What is the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD)?

A self-regulatory organization with jurisdiction over certain broker-dealers. The NASD requires member brokers to register, and conducts examinations for compliance with net capital requirements and other regulations. It also conducts market surveillance of the over-the-counter (OTC) securities market. NASDAQ is a subsidiary of the NASD which facilitates the trading of approximately 5,000 most active OTC issues through an electronically connected network.