Glossary term
Series 79
The Series 79 is the Investment Banking Representative exam for professionals involved in investment banking activities such as securities offerings, M&A, and restructurings.
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What Is the Series 79?
The Series 79 is the Investment Banking Representative exam. It is a FINRA representative-level exam for professionals involved in investment banking activities such as debt and equity offerings, mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, financial restructurings, asset sales, divestitures, and business combinations.
The Series 79 is not a general retail brokerage exam. It is focused on investment banking work, not broad securities sales to individual investors.
Key Takeaways
- The Series 79 is formally the Investment Banking Representative exam.
- It focuses on investment banking activities such as offerings, M&A, restructurings, and related transactions.
- FINRA lists the SIE as a corequisite for the Series 79 registration.
- The Series 79 is different from the Series 7, which covers broader general securities representative activity.
- Registration scope matters because investment banking and securities sales are not the same role.
What the Series 79 Covers
The Series 79 tests knowledge related to collecting and evaluating data, underwriting and new financing transactions, securities offerings, mergers and acquisitions, tender offers, and financial restructuring transactions.
It is most relevant to investment banking analysts, associates, bankers, and other professionals who advise on or facilitate corporate finance transactions at a FINRA member firm.
Series 79 Versus Series 7
Exam | General focus |
|---|---|
Series 79 | Investment banking representative activities |
Series 7 | Broad general securities representative activities |
Series 82 | Private securities offerings representative activities |
Why It Matters to Investors and Companies
The Series 79 matters most when a professional is advising on corporate finance transactions rather than managing a household portfolio. Companies may encounter Series 79 professionals during capital raising, M&A, divestitures, or restructuring work.
For investors, the term can help separate investment banking roles from broker, adviser, or portfolio management roles.
The Bottom Line
The Series 79 is the Investment Banking Representative exam. It is focused on corporate finance and investment banking activities, not broad retail investing advice.