Tag Archives: FINRA

FINRA Proposes Rule Restricting Registered Reps Being Named a Beneficiary, Executor or Trustee

Legal Alerts,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) has announced a proposed rule to limit any associated person of a member firm who is registered with FINRA (each a “registered person”) from being named a beneficiary, executor or trustee, or to have a power of attorney or similar position of trust for or on behalf of a … Continue reading FINRA Proposes Rule Restricting Registered Reps Being Named a Beneficiary, Executor or Trustee →

Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending 03/31/2019)

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SEC Rule 17a-5(d) requires that FINRA member firms to file an Annual Audited Report electronically with FINRA through the firm Gateway and with the SEC (main office and regional office) via mail or overnight carrier not more than 60-calendar days after the date selected for their fiscal year end. The Annual Audit must also be … Continue reading Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending 03/31/2019) →

Form OBS Quarterly filing due for Q1 2019 ( March 31, 2019)

  Supplemental Schedule for Derivatives and Other Off-Balance Sheet Items (Form OBS) Unless subject to the de minimus exception, carrying and clearing firms must file Form  OBS on a quarterly basis.  A firm that claims the de minimus exception must affirmatively indicate through the eFOCUS system that no filing is required for the reporting period. … Continue reading Form OBS Quarterly filing due for Q1 2019 ( March 31, 2019) →

FINRA Podcast – Member Relations & Education: Making Regulation Smarter

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As a self-regulatory organization, FINRA is uniquely positioned to gain meaningful insights from its members to help ensure FINRA’s regulatory programs are working for everyone. Tasked with maintaining that relationship and keeping an open dialogue is FINRA’s Office of Member Relations and Education. The Member Relations and Education team routinely engages with firms through conferences, … Continue reading FINRA Podcast – Member Relations & Education: Making Regulation Smarter →

FINRA Board of Governors Meeting – February/March 2019

FINRA’s Board of Governors met on Feb. 28 and March 1 in Boca Raton, Florida, where it discussed the organization’s finances, reviewed several significant technology and other capital initiatives, and considered two rulemaking items (described below). The Board also met with staff from FINRA’s Boca Raton District Office, home of the FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors and … Continue reading FINRA Board of Governors Meeting – February/March 2019 →

FINRA’s 2018 Examination Findings Report Targets Private Placement

Legal Alerts,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (“FINRA”)  2018 Examination Findings Report regarding broker-dealer (“firms” or “members”) examinations made it clear that it had targeted due diligence for private placements as a part of its core examination program of members.   Ultimately, the Examination Findings Report focused on a number of observations from recent FINRA examinations, but it … Continue reading FINRA’s 2018 Examination Findings Report Targets Private Placement →

FINRA Renewal Program – Final Statement Payment Deadline

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DEADLINE for receipt of Final Statement payments. Firms with sufficient monies in their Flex- Funding Account will have funds automatically transferred to their Renewal Account to cover total renewal fees owed. Transfers will be conducted every day until any outstanding renewal assessment is satisfied.  

FINRA Renewal Program – Final Statement Available

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Web CRD and IARD are available with complete functionality as of 5 a.m., ET, including submitting form filings and approving registrations. • Overpayments are transferred to firms’ Flex-Funding Account. Refund requests should be made from this account through E-Bill. • Final Statements are available for viewing and printing through E-Bill.

FINRA Options Industry Regulatory Conference

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During the meeting, FINRA surveillance and examination staff will discuss regulatory priorities and recent findings. To register, please click on the link below and follow the detailed instructions. You will have a choice of attending in person or telephonically; you must register to obtain a dial in phone number.    

FINRA Requests Comments: Technology Based Innovations for Regulatory Compliance ( “RegTech”)

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FINRA released a white paper outlining recent regulatory technology (RegTech) developments within the securities industry and potential opportunities and implications these technologies may have for broker-dealers. FINRA highlights five areas where industry participants have most prominently leveraged RegTech innovations: surveillance and monitoring, customer identification and antimoney laundering compliance, regulatory intelligence, reporting and risk management and … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comments: Technology Based Innovations for Regulatory Compliance ( “RegTech”) →

FINRA Requests Comment on a Proposal to Expand OTC Equity Trading Volume Data Published on FINRA’s Website

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FINRA requests comment on a proposal to expand the summary firm data relating to over-the-counter (OTC) equity trading that FINRA publishes on its website by (1) publishing on a one-month delayed basis new monthly aggregate block-size trading data for OTC trades in NMS stocks executed outside an alternative trading system (ATS); (2) publishing aggregate non-ATS … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comment on a Proposal to Expand OTC Equity Trading Volume Data Published on FINRA’s Website →

FINRA Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Half-Day Seminar – Boca Raton

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FINRA’s Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Half-Day Seminars provide attendees with information on the fundamentals of money laundering and money laundering typologies, relevant rules and regulations, and monitoring for suspicious activity. Each seminar provides demonstrations on using data and publicly available information to supplement compliance reviews of exception reports and alerts generated by automated surveillance systems. The … Continue reading FINRA Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Half-Day Seminar – Boca Raton →

FINRA Requests Comment on Enhancements Under Consideration by the Securities Industry/Regulatory Council on Continuing Education

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FINRA requests comment from member firms and other interested parties on enhancements to the Securities Industry Continuing Education Program (CE Program) under consideration by the Securities Industry/Regulatory Council on Continuing Education (CE Council). These enhancements include the transition of the Regulatory Element program to a more focused and shorter learning requirement administered annually. The CE … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comment on Enhancements Under Consideration by the Securities Industry/Regulatory Council on Continuing Education →

FINRA Restructures Qualification Examination Program

Legal Alerts, ,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (‘FINRA”) restructured qualification examination program will become effective on October 1, 2018, and it will then require that all new representative-level applicants be required to take a general knowledge examination (the “SIE examination”) and a tailored, specialized knowledge examination (a revised representative-level qualification examination) for their particular registered role.   As part of … Continue reading FINRA Restructures Qualification Examination Program →

FINRA Requires Principal Financial Officer and Principal Operations Officer

Legal Alerts,

Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) Regulatory Notice 17-30 noted that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) had approved new registration and qualification rules for FINRA, including that members are required to designate a Principal Financial Officer and a Principal Operations Principal, effective October 1, 2018.  The position of Principal Financial Officer will have primary responsibility … Continue reading FINRA Requires Principal Financial Officer and Principal Operations Officer →

NYSE Proposes to Drop FINRA Membership Requirement

Legal Alerts, ,

The Securities and NYSE Commission (SEC) has published notice to solicit comments on a proposed rule change from the New York Stock NYSE LLC (NYSE) to amend Rule 2 to remove a requirement that a registered broker-dealer be a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA) or another national securities exchange. The NYSE … Continue reading NYSE Proposes to Drop FINRA Membership Requirement →

Simplified Arbitration Approved by SEC

Compliance Notice, Legal Alerts,

The Code of Arbitration Procedure for Customer Disputes (Customer Code) and the Code of Arbitration Procedure for Industry Disputes (Industry Code, and together with the Customer Code, the Codes) have provided two options for administering cases with claims involving $50,000 or less, excluding interest and expenses. The default option for arbitration was a decision by … Continue reading Simplified Arbitration Approved by SEC →

FINRA Provides Background Investigation of Public Financial Records

Legal Alerts, ,

FINRA is making enhancements to its  disclosure review process that will permit firms to rely on FINRA’s background investigation and verification process for purposes of compliance with the requirement to conduct a search of public records relating to bankruptcies, judgments and liens. Specifically,  FINRA will conduct a public records search within fifteen calendar days from … Continue reading FINRA Provides Background Investigation of Public Financial Records →

Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending April 30, 2018)

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SEC Rule 17a-5(d) requires that FINRA member firms to file an Annual Audited Report electronically with FINRA through the firm Gateway and with the SEC (main office and regional office) via mail or overnight carrier not more than 60-calendar days after the date selected for their fiscal year end. The Annual Audit must also be … Continue reading Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending April 30, 2018) →

Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending March 31, 2018)

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SEC Rule 17a-5(d) requires that FINRA member firms to file an Annual Audited Report electronically with FINRA through the firm Gateway and with the SEC (main office and regional office) via mail or overnight carrier not more than 60-calendar days after the date selected for their fiscal year end. The Annual Audit must also be … Continue reading Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending March 31, 2018) →

FINRA AML Half-Day Seminar

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FINRA’s AML Half-Day Seminars provide attendees with information on the fundamentals of money laundering and money laundering typologies, relevant rules and regulations, and monitoring for suspicious activity. Each seminar provides demonstrations on using data and publicly available information to supplement compliance reviews of exception reports and alerts generated by automated surveillance systems. The seminars are … Continue reading FINRA AML Half-Day Seminar →

FINRA 2018 Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter

Legal Alerts,

The 2018 Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter is an affirmation  that the coming year will bring both continuity and change in FINRA’s regulatory programs. The continuity comes, first in the commitment of FINRA to their stated mission: protecting investors and promoting market integrity in a manner that facilitates vibrant capital markets. The Priorities Letter speaks to … Continue reading FINRA 2018 Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter →

FINRA Proposes New Rule on Outside Business Activities and Private Securities Transactions

Legal Alerts, ,

FINRA seeks comments on a proposed new rule to consolidate FINRA Rule 3270 (Outside Business Activities of Registered Persons) and FINRA Rule 3280 (Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person).  The proposed rule would require registered persons to provide their firm(s) with prior written notice for all investment-related or other business activities outside the scope … Continue reading FINRA Proposes New Rule on Outside Business Activities and Private Securities Transactions →

Personnel Assessment and Gross Income Assessment

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The Personnel Assessment and Gross Income Assessment (“GIA”) is designed to stabilize revenues used to support FINRA’s regulatory activities. The GIA is based on a member firm’s gross revenues and has a 7 tiered structure with a minimum of $1,200. The Personnel Assessment (“PA”) is based upon a three tiered rate structure: firms with 1 … Continue reading Personnel Assessment and Gross Income Assessment →

Annual Attestation for Research Supervisory Procedures NASD Rule 2711(i)

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NASD Rule 2711(i) requires that a senior officer of the broker-dealer attest annually to FINRA electronically through the firm Gateway that the broker-dealer has adopted and implemented written supervisory procedures that are reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the rule’s provisions and that the compensation of all research analysts was reviewed and approved and the … Continue reading Annual Attestation for Research Supervisory Procedures NASD Rule 2711(i) →

FINRA Requests Comments on Proposed Amendments to FINRA Rule 4521

Compliance Notice, Legal Alerts,

FINRA is seeking comment on proposed amendments to FINRA Rule 4521 (Notifications, Questionnaires and Reports) that would require specified member firms to notify FINRA no more than 48 hours after specified events that may signal an adverse change in liquidity risk. FINRA also seeks comment on a proposed new Supplemental Liquidity Schedule (SLS) that member … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comments on Proposed Amendments to FINRA Rule 4521 →

Annual FCS Reporting for 2018

FINRA broker/dealers must appoint and certify to FINRA one executive representative to represent, vote, and act on behalf of the broker/dealer in all affairs of FINRA. The executive representative must be a member of senior management and a registered principal of the firm. In addition, the executive representative is required to maintain an Internet electronic … Continue reading Annual FCS Reporting for 2018 →

Deadline for Comments on Regulatory Notice 17-33 – Code of Arbitration

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FINRA seeks comments on emerging issues facing the industry, regulatory initiatives, rulemaking proposals, and other areas of regulatory interest. When respondents are no longer in business, recovery of arbitration awards against them often is unavailing. Accordingly, FINRA is proposing to amend the Code of Arbitration Procedure for Customer Disputes (Code) to expand a customer’s options … Continue reading Deadline for Comments on Regulatory Notice 17-33 – Code of Arbitration →

Deadline for Comments on Regulatory Notice 17-34 – Arbitration Procedures

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FINRA seeks comments on emerging issues facing the industry, regulatory initiatives, rulemaking proposals, and other areas of regulatory interest. The FINRA Codes of Arbitration and Mediation Procedure permit compensated non-attorneys to represent clients in securities arbitration and mediation subject to certain exceptions. FINRA is conducting a review of the efficacy of continuing to allow such … Continue reading Deadline for Comments on Regulatory Notice 17-34 – Arbitration Procedures →

Is There a Place for Non-Attorney Representation Firms in Arbitration?

Legal Alerts, ,

The FINRA Codes of Arbitration and Mediation Procedure (“Codes”) permits non-attorney representation of  clients in securities arbitration and mediation subject to certain exceptions.  FINRA is currently conducting a review of the efficacy of continuing to allow such representation.  Typically, while some parties may be represented by relatives or friends who assist with case preparation or … Continue reading Is There a Place for Non-Attorney Representation Firms in Arbitration? →

Firm Fined $1.25 Million for Failure to Run Adequate Background Checks

Legal Alerts, ,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced it has fined J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC $1.25 million for failing to conduct timely or adequate background checks on approximately 8,600, or 95 percent, of its non-registered associated persons (NRAs) from January 2009 through May 2017.   Additionally, FINRA found that for more than eight years, J.P. Morgan did … Continue reading Firm Fined $1.25 Million for Failure to Run Adequate Background Checks →

FINRA 2018 Preliminary Statements Available

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Firms may begin submitting post-dated Form BDW and ADV-W filings via Web CRD/IARD. Registrations terminated by post-dated filings submitted by 11 p.m., Eastern Time (ET), November 10, 2017, do not appear on the firm’s Preliminary Statement. The only allowed date for post-dated filings is December 31, 2017. Preliminary Statements are available in E-Bill.  

FINRA 2018 Renewal Program – Preliminary Statement Filings

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Firms may begin submitting post-dated Form BDW and ADV-W filings via Web CRD/IARD. Registrations terminated by post-dated filings submitted by 11 p.m., Eastern Time (ET), November 10, 2017, do not appear on the firm’s Preliminary Statement. The only allowed date for post-dated filings is December 31, 2017.

FINRA Board Approves Rule Proposals on Low Risk Branch Exams and Expanded BrokerCheck Discosures

Legal Alerts,

At the September FINRA Board of Governors meeting, the Board authorized publishing for comment two proposed rulemaking items. One would permit firms to use technology to conduct remote inspections of offices engaged in certain low-risk activities, which in turn would enable firms to reallocate compliance resources to activities that pose greater risks to investors.  The … Continue reading FINRA Board Approves Rule Proposals on Low Risk Branch Exams and Expanded BrokerCheck Discosures →

FINRA Offers Compliance Vendor Directory

Legal Alerts,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has issued a Compliance Vendor Directory for its members as a new resource for firms searching for vendors that offer compliance-related products and services.  The directory includes nine vendor categories: Compliance Consulting, Cybersecurity, Data Management, Email & Social Media Archive, Exam Prep & Firm CE, Insurance Brokers, Monitoring, PCAOB-Registered … Continue reading FINRA Offers Compliance Vendor Directory →

Military Spouses Receive Fellowships

The FINRA Investor Education Foundation has awarded fellowships to 50 military spouses seeking to earn their AFC® (Accredited Financial Counselor®) designation to provide military service members and their families one-on-one and group financial counseling and education. Through the 2017 Military Spouse Fellowship Program, Fellows undergo rigorous training, coursework and experiential hours to gain hands-on experience … Continue reading Military Spouses Receive Fellowships →

Entitlement Password Requirements

FINRA has updated its password requirements for users of systems that participate in FINRA’s Entitlement Program. No immediate action is required at this time by users as existing passwords will remain valid; however, any password changed or created on or after July 29, 2017, must adhere to the updated password requirements

FINRA360 Comment Period Deadline

The ability of small and large businesses to raise capital efficiently is critical to job creation and economic growth. Broker-dealers play a vital role in helping businesses raise capital through the securities markets, and as a self-regulatory organization (SRO) for broker-dealers, FINRA has a variety of rules, operations and administrative processes that address their capital-raising … Continue reading FINRA360 Comment Period Deadline →

District 7- Boca Raton, Florida – Compliance Boot Camp

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June 20, 2017 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp FINRA District Office 5200 Town Center Circle Suite 200 Boca Raton, FL 33486 (561) 443-8000 $195 View More Information and Register Topics: Effective Practices for Working With Senior Investors Cybersecurity  

FINRA Requests Comment on Potential Enhancements to Certain Engagement Programs

FINRA recently announced a new initiative to evaluate various aspects of its operations and programs to identify opportunities to more effectively further its mission. As one of the first steps of this initiative, this Notice solicits comment from all interested parties on FINRA’s current engagement programs. In connection with separate reviews being conducted under this … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comment on Potential Enhancements to Certain Engagement Programs →

FINRA District 7 Atlanta – District Compliance Events

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Designed for compliance and legal professionals at FINRA member firms, these events offer an opportunity to hear about current regulatory issues while engaging in a direct dialogue with FINRA District Office staff. For more information including discussion topics, see the individual program descriptions below. Date Event Location & Venue Fees Registration May 31, 2017 9 … Continue reading FINRA District 7 Atlanta – District Compliance Events →

FINRA Requests Comments on Rules Impacting Capital Formation

The ability of small and large businesses to raise capital efficiently is critical to job creation and economic growth. Broker-dealers play a vital role in helping businesses raise capital through the securities markets, and as a self-regulatory organization (SRO) for broker-dealers, FINRA has a variety of rules, operations and administrative processes that address their capitalraising … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comments on Rules Impacting Capital Formation →

FINRA Requests Comment on FINRA Corporate Financing Rule

FINRA seeks comment on proposed amendments to FINRA Rule 5110 (Corporate Financing Rule – Underwriting Terms and Arrangements) to make substantive, organizational and terminology changes to the rule. The proposal is intended to modernize Rule 5110 and to simplify and clarify its provisions. The proposal would retain the primary principle of the rule that no … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comment on FINRA Corporate Financing Rule →

FINRA Requests Comment on Equity and Debt Research Rules

FINRA seeks comment on proposed amendments to FINRA Rule 2241 (Research Analysts and Research Reports) and FINRA Rule 2242 (Debt Research Analysts and Debt Research Reports) to create a limited safe harbor for specified brief, written analysis distributed to eligible institutional investors that comes from sales and trading or principal trading personnel but that may … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comment on Equity and Debt Research Rules →

District 5 New Orleans – District Compliance Events

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Designed for compliance and legal professionals at FINRA member firms, these events offer an opportunity to hear about current regulatory issues while engaging in a direct dialogue with FINRA District Office staff. For more information including discussion topics, see the individual program description below. Date Event Location & Venue Fees Registration May 17, 2017 9 … Continue reading District 5 New Orleans – District Compliance Events →

2017 FINRA Annual Conference

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Registration is now open for the 2017 FINRA Annual Conference. Join leaders of firms of all sizes, securities attorneys, government officials, FINRA senior leaders and representatives from other securities regulators for a three-day event dedicated to the most important issues affecting the securities industry. Reduced rates are available for the first 100 in-person registrants before … Continue reading 2017 FINRA Annual Conference →

FINRA Requests Comments to improve Engagement Programs

FINRA is asking for comments regarding its recently announced new initiative to evaluate various aspects of its operations and programs to identify opportunities to more effectively further its mission. As one of the first steps of this initiative, this Notice solicits comment from all interested parties on FINRA’s current engagement programs. In connection with separate … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comments to improve Engagement Programs →

FINRA Updates the Transparency Services Participant Agreement

FINRA member firms that have an obligation to report over-the-counter secondary market transactions in eligible equity and fixed income securities must submit their transaction reports to the appropriate FINRA facility and are required to complete a participant application agreement before they are given access to the facility. Facilities covered by the FINRA Transparency Services Participation … Continue reading FINRA Updates the Transparency Services Participant Agreement →

FINRA Releases its 2017 Exam Priorities Letter

Legal Alerts,

On January 4, 2017, the Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA) started the new year with a bang as it published the Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter (Exam Priorities Letter) for 2017.  FINRA publishes the priorities letter annually to provide information to member firms about areas of concern that  FINRA plans to review in its 2017 exam … Continue reading FINRA Releases its 2017 Exam Priorities Letter →

2016 FINRA Small Firm Conference

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The 2016 FINRA Small Firm Conference focuses on small firms’ practices and tips for complying with FINRA rules. Each session begins with a FINRA staff member highlighting key requirements of a rule, and then small firm panelists provide a step-by-step approach for complying with that particular rule. Throughout the event, attendees have the opportunity to discuss … Continue reading 2016 FINRA Small Firm Conference →

Quarterly SSOI Supplemental FOCUS Information (Quarter ending 09/30/2016)

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FINRA Rule 4524 requires each member firm to file a Supplemental Statement of Income (“SSOI”) within 20 business days after the end of each calendar quarter via the FINRA Gateway. The SSOI is designed to provide FINRA with greater detail regarding firm’s revenue and expenses. http://finra.complinet.com/en/display/display.html?rbid=2403&record_id=14475&element_id=10588&highlight=4524#r14475

FINRA Proposes New Rules to Protect Seniors

Legal Alerts,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has proposed new rules to address the financial exploitation of seniors and other vulnerable adults to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  As set forth in in FINRA rule release (SR-FINRA 2016-039), FINRA is proposing rule amendments that would require firms to make reasonable efforts to obtain the name … Continue reading FINRA Proposes New Rules to Protect Seniors →

2016 Fixed Income Conference

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FINRA’s Fixed Income Conference focuses on current market impacts on fixed income, and how regulators and firms are responding. Featured topics include: Evolving Bond Market Structure Key FINRA Regulatory Developments Pricing and Best Execution Requirements View the conference agenda with session descriptions.  

Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending June 30, 2016)

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SEC Rule 17a-5(d) requires that FINRA member firms to file an Annual Audited Report electronically with FINRA through the firm Gateway and with the SEC (main office and regional office) via mail or overnight carrier not more than 60-calendar days after the date selected for their fiscal year end. The Annual Audit must also be … Continue reading Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending June 30, 2016) →

FINRA District Compliance Meeting – Ft. Lauderdale, Florida

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FINRA District 7 Compliance Meeting Designed for compliance and legal professionals at FINRA member firms, these events offer an opportunity to hear about current regulatory issues while engaging in a direct dialogue with FINRA District Office staff. For more information including discussion topics, see the individual program descriptions below.

Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending May 31, 2016)

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SEC Rule 17a-5(d) requires that FINRA member firms to file an Annual Audited Report electronically with FINRA through the firm Gateway and with the SEC (main office and regional office) via mail or overnight carrier not more than 60-calendar days after the date selected for their fiscal year end. The Annual Audit must also be … Continue reading Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending May 31, 2016) →

FINRA District Compliance Meeting – Dallas, Texas

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FINRA District Compliance Meeting Designed for compliance and legal professionals at FINRA member firms, these events offer an opportunity to hear about current regulatory issues while engaging in a direct dialogue with FINRA District Office staff. For more information including discussion topics, see the individual program descriptions below.

FINRA District Compliance Meeting – Buffalo, New York

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FINRA District Compliance Meeting Designed for compliance and legal professionals at FINRA member firms, these events offer an opportunity to hear about current regulatory issues while engaging in a direct dialogue with FINRA District Office staff. For more information including discussion topics, see the individual program descriptions below.

FINRA 2016 Risk Control Assessment Due

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FINRA’s 2016 Risk Control Assessment (RCA) survey launched earlier this month, when each firm’s executive representative was sent an email linking to their firm’s unique RCA survey. The RCA is an integral part of FINRA’s risk-based examination and surveillance program. FINRA uses it to better understand the risks associated with the business activities in which … Continue reading FINRA 2016 Risk Control Assessment Due →

FINRA Issues Small Firm Cybersecurity Checklist

Legal Alerts,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced at its recent  2016 Annual FINRA Conference in Washington DC that it has created a Cybersecurity Checklist to assist small member firms in establishing a cybersecurity program to assist small firms in establishing a cybersecurity program to identify and assess cybersecurity threats, protect assets from cyber intrusions, detect when their … Continue reading FINRA Issues Small Firm Cybersecurity Checklist →

FINRA Announces CEO Transition

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) today announced that its Board of Governors has concluded the CEO search, and appointed Robert W. Cook as President and Chief Executive Officer, effective the second half of 2016. Mr. Cook will succeed Richard G. Ketchum, who has served as Chairman and CEO since 2009. The Board intends to … Continue reading FINRA Announces CEO Transition →

2016 FINRA Annual Conference

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There are two ways to participate: in-person or online. In-person: Marriott Marquis Washington, DC 901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20001 |Travel Disclaimer: FINRA suggests that you do not purchase restricted or nonrefundable tickets for travel to the conference, especially prior to receipt of your registration confirmation. FINRA assumes no liability for penalties or fare … Continue reading 2016 FINRA Annual Conference →

Creating & Articulating Firm Culture For FINRA

Legal Alerts

FINRA executives have been speaking regularly about conflicts of interest, firm culture and professional ethics. Firm cultural values have a profound influence on how a broker-dealer conducts its business, including how it manages conflicts of interest.  A culture that consistently places ethical considerations and client interests at the center of business decisions helps protect investors … Continue reading Creating & Articulating Firm Culture For FINRA →

Comment Period Ends May 6, 2016 on the Proposed Capital Acquisition Broker Rules

Legal Alerts, ,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) has proposed the creation of a separate rule set that would apply to firms that meet the definition of a ‘‘capital acquisition broker’’ (“CAB”) and elect to be governed under that rule set.  To address the rule making process with respect to the proposal, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) … Continue reading Comment Period Ends May 6, 2016 on the Proposed Capital Acquisition Broker Rules →

FINRA Diversity Summit

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The FINRA Diversity Summit provides a forum for business leaders, diversity practitioners and human resource professionals in the financial services industry to explore a variety of corporate practices, strategies, and outreach efforts intended to leverage the benefits of building sustainable diversity and inclusion programs. Visit the FINRA website for more information and to register.

Comment Period Ends on Proposed FINRA Rules Amendments Related to Conversaion T+2 Settlement Cycle

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Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”)  issued Regulatory Notice  16-09, in which FINRA is seeking comments on proposed amendments to FINRA rules relating to the settlement cycle.  FINRA proposes to adopt necessary rule changes in a manner and timeline that is consistent with the SEC and other self-regulatory organizations SROs in an effort to provide the … Continue reading Comment Period Ends on Proposed FINRA Rules Amendments Related to Conversaion T+2 Settlement Cycle →

The Pressure to Shorten the Settlement Cycle From T+3 to T+2 Has Increased

Compliance Notice, Legal Alerts,

Since early last year, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association(“SIFMA”) and the Investment Company Institute (“ICI”) have publicly supported the shortening of the settlement cycle from trade date plus three business days (“T+3”) to trade date plus two business days (“T+2”) for U.S. secondary market transactions in equities, corporate and municipal bonds, unit investment trusts, … Continue reading The Pressure to Shorten the Settlement Cycle From T+3 to T+2 Has Increased →

FINRA Designates Chief Information Security Officer as New Role

Legal Alerts,

FINRA maintains contact information records of all Executive Representatives, Chief Compliance Officers and other individuals at firms, including contacts that are required under FINRA rules and By-Laws, and others that are voluntary on the FINRA Contact System (FCS). Historically, FINRA has used this information for regulatory communications, compliance purposes and ballots for Board and other … Continue reading FINRA Designates Chief Information Security Officer as New Role →

FINRA Releases New Written Supervisory Procedures Checklist

Legal Alerts,

FINRA has released an updated Written Supervisory Procedures Checklist to reflect new FINRA rules. The Written Supervisory Procedures Checklist (“WSP Checklist”) is an outline of selected key topics representative of the range of business activities typically proposed by applicants seeking approval to become FINRA members or to expand their existing securities business under NASD Membership … Continue reading FINRA Releases New Written Supervisory Procedures Checklist →

FINRA Proposes New Registration Category for Corporate Financing Brokers

Compliance Notice, Legal Alerts, ,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) has announced a proposed new set of rules that address the needs of FINRA member firms that are solely corporate financing firms that advise companies on mergers and acquisitions, advise issuers on raising debt and equity capital in private placements with institutional investors, or provide advisory services on a … Continue reading FINRA Proposes New Registration Category for Corporate Financing Brokers →

FINRA Proposes “Pay-To-Play” Rules

Legal Alerts, ,

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) has filed a proposed rule change to adopt FINRA Rules 2030 (Engaging in Distribution and Solicitation Activities with Government Entities) and 4580 (Books and Records Requirements for Government Distribution and Solicitation Activities) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to establish “pay-to-play” and related rules that would regulate … Continue reading FINRA Proposes “Pay-To-Play” Rules →

Building a Stronger Defense Against Cybersecurity: FINRA Conference

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FINRA’s Cybersecurity Conference provides a forum to learn the fundamentals and take a deeper dive into key areas of cybersecurity. Understand your organization’s vulnerabilities, the range of potential threats and learn tips to identify them. Gain knowledge for how to protect your organization from cyber threats and how to respond and recover when attacked