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Eric Schwartzman

Using Social Media in Financial Services

This course covers what financial service professionals need to know to use social media without running into problems with regulators or their firms.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Linkedin, twitter and facebook for financial services providers
  • Sec & finra social media rules and regs
  • Business case for financial services providers to use social media
  • Demonstrating professional social media etiquette and engaging with third-parties
  • Rules concerning online advertising vs. online public appearances

Syllabus

Intro to Social Media for Financial Services

In this tab, you'll find links that are referenced in the corresponding lesson. If there are supplemental resources for this cource, there will be a separate resources tab where you can access those. You can contact the instructor for this course at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paullaurin

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Comply Socially is NOT providing legal advice, determining “best practices,” or telling you what to say or do.

Comply Socially offers another course specifically devoted to the building the business case for social media in a variety of industries. Business to business sales and marketing professionals are also encouraged to read the best-seller "Social Marketing to the Business Customer."

You can review Facebook's terms of service at https://www.facebook.com/legal/terms

This lecture covers using Facebook for Financial Services.

LinkedIn's terms of service are available at: https://www.linkedin.com/legal/user-agreement A CSV file as a "comma separated values" file. Details: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comma-separated_values

Twitter's terms of service are available at: https://twitter.com/tos

Information on Form U5 (Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration) which is used by broker-dealers to register, and terminate the registrations of, associated persons with self-regulatory organizations (SROs), and jurisdictions is available at: http://bit.ly/FormU5 FINRA provides an FAQ on Rule 2210 at http://bit.ly/Rule2210

FINRA has published guidelines on blogging and social networking, which covers engaging with third-parties, that is available for download at http://bit.ly/FINRA-social-guidance

FINRA has published guidelines on blogging and social networking, which covers the use of social media testimonials, that is available for download at http://bit.ly/FINRA-social-guidance

FINRA has published guidelines on blogging and social networking, which covers record keeping requirements, that is available for download at http://bit.ly/FINRA-social-guidance The firm mentioned, which is one of many that provides social media record keeping services is http://www.archivesocial.com

This lecture covers other regulations and concerns for the Financial Services industry with Social Media.

This lecture covers the SEC Regulation Fair Disclosure and how it applies to information that might impact the trading value of a stock price and more.

This lecture summarizes the personal responsibilities individuals have when they use social media at work.

All marketing will soon be digital marketing. Now, there's an easy way to understand what it is and how it works.

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Reviews summary

Social media compliance for finance professionals

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience, providing a solid understanding of how to use social media compliantly within the financial services sector. Students particularly appreciate the focus on SEC and FINRA rules and regulations, finding the information highly relevant and applicable to their work. The course is seen as a great introduction and provides practical tips for platforms like LinkedIn. While some reviews mention that certain platform-specific content might be slightly outdated due to interface changes, the core principles of compliance remain valuable. It's considered concise and easy to follow, making it suitable for professionals needing a clear overview.
Good as an introduction or refresher.
"Great introductory course on the topic."
"Provides a good overview, might be basic for advanced users."
"A helpful refresher on key compliance points."
Well-structured and easy to follow.
"The course is very concise and easy to understand."
"Clear explanations on complex compliance topics."
"The structure made it simple to follow along."
Provides actionable tips for using social media.
"Gave me practical tips I can use right away."
"Useful for learning how to navigate LinkedIn compliantly."
"I learned actionable strategies for social media engagement."
Information is highly relevant to finance roles.
"The content was very relevant to my job as a financial advisor."
"Information is directly applicable to the financial services industry."
"Relevant and practical information."
Covers essential SEC and FINRA regulations.
"This course is really good for understanding the SEC and FINRA rules and regulations."
"Crucial information on compliance for finance professionals using social media."
"Really helpful for understanding the rules surrounding social media use in finance."
Some platform details may be outdated.
"Some parts felt slightly outdated regarding specific platform UIs."
"Wish some of the examples reflected the current look of social media sites."
"While the rules are timeless, the platform examples could be updated."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Social Media for Financial Services with these activities:
Review FINRA and SEC Social Media Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with the core regulatory guidelines before diving into the course material. Understanding these rules is crucial for compliant social media use in financial services.
Browse courses on Financial Regulations
Show steps
  • Locate the official FINRA guidelines.
  • Summarize key points on social media use.
  • Identify potential compliance pitfalls.
Read 'Social Media for Financial Professionals'
Gain a comprehensive understanding of social media strategies tailored for financial professionals. This book offers practical advice and real-world examples to enhance your learning experience.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on compliance and engagement.
  • Note key takeaways and best practices.
Develop a Social Media Policy Template
Solidify your understanding of compliance by creating a social media policy template for a hypothetical financial services firm. This exercise will force you to apply the rules and regulations learned in the course.
Show steps
  • Research existing social media policies.
  • Outline key sections of the policy.
  • Draft the policy using compliant language.
  • Review and refine the policy.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Compliance Scenario Quizzes
Reinforce your knowledge of compliance regulations through scenario-based quizzes. This will help you identify potential violations and apply the rules in practical situations.
Show steps
  • Find or create compliance scenarios.
  • Answer questions based on regulations.
  • Review answers and understand rationale.
Review 'The Social Media Marketing Book'
Expand your understanding of general social media marketing principles. This book provides a solid foundation for developing effective strategies in any industry.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read chapters on content and engagement.
  • Apply general principles to finance.
Create a Social Media Marketing Plan
Apply your knowledge by developing a comprehensive social media marketing plan for a financial advisor. This project will require you to integrate compliance, engagement, and business objectives.
Show steps
  • Define target audience and goals.
  • Select appropriate social media platforms.
  • Develop a content calendar.
  • Outline compliance procedures.
  • Measure and analyze results.
Answer Questions in Online Forums
Reinforce your understanding by helping others learn. Answering questions in online forums will solidify your knowledge and expose you to different perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find relevant online forums.
  • Monitor for questions on social media.
  • Provide clear and accurate answers.

Career center

Learners who complete Social Media for Financial Services will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Social Media Compliance Analyst
Social Media Compliance Analysts specialize in monitoring social media activities to ensure they adhere to regulatory guidelines. This course is tailor-made for this role within the financial services sector. Knowing the SEC and FINRA social media rules is central to this work. The course provides a solid foundation in these regulations, and it is very helpful for a Social Media Compliance Analyst as they develop protocols for monitoring and reporting social media compliance issues.
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors provide guidance to clients on investments, insurance, and retirement planning. This course directly helps Financial Advisors to use social media professionally and compliantly. The course covers the SEC and FINRA social media rules and regulations, which is crucial for advisors who wish to engage with clients and prospects online. Learning professional social media etiquette as well as how to compliantly engage with third parties helps Financial Advisors build trust and expand their reach while staying within regulatory boundaries.
Communications Manager
Communications Managers oversee internal and external communications for a company. Communications Managers in the financial services industry directly utilize the knowledge gained in this course. The course covers SEC and FINRA social media rules, providing essential insights for crafting compliant communications. Understanding professional social media etiquette and the nuances of online advertising versus public appearances enables Communications Managers to maintain consistent, credible messaging across all social media channels.
Social Media Strategist
Social Media Strategists develop and implement social media strategies for companies. This course directly supports the work of Social Media Strategists in financial services by providing essential knowledge of industry-specific regulations. The course covers SEC and FINRA social media rules, and it may help a strategist design campaigns that are both innovative and compliant. Knowledge of demonstrating professional social media etiquette and engaging compliantly with third parties enhances a Social Media Strategist's ability to build a strong, reputable online presence for financial institutions.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that a company adheres to legal standards and internal policies. This course may be useful for a Compliance Officer working in the financial services industry, particularly regarding social media usage. The course covers the SEC, FINRA, and FFIEC rules and regulations, offering insights into how these regulatory bodies oversee online communications. This knowledge helps a Compliance Officer develop and enforce policies that keep the company within legal boundaries, particularly regarding online advertising and public appearances on social media.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and monitoring a company's social media strategy to increase brand awareness and improve marketing efforts. This course may be useful in a financial services setting, where understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial. The course covers the business case for using social media along with SEC and FINRA rules, helping a Social Media Manager navigate the complexities of promoting financial products and services online. It helps build a foundation for professional social media etiquette and engaging with third parties, necessary skills for managing a financial brand's online presence.
Financial Planner
Financial Planners help individuals manage their finances and plan for the future. This course may be useful for Financial Planners looking to leverage social media for client engagement and lead generation. The course's focus on SEC and FINRA social media rules provide the planner with the knowledge to interact with clients online responsibly, and it helps them avoid regulatory pitfalls. Understanding of professional social media etiquette and best practices for engaging with third parties helps Financial Planners expand their reach and build credibility in the digital space while maintaining compliance.
Client Relations Manager
Client Relations Managers work to maintain strong relationships with clients, often using social media as a communication tool. For Client Relations Managers in financial services, compliance is as important as strong relationships. This course helps by covering SEC and FINRA social media rules to ensure that client interactions are conducted responsibly and within regulatory boundaries. Learning professional social media etiquette and responsible third-party engagement helps Client Relations Managers to build trust and maintain positive client relationships in the online space.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Digital Marketing Specialists manage online marketing campaigns across various platforms. This course may be useful for Digital Marketing Specialists in the financial services industry, where compliance is paramount. The course covers the business case for financial services providers to use social media, alongside essential SEC and FINRA rules. This knowledge permits Digital Marketing Specialists to create effective digital campaigns that adhere to industry regulations. The course provides valuable insights into differentiating between online advertising and compliant online public appearances.
Content Creator
Content Creators produce engaging material for various media platforms. A Content Creator focused on financial services benefits directly from this course's emphasis on regulatory compliance. The course covers SEC and FINRA social media rules, and it may help a Content Creator develop compelling, compliant content that resonates with audiences while staying within legal boundaries. The course's focus on professional social media etiquette and responsible third-party engagement provides valuable guidance for Content Creators aiming to build trust and credibility in the financial sector.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists manage a company's public image. This course may be useful for a Public Relations Specialist in the financial sector, where maintaining a positive and compliant online presence is essential. The course covers how to demonstrate professional social media etiquette and engage with third parties, which are critical skills for managing a financial institution's reputation on social media. Understanding the rules concerning online advertising versus online public appearances enables the Public Relations Specialist to craft effective and compliant messaging.
Brand Manager
Brand Managers oversee a brand's image, messaging, and marketing efforts. Brand Managers within financial services can benefit from this course's regulatory focus. With its coverage of SEC and FINRA social media rules, this course may help Brand Managers to ensure a brand's online presence is both engaging and fully compliant. The emphasis on professional social media etiquette and compliant third-party engagement strengthens a Brand Manager's ability to build and maintain a reputable brand within the financial industry.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers oversee marketing campaigns to promote products and services. This course may be useful for Marketing Managers in financial services, as it addresses the specific challenges and opportunities presented by social media in this heavily regulated sector. The course covers the business case for financial services providers to use social media, and it also discusses SEC and FINRA social media rules. These lessons are essential for developing effective and compliant social media marketing strategies. The course may help ensure that campaigns are engaging, effective, and regulatorily compliant.
Risk Management Consultant
Risk Management Consultants identify and mitigate risks for organizations, and this now increasingly includes risks associated with social media. This course may be useful for Risk Management Consultants advising financial institutions. The course's detailed coverage of SEC, FINRA, and related regulatory guidelines gives insights into potential compliance risks related to social media use. Such knowledge enables the consultant to develop risk mitigation strategies, ensuring the client operates within legal and regulatory boundaries.
Investment Banker
Investment Bankers help corporations raise capital by issuing stocks and bonds. While the role fundamentally revolves around financial transactions, this course may be useful for understanding the compliance aspects of promoting deals via social media. The course's coverage of SEC and FINRA rules regarding online communications is relevant for ensuring that any online announcements or discussions related to investment opportunities remain fully compliant. Understanding what constitutes permissible online conduct helps avoid inadvertently violating regulations.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Social Media for Financial Services.
Provides a practical guide to using social media in the financial services industry. It covers compliance issues, communication strategies, and how to connect with clients and prospects. It serves as a useful reference for understanding the nuances of social media marketing within a regulated environment. This book adds breadth to the course by providing real-world examples and case studies.
Provides a broad overview of social media marketing strategies and tactics. While not specific to the financial services industry, it offers valuable insights into content creation, audience engagement, and platform optimization. It is more valuable as additional reading to provide a foundation in social media marketing. This book adds breadth to the course by providing a general overview of social media marketing.

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