Sec
What is the retention requirement for general correspondence with customers under SEC Rule 17a-4?
3 years for correspondence. 6 years for account records. Memorize both!
Complete Analysis & Legal Rationale
General correspondence with customers must be retained for 3 years under SEC Rule 17a-4, with the first 2 years in an easily accessible location. This includes emails, letters, and other written communications.
Distractor Autopsy (Why Other Options Are Traps)
FINRA exam writers design incorrect distractors using specific calculation mistakes and regulatory misconceptions. Review why each option succeeds or fails:
1 year is insufficient - the requirement is 3 years.
Matches the verified teaching point in the explanation.
6 years applies to customer account records, not general correspondence.
10 years exceeds any correspondence retention requirement.
Official Standard: Primary source referenced in the explanation (SEC Rule 17a-4). Verify current text before launch.