The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is amending FINRA Rule 4530 by adding a new Rule 4530 Problem Code to address changes the United States Department of Labor (DOL) has made to its fiduciary rule. The DOL has stated that certain provisions of the fiduciary rule and the related exemptions will become applicable on June 9, 2017. FINRA is also adding new fields to the Rule 4530 Filing Application Form, amending the existing Rule 4530 Product and Problem Codes and adding a new Problem Code, to address changes made by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) to extend the MSRB customer complaint and related recordkeeping rules to municipal advisors. The changes to the MSRB rules will become effective on October 13, 2017.
In addition, FINRA is making other non-substantive technical and stylistic changes to the Product and Problem Codes and modifying the Rule 4530 system to limit the period during which firms can amend their submissions.
Starting on June 9, 2017, firms can use new Problem Code 69 – DOL Fiduciary Rule, when applicable, to report customer complaint information and information relating to required documents filed under Rules 4530(f) and (g).
Starting on October 1, 2017, the Rule 4530 Filing Application Form will include two new fields (“Non-Registered Rep Associated Person” and “Municipal Advisory Services”) in the “Related To” subsection of the form. Firms can use these new fields when submitting information relating to associated persons who are not registered or relating to municipal advisory services. In addition, also starting on October 1, 2017, firms can use the amended and new Rule 4530 Product and Problem Codes relating to municipal advisory activities, including new Problem Code 15 – Municipal Advisor Conflict of Interest, when applicable, to report customer complaint information and information relating to required documents filed under Rules 4530(f) and (g).