You Are an Agent with a Broker-Dealer and Have Learned

You are an agent with a broker-dealer and have learned of limited partnership interests being sold by a small company that is planning to come out with a product that you think is going to "wow" the market. You would like to get in on the action, but the minimum investment needed is $10,000, and you don't have that kind of dough lying around. You talk to your brother, who is also one of your clients, and get him interested in investing in the firm, too. The two of you decide to pull your money together, each putting in $5,000, and you agree to split any profits or losses. Is this permitted?

A) No. Under no circumstances can an agent enter a joint investment with a client under the guidelines of the Uniform Securities Act.
B) Yes. This is permitted since the agreement is between you and a family member.
C) Maybe. But it will require written consent from both your brother and your firm.
D) Yes, as long as your brother provides your firm with his written consent.