Overview

The Division of Securities is responsible for regulating the offer and sale of securities, franchise investment offerings, and corporate takeovers. It accomplishes this by requiring the registration of securities and franchise offerings, or by allowing certain exemptions from registration, and by licensing and monitoring the activities of broker-dealers, securities agents, and investment advisers. Enforcement of Chapters 551-553, Wis. Stats., is achieved by field audits, surveillance, and the investigation of complaints.

The mission of the Division is to protect the investing public of Wisconsin from fraud, deception, misrepresentation, unfair business practices, and less than full disclosure, in the securities offerings, franchise investment opportunities, and corporate takeover offers. The Division also encourages the development of knowledgeable investors in Wisconsin through the "DFI Your Money Matters" Program. The Division promotes a favorable investment climate by working closely with business and industry officials, sponsoring forums and workshops, and publishing the Wisconsin Securities Bulletin.

Through its Small Business Information Center, the Division provides assistance in understanding and complying with the Wisconsin Uniform Securities Law and in gathering information regarding franchise opportunities available in Wisconsin. The Division is responsible for supervising some 59,000 licensed securities sales agents, over 2,600 investment advisor representatives, and approximately 1,340 licensed broker/dealers. In addition, the Division permits the offering annually of over 700 franchise opportunities, more than 1,100 corporate-type securities by registration or exemption, and over 11,000 mutual funds.

If you have any questions, please e-mail us or contact us by telephone at (608) 266-1064.