Series 28 FINOP Consultant for Introducing Broker-Dealers
Get experienced outsourced or fractional FINOP support designed for an introducing broker-dealer, without adding a full-time FINOP position.
Confidential · No obligation · Nationwide support
What Does a Series 28 FINOP Consultant Do?
A Series 28 FINOP consultant provides financial and operations principal support for an introducing broker-dealer. In an outsourced or fractional engagement, the firm receives hands-on FINOP oversight without the fixed cost and staffing commitment of a full-time internal hire.
The work is still practical and recurring: reviewing books and records, monitoring net capital, preparing or reviewing FOCUS reports, coordinating the annual audit, maintaining reporting routines, and helping management stay ahead of regulatory deadlines. The time commitment and scope are tailored to the firm's activities, complexity, and reporting cycle.
"Fractional FINOP" and "outsourced FINOP" are often used interchangeably. Fractional describes the flexible level of involvement; outsourced describes the external delivery model. See the full outsourced FINOP service overview.
Firms may also describe a similar need as part-time FINOP support, interim FINOP coverage, or designated FINOP services. The appropriate structure depends on the firm's registration needs, activities, and the responsibilities assigned to the external principal.
What Series 28 FINOP Consulting Includes
A practical operating cadence built around the financial-responsibility needs of your introducing broker-dealer.
Books and Records
Financial Oversight
Supervision of financial books and records, reconciliations, close processes, and the numbers used in regulatory reporting.
Rule 15c3-1
Net Capital Monitoring
Net capital computations, early-warning monitoring, liquidity awareness, and forward planning around capital requirements.
Part II / IIA
FOCUS Reporting
Preparation, review, and filing support backed by reconciled records, clear schedules, and documented reporting routines.
Rule 17a-5
Annual Audit Support
Year-end preparation, schedules, tie-outs, and coordination with the firm's independent auditor.
Regulatory Response
FINRA Exam Support
Organized financial records and coordinated responses for examinations, requests, and follow-up questions.
Formation and Growth
Financial Infrastructure
Repeatable controls, calendars, reporting processes, and management routines that support an organized broker-dealer operation.
When Fractional Support Is the Right Fit
Fractional FINOP services may fit when your firm:
- Is forming an introducing broker-dealer and needs financial infrastructure from the start
- Has recurring FINOP responsibilities but not enough work for a full-time position
- Is growing and needs more proactive net capital, reporting, and audit oversight
- Wants direct principal-level involvement instead of a task-only accounting relationship
- Needs continuity across books and records, regulatory filings, audits, and examinations
I work directly with management and adapt the operating cadence to the firm's actual needs. The goal is a clear, repeatable financial process, not simply completing a filing at the deadline.
Fractional FINOP Questions
What to know when comparing a fractional FINOP with an internal hire or project-only support.
Is a fractional FINOP the same as a part-time FINOP?
Usually, yes. Both terms describe qualified FINOP support delivered at less than a full-time staffing level. Fractional often implies an ongoing, right-sized engagement with a defined reporting cadence and direct access to the principal.Is fractional FINOP support only for new broker-dealers?
No. A fractional FINOP can support a firm during formation, after membership approval, or as an established firm grows. The model can be especially useful when responsibilities are recurring and important but do not require a full-time internal position.Can you provide interim or designated FINOP services?
Yes, when the firm's qualification requirements and engagement scope are an appropriate fit. Support can be structured as ongoing outsourced coverage, a part-time engagement, or interim FINOP coverage while the firm addresses a transition or replacement.What is the difference between Series 27 and Series 28?
FINRA identifies Series 28 as the Introducing Broker-Dealer Financial and Operations Principal qualification for introducing firms that do not carry customer accounts or hold customer funds or securities. Series 27 applies to broader FINOP responsibilities and is required for certain firms based on their activities and minimum net capital requirements. The correct category should be confirmed for the specific broker-dealer.How often does a fractional FINOP work with the firm?
The cadence depends on the firm's business model, transaction volume, systems, reporting frequency, and open regulatory matters. Work may include scheduled monthly oversight plus additional involvement around FOCUS filings, annual audits, capital events, examinations, or firm changes.How do we get started with fractional FINOP services?
Start with a confidential discussion about the firm's registration, business model, current books and records, reporting calendar, net capital position, and immediate priorities. From there, the scope and operating cadence can be defined around the support the firm actually needs.FINOP Resources for Broker-Dealer Operators
Continue with these practical guides:
- What Does a FINOP Do for a Broker-Dealer?
- Series 27 vs. Series 28 FINOP: What's the Difference?
- Outsourced vs. In-House FINOP: How to Choose
- FINOP and Audit Readiness Checklist
These resources cover the FINOP's responsibilities, qualification categories, operating-model tradeoffs, and a practical readiness review.
Let's Discuss the Right FINOP Model for Your Firm
Tell me where your firm is today, what responsibilities need coverage, and what is driving the search for fractional support. I'll follow up personally to discuss the right next step.
Confidential · No obligation · Response within one business day