A person engaged in the investment-banking or securities business who is either directly or indirectly controlled by a member firm of the National Association of Securities Dealers. It doesnÂ’t matter whether this person is registered with the NASD or exempt from registration. An associated person also is every sole proprietor, partner, officer, director, or branch manager of any NASD member. An associated person is also someone who is involved in business dealings with a member firm of the National Futures Assocation that requires the person to be registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.