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Series 63: Regulation of Broker-Dealers & Agents
Series 63 practice questionhardUnauthorized Trading

A registered agent executes a trade in a client account after receiving verbal instructions from the client to 'do whatever you think is best.' The client does not specify the security, amount, or timing. Under the USA, this is:

  1. APermitted as long as the agent documents the conversation
  2. BProhibited because written discretionary authority is required✓ Correct answer
  3. CAcceptable if the trade results in a profit
  4. DPermitted if the client is an institutional investor
Explanation

Why BProhibited because written discretionary authority is required

Selecting the security, amount, or action requires written discretionary authority under USA Section 402. Verbal permission or account profitability does not override this requirement.

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