WI

Wisconsin Blue Sky Laws

Wisconsin regulates securities under the Wisconsin Uniform Securities Law, enforced by the Division of Securities within the Department of Financial Institutions. Wisconsin requires registration or exemption for all securities offered or sold in the state.

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Wisconsin Securities Regulatory Overview

Regulatory Body
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Securities
Primary Statute
Wisconsin Uniform Securities Law (Wis. Stat. Chapter 551)

Registration Requirements

Wisconsin allows registration by coordination, qualification, or notice filing. Reg D Rule 506 offerings require Form D notice filing with the Division of Securities. Filing fee is $200.

Key Provisions of Wisconsin Securities Law

Understanding the core regulatory framework in Wisconsin:

1

Securities must be registered before offer or sale unless exempt under the Wisconsin Uniform Securities Law

2

Wisconsin adopted a version of the Uniform Securities Act

3

Anti-fraud provisions apply to all securities transactions

4

The Division of Securities has authority to investigate and bring enforcement actions

Available Exemptions in Wisconsin

Wisconsin provides the following exemptions from full securities registration:

  • Federal covered securities (Reg D Rule 506, Reg A+ Tier 2, exchange-listed) with notice filing
  • Isolated nonissuer transactions
  • Sales to institutional investors
  • Limited offering exemptions for sales to no more than 25 persons in 12 months
  • Government securities

Penalties for Non-Compliance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin imposes civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation, criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment, investor rescission rights, and administrative sanctions.

How Wisconsin Blue Sky Laws Affect Your Transaction

Wisconsin's manufacturing and food processing sectors generate M&A activity. Transactions involving Wisconsin-based shareholders require compliance when stock is part of the consideration. Acquisition Stars handles Wisconsin filings for multi-state deals.

Need Securities Counsel for a Wisconsin Transaction?

Acquisition Stars handles blue sky compliance, M&A transactions, and securities offerings nationwide. Managing partner Alex Lubyansky provides direct counsel on every engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Wisconsin blue sky laws and securities compliance

What is Wisconsin's Reg D filing fee?
Wisconsin charges $200 for Reg D Rule 506 notice filings with the Division of Securities.
Who regulates securities in Wisconsin?
The Division of Securities within the Department of Financial Institutions enforces Wisconsin's securities laws.
Does Wisconsin follow the Uniform Securities Act?
Yes. Wisconsin adopted a version of the Uniform Securities Act as Chapter 551 of the Wisconsin Statutes.

Need Securities Compliance Counsel in Wisconsin?

Our managing partner provides selective securities and M&A counsel for transactions involving Wisconsin blue sky law compliance. Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment.

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