John Foster is the President and CEO of Bedford and Main Financial Consulting, which provides specialized consulting services primarily for broker-dealers and RIAs. Since 2019, Bedford and Main has been listed in the FINRA Compliance Vendor Directory.
He calls upon his 40+ years of broker-dealer management, operations, and compliance experience to offer expert opinions and testimony. He specializes in clearing services and industry infrastructure litigation, along with Anti-Money Laundering (AML) issues for broker-dealers. He is proud to represent either side of the legal table to support the highest standards of fairness for broker-dealers and clients alike.
Prior to founding Bedford and Main in 2012, Mr. Foster worked in C level positions for a large, multi-national clearing firm, allowing him to develop expertise with foreign accounts and anti-money laundering issues. He later served as the President/CEO of an independent broker-dealer, where he was responsible for a retail-based business and online brokerage services. The experience provided John with a uniquely relevant understanding of core SEC and FINRA compliance issues, such as suitability, supervision, senior issues, churning, and written supervisory procedures. He is proficient in matters related to client and firm interactions with both financial advisors and online firms.
Senior Level Experience - Decades of diverse high-ranking management experience in the broker-dealer industry. Previously held Ser, 3,7,24, 27, 63.
Still Actively Engaged John's expert witness business is a natural extension of his core consulting services. He is an ACAMS Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist who annually conducts many independent AML reviews. John is also certified as a FINRA Dispute Resolution Arbitrator.
Selectivity - It would not be possible to hold to our ethical standards of supporting the industry if we were not selective when providing an expert opinion on specific issues.
SER Voting Member
Curriculum Vitae