## Is a Lending Company an Investment-Related Business?
**Definition of an Investment-Related Business**
According to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), an investment-related business is any entity that provides financial services to investors. These services may include:
* Investment advice
* Brokerage services
* Asset management
* Underwriting and distribution of securities
**Types of Lending Companies**
There are many different types of lending companies, including:
* Banks
* Credit unions
* Finance companies
* Mortgage companies
* Pawn shops
**Investment Activities of Lending Companies**
Some lending companies engage in investment-related activities, such as:
* Investing in securities
* Making loans to businesses and individuals for investment purposes
* Providing investment advice to customers
**Regulation of Lending Companies**
Lending companies that engage in investment-related activities are subject to regulation by FINRA. This regulation includes:
* Registration requirements
* Capital requirements
* Conduct rules
**Factors to Consider**
When determining whether a lending company is an investment-related business, the following factors should be considered:
* **The company’s primary business activities:** Does the company primarily lend money to consumers and businesses, or does it also provide investment-related services?
* **The company’s investment portfolio:** Does the company invest a significant portion of its assets in securities?
* **The company’s marketing materials:** Do the company’s marketing materials promote investment-related services?
* **The company’s customer base:** Does the company primarily serve investors?
**Conclusion**
Whether a lending company is an investment-related business is a complex question that requires a case-by-case analysis. The factors discussed above should be considered when making this determination.
## Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors discussed above, the following considerations may also be relevant:
* **The company’s ownership structure:** Is the company owned by a bank or other financial institution?
* **The company’s history:** Has the company previously engaged in investment-related activities?
* **The company’s future plans:** Does the company plan to expand into investment-related activities?
## Examples**
The following are examples of lending companies that are considered investment-related businesses:
* **Goldman Sachs:** A global investment bank that provides a wide range of financial services, including lending, investment banking, and asset management.
* **JPMorgan Chase:** A large bank that provides a wide range of financial services, including lending, investment banking, and wealth management.
* **Wells Fargo:** A large bank that provides a wide range of financial services, including lending, investment banking, and mortgage lending.
The following are examples of lending companies that are not considered investment-related businesses:
* **Bank of America:** A large bank that primarily provides consumer and commercial banking services.
* **Wells Fargo Bank:** A subsidiary of Wells Fargo that provides consumer and commercial banking services.
* **Chase Bank:** A subsidiary of JPMorgan Chase that provides consumer and commercial banking services.
## Conclusion
The determination of whether a lending company is an investment-related business is a complex one that requires a case-by-case analysis. The factors discussed above should be considered when making this determination.