Switch Advisory is a small investment adviser partnership registered in a single state. A larger investment adviser firm, Bait Investment Adviser, is registered in the same state as well as two other states. Bait has offered to buy out three of Switch's partners who want to retire. This will give Bait a 60% ownership in Switch Advisory. Which of the following statements are true?
I. Switch Advisory must obtain the approval of its clients before the partners can sell their interests to Bait.
II. Switch Advisory must notify the state Administrator of this event.
III. Switch Advisory must notify their clients of this event, but does not need the clients' approval.
IV. Switch Advisory must notify the SEC of this event.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Only Selections I and II are true. Switch must obtain the approval of its clients before the partners can sell their interests, and Switch must notify the state Administrator of this event. Whenever a change in partnership will result in new ownership of the business, which is the case when an external entity acquires a 60% interest, an investment adviser must get its clients' approval. As a state-registered investment adviser, Switch also needs to notify the state Administrator. The SEC does not require notification since Switch is not a federal covered investment adviser.

Switch Advisory Is a Small Investment Adviser Partnership Registered in a Single