what is central registration depository?
Callers should ask for all materials from the Central Registration Depository (CRD) about a brokerage firm or its agents. Under FINRA rules, a securities firm must ensure that information on its representatives' applications for registration (Forms U4) is kept current in FINRA's Central Registration Depository (CRD). The Central Registration Depository (CRD) is an automated database maintained by NASD. The database contains records and information about registered securities employees, including employment history, licensing status, the firms that employ them, and any disciplinary actions taken against them.