When must broker-dealers provide a privacy notice to consumers?

Broker-dealers are required to provide a privacy notice to consumers before disclosing any nonpublic, personal information. This requirement is part of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, which mandates financial institutions to inform consumers about their information-sharing practices. The privacy notice outlines how the firm collects, uses, and safeguards personal data, allowing consumers to make informed decisions about their information.

Providing this notice before disclosure ensures that consumers are aware of their rights regarding their personal information and the ways in which it may be shared. While notices might be provided at various points in the customer relationship, the key regulatory requirement emphasizes the necessity of delivering it prior to any information sharing, thereby empowering consumers to manage their privacy choices effectively.