-3(g)(1) The term office means any location where one or more associated persons regularly conduct the business of handling funds or securities or effecting any transactions in, or inducing or attempting to induce the purchase or sale of, any security.
17a-3(g)(2) The term principal means any individual registered with a registered national securities association as a principal or branch manager of a member, broker or dealer or any other person who has been delegated supervisory responsibility over associated persons by the member, broker or dealer.
17a-3(g)(3) The term securities regulatory authority means the Commission, any self-regulatory organization, or any securities commission (or any agency or office performing like functions) of the States.
17a-3(g)(4) The term associated person means a “person associated with a broker or dealer” or “person associated with a security-based swap dealer or major security-based swap participant” as defined in sections 3(a)(18) and (70) of the Act (15 U.S.C. 78c(a)(18) and (70)) respectively, but does not include persons whose functions are solely clerical or ministerial.

Cross Reference:
For interpretative release applicable to § 240.17a-3, see No. 3040 in tabulation, part 241 of this chapter.