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DataParser

Bring all of your data into compliance

DataParser is the leading independent connector solution to collect instant messaging and collaboration platforms to bring your chat and file data into any Archive, Supervision or eDiscovery system.

D3P

The number one independent D3P provider

Learn about our Compliance Services and everything that is included with our Designated Third-Party service for U.S. Broker-Dealers.

17a-4 has a long history working with IT and Compliance teams.

17a-4 Bridge

We can help you navigate the adoption of a new technology so that both teams are happy with outcome. There is no need to pass on new technologies and platforms that can help your business grow. Instead, let our team help you deploy and still satisfy all your security and compliance polices.

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DataParser DataParser is our leading compliance software solution to bring third party data into archives.

DataParser is configured by 17a-4 Support to automatically collects data directly from source APIs and download sites. Processed data is then sent to your archive on your chosen schedule. Logs and reports help you monitor how many messages have been processed in each run.

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FINRAOur D3P team will help you file the required letters and provide guidance for staying in compliance with current regulations.

We are the number one independent D3P provider in the US and we’ve worked closely with our clients through regulatory reviews to help our clients avoid fines and stay in compliance.

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SECIf you’ve discovered some records or systems in use that are not being archived and you worry you are out of compliance, let us help.

We’ll do a thorough review and help you comply with your regulations and policies. First, our Compliance Services team will help you identify where your data is and then we’ll provide the guidance to best manage it. Let our team ensure your data is not putting you at risk.

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Common Questions

Can DataParser be deployed on-premise?

Yes, DataParser can installed on your server. If corporate security and compliance policies get in the way of cloud deployments, stick with the on-premise option. This option is also best for clients that want to manage the software internally.

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Can DataParser help me manage documents?

Yes, DataParser supports collection of files and documents from many different sources. Shared files on chat platforms, SharePoint, Quip, databases and more can all be collected with DataParser.

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What license options are there for DataParser?

DataParser offers several license types for different use cases. If you need to collect data daily, our Cloud or On-premise plans will work best.

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What is SEC Rule 17a-4?

The Securities & Exchange Act of 1934 Rule 17a-4(f)(2)(ii) requires Broker Dealers to retain a Designated Third Party (D3P) for electronic records archives. D3P’s may be called upon to access and assist a regulator with the production of regulatory records pursuant to a matter.

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What letters do Broker Dealers need to file with FINRA?

17a-4 provides Letters of Notification (SEC Rule 17a-4(f)(2)(ii)), Letters of Undertaking (SEC Rule 17a-4(f)(3)(vii)) and CFTC Letters under 17 CFR 1.31. D3P services include Annual Compliance Reviews.

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We are using Zoom and not archiving the data; are we out of compliance?

Not necessarily… but you could be! Factors including the industry you’re in, who in your company is using Zoom, and what rules and regulations you’re subject to all determine what needs to be archived. The good news is that our Compliance Services team can help you ensure you’re complying with applicable regulations and policies.

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Archiving Best Practices

Identify your Data

The first part of creating and managing a compliant and legally defensible archive is to ensure that you know where all your data is. This can be a tricky process. You may think, email, chats, documents, what else is there? The answer, a lot. General ledgers, Prospectuses, HR records, Marketing and Sales materials, Client Meeting Information, Databases… the list goes on.  A thorough review of systems in use and where records reside is integral to identify corporate risk.

This is not to say you necessarily want all your data in your archive, but you must know what you have and where it is, to know if you are out of compliance. Penalties that are levied for non-compliance when it comes to records preservation can be hefty.  Not knowing where all corporate data/records is puts organizations at risk for fines as well as ligation and accidental data deletion.

Create a Unified Archive

The best way to control corporate data is to bring it into one archive.  However, this is not as easy it as sounds. With many different types of data coming from many different sources, getting all of it into one location can be a complicated process. Then to decide what is the best archive software for your business.

Cloud archives seem a natural fit for cloud data sources and cloud-based email systems but an on-premise archive may make more sense when managing enterprise security policies and hybrid email environments. DataParser is designed to help with exactly these issues.

Collecting data directly from the source, maintaining the chain of custody, threading all chats, reconciling all data to users and reporting on all processes are key features of DataParser that help users manage a compliant and unified archive.

Retention and Supervision Policies

The purpose of an archive is to preserve corporate data. Once you’ve cleared the hurdle of getting your data into your archive, you’ll need to decide how best to manage it. The goal is to minimize risk and adhere to organization policies and governing regulations – most archives have multiple features to achieve this.

Retention polices can be used to designate what data gets held and for how long. Regulated users, like broker dealers, must adhere to SEC and FINRA record retention requirements and keep copies of all communications in WORM (Write Once Read Many) in the business archive.

eDiscovery processes can then be performed in the case of litigation or regulatory review. Others, like Investment Advisors, require Supervision policies and procedures in place to ensure proper adherence to governing rules.

Disposition polices that remove or delete old data are also important to consider. Not only will you keep your archival storage costs down, but you’ll also mitigate your corporate risk.

Our Partners

We work with everyone. As a middleware integration vendor, we are partners with all our data source and archive providers. We also partner with our clients’ licensing and procurement servicers for easy onboarding. We’ve done extensive work in financial compliance, so we maintain great relationships with many industry experts, consultants, advisors, and service providers that have helped our clients. We are happy to offer recommendations for services we don’t provide. Please reach out if you would like to become a partner. Here are 17a-4, we pride ourselves on being easy to work with and inclusive to all.