All

How Do You Check Investment Adviser Registration?

Find out how to check investment adviser registration using IAPD and why Investor.gov points investors there before they trust a financial professional.

Direct answer

To check investment adviser registration, use the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website and search the adviser or advisory firm by name. Review whether the person or firm is registered, where the registration sits, and whether related disciplinary or disclosure information needs closer review before you invest.

adviser or advisory firm name + IAPD search = registration check

IAPD check points

Name match

Avoids wrong record

Confirm spelling and firm

Registration status

Shows whether listed

Treat missing status seriously

SEC or state registration

Shows regulator

Review details

Disclosure information

Flags issues

Read before investing

BrokerCheck links

Broker records may exist

Search both tools

Use IAPD for adviser-focused checks

BrokerCheck and IAPD overlap for some financial professionals, but IAPD is the main public tool for investment adviser and advisory firm registration records.

Check registration

  1. 1Open the IAPD website.
  2. 2Search for the investment adviser or advisory firm by name.
  3. 3Confirm you have the right person or firm record.
  4. 4Review registration status, regulator details, disclosures, and linked records.
  5. 5Do not send money if you cannot verify registration or if the record raises unresolved concerns.

FAQ

What is IAPD?

IAPD is the Investment Adviser Public Disclosure website, a public tool for checking investment adviser and advisory firm registration information.

Is IAPD different from BrokerCheck?

Yes. IAPD focuses on investment advisers and advisory firms, while BrokerCheck is commonly used for brokers, brokerage firms, and related records.

What if I cannot verify an investment adviser?

Treat missing or unclear registration as a warning sign. Confirm spelling, search related databases, and avoid sending money until you can verify the professional or firm.

Sources & method

We reviewed these references while writing this answer. Figures are estimates — confirm safety-critical work with a professional. Last updated June 7, 2026.