What happens to the firm's current certificate when there is a total change of ownership?

• A. It remains valid.
• B. It is transferred automatically.
• C. It must be reissued within 30 days.
• D. It is invalidated.

Answer: (D)

When ownership changes hands completely, the firm’s certificate is no longer valid for the new owner because the certificate is issued to a specific business entity and tied to its ownership and management structure. A total change of ownership means the entity behind the certificate no longer exists in the same form, so the certificate cannot be carried over. The correct path is to invalidate the current certificate and require the new ownership to obtain a fresh certificate through the standard approval process, ensuring all qualifications, insurance, and supervising personnel meet the requirements. Certificates aren’t automatically transferred, and there isn’t a guaranteed 30-day window to reissue; the new ownership must apply and be approved anew.