Investors in Tennessee should be aware of the Tennessee Securities Act of 1980 and the protections that it provides.
The Tennessee Securities Act of 1980 (TENN. CODE ANN. § 48-1-101 et seq.) is the state law that regulates the sale of securities in Tennessee. It is administered by the Tennessee Securities Division, which is part of the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance.
The Tennessee Securities Act is designed to protect investors from fraud and to ensure that investors have access to accurate information about the securities they are considering purchasing.
The Tennessee Securities Act requires that all securities offered for sale in Tennessee be registered with the Securities Division, unless the securities or transactions are exempt. Exempt securities include:
Securities issued by the United States or the state of Tennessee
Securities issued by certain non-profit organizations
Securities offered in certain private securities
Here are some of the key provisions of the Tennessee Securities Act:
Registration of securities: All securities offered for sale in Tennessee must be registered with the Securities Division, unless the securities or transactions are exempt.
Registration of broker-dealers, agents, and investment advisers: All broker-dealers, agents, and investment advisers who offer or sell securities in Tennessee must be registered with the Securities Division.
Anti-fraud provisions: The Tennessee Securities Act prohibits fraud and other unfair practices in the sale of securities.
Enforcement: Private securities lawyers and the Securities Division are responsible for enforcing the Tennessee Securities Act. The Division can investigate alleged violations of the law and take enforcement actions, such as issuing cease-and-desist orders and imposing fines.
Here are some tips for investors who are considering investing in securities in Tennessee:
Make sure the broker-dealer and investment adviser are registered with the Tennessee Securities Division. You can check the Division's website to see if a broker-dealer or investment adviser is registered.
Make sure the securities are registered with the Tennessee Securities Division. You can check the Division's website to see if a security is registered.
Get a copy of the prospectus for the security before you invest. The prospectus is a document that contains important information about the security, such as the risks involved in the investment.
The following federal laws and regulations also protect Tennessee investors:
Contact our firm to discuss your rights and options under Tennessee and federal securities law.