Pandemic Preparedness

One of the elements of FINRA's BCP rule (NASD Rule 3510) is a financial and operational assessment. This element requires firms to consider operational risk exposure to relevant threats, including a pandemic. Firms need to be prepared for the possible effects of a pandemic, which may include absenteeism, school closings, transportation difficulties and telecommunications slowdowns. Pandemic influenza also may have the ability to impact a geographically diverse area.

 

2009 Pandemic Survey Results

 

In 2009 FINRA conducted a voluntary firm survey to determine preparedness for a pandemic in light of current events involving influenza A (H1N1). This survey continues FINRA's efforts to assist firms with business continuity planning by facilitating the exchange of information. FINRA conducted a similar survey following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, resulting in Notice to Members 06-74, which provides valuable, real-world insight into the effectiveness of planning and implementing a BCP. FINRA plans to publish a Notice on pandemic preparedness practices based on the results of the 2009 survey.

 

We received responses from 109 firms. The survey results show that for those firms responding:

  • almost all conducted a review of the potential impact of a pandemic;
  • almost all have a BCP specifically addressing a pandemic;
  • the vast majority tested their pandemic plans; and
  • many firms' pandemic plans were triggered by declarations or events surrounding influenza A (H1N1).

 

While the results are generally positive, there remains work to be done for firms to be better prepared for a pandemic. For example, one in five firms did not yet test their pandemic plans. Testing the plan to some extent is an important part of preparation. FINRA examiners are assessing firms' BCPs, looking at how they have taken a possible pandemic into account in their BCPs.

 

Below is a summary of the aggregate survey results.

 

Summary of Results
1. Has your firm conducted a review of the potential impact of a pandemic? Yes 97%
No 3%
2. Does your firm have a business continuity plan specifically addressing a pandemic? Yes 94%
No 6%
3. If your firm has a specific pandemic plan, has your firm tested the plan? Yes 80%
No 20%
4. If your firm has tested its pandemic plan, how did the firm perform such tests? FSSCC* Pandemic Exercise 41%
Simulation 13%
Other 46%
5. Considering current events involving influenza A (H1N1), a/k/a "swine flu," have any portions of your firm's pandemic plan been triggered? Yes 61%
No 39%
6. If any portions of your firm's pandemic plan have been triggered, what were the trigger points? WHO Declaration of Pandemic Phase 4 27%
WHO Declaration of Pandemic Phase 5 4%
WHO Declaration of Pandemic Phase 6 18%
U.S. Federal Declaration of Public Health Emergency 7%
CDC Guidance 19%
Press reports 6%
Other 20%
7. If any portions of your firm's pandemic plan have been triggered, what actions or protocols have been activated? (free text responses)
8. If any portions of your firm's pandemic plan have been triggered, how have these areas of the plan been working?
(Select 1 to 5, where 1 means the plan is working poorly and 5 means the plan is working very well.)		 1 0%
2 5%
3 6%
4 44%
5 45%
9. Has your firm experienced above-average absenteeism? Yes 4%
No 96%
10. Please describe what your firm believes would be your most significant challenges in the event of a pandemic. Absenteeism 25%
Access to online accounts 1%
Commuting 9%
Counterparties 4%
Market volatility 4%
Power disruptions 2%
Provision of customer service 8%
Regulatory filings 4%
Remote work arrangements 12%
Telecommunication disruptions 12%
Trade clearance and settlement 5%
Transportation 6%
Other 6%
11. Does your firm's business continuity plan address the most significant challenges identified above? Yes 97%
No 3%
12. Please describe any regulatory relief your firm believes would be beneficial in the event of a pandemic. Books and records 8%
Communications 6%
Continuing education 10%
Credit/margin regulation 4%
Emergency office locations 9%
FOCUS filings 8%
Military personnel/national guard 2%
Qualification examinations 7%
Registration filings 9%
Regulatory filings 11%
Supervision 9%
Trade reporting 7%
Other 8%

* Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council.

 

Pandemic Planning Resources

 

 

Papers, Studies and Research Material

 

 

Related Links