How to Search Securities (Start Here)
Use the right portal:
- EDGAR Full-Text Search: Search all SEC filings since 2001 by company name, ticker, CIK, or keyword. Returns 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy statements, insider transactions. Free. Search →
- EDGAR Company Search: Look up specific companies by name or CIK number. Returns all filings for that entity.
- FINRA BrokerCheck: Search individual brokers and investment advisers. Returns employment history, certifications, regulatory actions, customer complaints. Free. Search →
⚠ Key: SEC EDGAR covers publicly traded companies only. Private company financials are not public. Individual investor portfolios are not searchable.
SearchSystems.net has tracked federal record systems since 1997.
What Each System Returns vs Excludes
| System | Returns | Excludes |
|---|---|---|
| SEC EDGAR | 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K, proxy, insider trades, beneficial ownership | Private company data, individual portfolios |
| FINRA BrokerCheck | Broker employment, certifications, complaints, regulatory actions | Client account information |
| MSRB EMMA | Municipal bond disclosures, trade data | Corporate bond data |
Use the databases below to search securities.
Commodities Futures Traders
Official Free
National Futures Association for Commodities Futures Traders search.
EDGAR Documents
Official Free
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission EDGAR archive securities documents and filings.
Investment Advisers
Official Free
Search for information about Investment Adviser (IA) firms or Investment Adviser Representatives (IAR) regulated by, and electronically registered wit
SEC Company Information
Official Free
SEC information on U.S. Public companies. Provides information such as general company info, insider trading, executive compensation, financials, etc
SEC Fast Answers
Official Free
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission Fast Answers database for information on SEC related topics such as brokers, advisers, companies, lawsuits, inve
Securities Brokers
Official Free
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) registered securities firms and brokers.
Securities Firms
Official Free
Federal Reserve System database of Securities Broker, Dealer, and Underwriter firms..
Securities Regulators
Official Free
Browse this North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) list by state for securities regulators in the United States.
Securities | Enforcement Actions
Official Free
National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) index of recent disciplinary actions against firms and individuals.
Securities | Broker Check
Official Free
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) broker search.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to search securities?▼
Start with the primary database listed above. Each system is specialized - use the Returns vs Excludes table to identify which one matches your needs.
Why does my search return no results?▼
Federal databases only cover federal-level data. If you need state or county records, go to the specific state page. Federal and state systems are completely separate.
Is there a single database for all these records?▼
No. Each federal agency maintains its own system independently. You must search the specific agency that handles the record type you need.
Other Federal Databases
Last reviewed: