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Compliance & Regulations June 1, 2026 Updated July 22, 2026 

# Mastering the SEC Marketing Rule for RIA Growth

Compliance with the SEC Marketing Rule requires specific disclosures for testimonials and performance data to turn modern marketing into a compliant growth engine.

BS

Bradley Smith [](https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-smith-ab1b0192/)

Co-Founder at Aspen 

> **Key Takeaway for Advisors:** The SEC Marketing Rule changed the landscape for firm growth by allowing testimonials and endorsements while tightening rules on performance advertising. Success requires maintaining a robust compliance trail of written agreements and clear disclosures. Advisors must update their ADV to reflect these practices and ensure every digital touchpoint meets the expanded definition of an advertisement.

## 1\. Is Your Digital Presence an Unintended Advertisement?

The SEC defines an advertisement as any direct or indirect communication an RIA makes to more than one person that offers the firm's advisory services. This includes your social media profiles. It includes your website content. It even includes certain email blasts. The [latest SEC marketing rule guidance](https://www.sec.gov/investment/marketing-faq) clarifies that the intent of the communication determines its status.

Many firms fall into the trap of thinking a blog post is just educational. If that post includes a call to action or promotes your unique investment philosophy, it is an advertisement. This means you must have a

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"84% of RIAs are still hesitant to use testimonials, fearing SEC scrutiny. This hesitation is a massive opportunity for firms that operationalize the new Marketing Rule. Learn how to turn social proof into a compliant growth engine. Link in comments."

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