Cetera has specific guidelines regarding “interactive” social media sites, including LinkedIn.
What does “interactive” mean?
If you post any content, comment on other users' content, or “like” other users' content, then the profile is considered “interactive." If you use your LinkedIn account solely as a static (non-interactive) business card-style profile (You do NOT post content, comment, or like any other content), then the LinkedIn profile is not considered “interactive."
What is required when my LinkedIn profile is “interactive?"
- The LinkedIn profile must be actively monitored by Cetera via the Social Media Supervision Tool (SMST). If you are not sure if your LinkedIn is linked to SMST, please reach out to the Prosperity Network Compliance team.
- You must complete Cetera’s Social Media Training course in the AdviceWorks Learning Center.
Even if your LinkedIn profile is being monitored via the SMST, there are instances when you must have certain interactive content “pre-approved.”
If you want to post content on your LinkedIn profile that is securities-business related, you must submit the post via the SMST tool. That will allow Cetera to pre-approve it prior to being visible on LinkedIn.
Real World Examples:
- Example: You have a static LinkedIn profile that is NOT linked to the SMST tool. You want to make a post or comment on someone else’s post or “like” someone else’s post (regardless of content). This is NOT permitted because you are not linked to the SMST tool.
- Example: Your LinkedIn profile is linked to the SMST Tool. You want to post the updated IRS limits for IRA contributions to your LinkedIn. Since it is business-related, you must submit that content via the SMST tool. You CANNOT simply post it to your LinkedIn profile.
- Example: Your LinkedIn profile is linked to the SMST tool. You want to post that the Chiefs are the Superbowl champs. Because this is not business-related, and your LinkedIn is being monitored by the SMST tool, you do not have to submit the post via the SMST tool The SMST tool monitoring is sufficient.
Please contact the Prosperity Network Compliance Team with any questions: compliance@prosperityadvisors.com or 913-529-5500 Option 2.
Internal Use Only