A broker/dealer, investment advisor, BD agent, or IA rep may only transact business in a state if first registered, or is excluded or exempt from state broker/dealer, investment advisor, BD agent, or IA registration requirements, as appropriate. Follow-up individualized responses to persons in a state by such a firm or individual that involve either effecting or attempting to effect transactions in securities, or the rendering of personalized investment advice for compensation, will not be made without first complying with appropriate registration requirements, or an applicable exemption or exclusion. For information concerning the licensing status or disciplinary history of a broker/dealer, investment advisor, BD agent, or IA rep, a consumer should contact his or her state securities law administrator.