The correct answer is B, Distributing the prospectus to prospective investors. In an IPO, responsibilities are divided among various participants, including the issuer, underwriters, and selling group members. A selling group member is part of the distribution network and is primarily responsible for selling the securities to the public and delivering the prospectus to potential investors.
The prospectus is a legal disclosure document that must be provided to investors before or at the time of sale. Selling group members play a key role in ensuring that investors receive this document so they can make informed decisions.
Choice A, preparing the prospectus, is the responsibility of the issuer, along with assistance from the lead underwriter and legal counsel. Choice C, ensuring filing with the SEC, is also the issuer’s responsibility. Choice D, ensuring accuracy and completeness, falls on the issuer and underwriters, who are liable for disclosures under securities laws.
Thus, the selling group’s primary role is distribution, not creation or verification of the prospectus. Therefore, choice B is correct.
