FINRA Ombudsman

The FINRA Office of the Ombudsman provides a forum for member firms and their associated persons, public investors, and FINRA staff members to voice their concerns of unfair practices or disparate treatment. The objective of the Ombudsman's Office as an independent, neutral, and confidential source of assistance, is to receive and address concerns and complaints from any source concerning the operations, enforcement, or other activities of FINRA or any of its staff members. Where established procedures exist currently regarding the application of rules, policies, procedures, or interpretations, the Ombudsman will direct the matter to the appropriate office, department, or company. The function of the Ombudsman's Office is not intended to be an appeals forum for unpopular decisions made in other forums, or an arbitrary alternative to a program that already exists.

 

The Ombudsman will always attempt to assist you in identifying the appropriate method of resolving your problem or complaint, even if the Office does not become directly involved in the matter.

 

The Ombudsman's Office was created in response to a recommendation from the FINRA Select Committee on Structure and Governance and ratified by the FINRA Board of Governors Audit Committee, as an alternative channel of communication—complementing, but not replacing, FINRA's comprehensive program of formal resolution channels that include adjudication and dispute resolution. It has unrestricted access to all company functions, records, and personnel. The Ombudsman Office does not have direct authority over FINRA personnel or the departments it reviews.

 

The Office of the Ombudsman is a department staffed with several Ombudsmen, men and women who are trained and have experience in handling a variety of matters. The Ombudsman, as a designated neutral party, has the responsibility of maintaining strict confidentiality concerning matters that are brought to his/her attention unless given explicit permission to do otherwise. The only exception, at the sole discretion of the Ombudsman, is where a threat of serious physical harm to individuals appears imminent or a critical breach of security is probable. The Ombudsman will take all reasonable steps to protect any records or files pertaining to confidential discussion from inspection by all other persons, including management.

 

For more information, contact the FINRA Ombudsman's Office at:

 

FINRA Office of the Ombudsman
P.O. Box 9492
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20898-9492
Phone: (240) 386-6270
Toll-Free Number: (888) 700-0028
Email: FINRA Office of the Ombudsman