The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has asked securities dealers and advisors to join in the search for financial links in the Islamist terrorist chain.

The SEC is asking that all securities-related entities (whether or not registered with the SEC) voluntarily check their records for any relationships or transactions with the individuals and organizations named in United States President Bush’s executive order freezing the U.S. assets of 27 individuals and organizations.

The FBI has also published a list of people who are under investigation in connection with the World Trade Center and Pentagon attacks, and the SEC asks that firms look at those suspects, too. This list includes Osama Bin Laden, his group known as Al Qaeda, and the 19 suspects in the 9-11 attacks, as named by the FBI.

“We are asking all securities-related entities, including brokers, dealers, investment advisors, investment companies, municipal securities dealers, and transfer agents, for your help. If you know of any relationship (for example, an account), or a transaction (such as the purchase or sale of securities or a wire transfer), with any of the individuals or organizations on this list, please let us know.”

It also requests that foreign subsidiaries or affiliates look a their books too and pass any findings along to the SEC.