How We Operate
FINRA is a not-for-profit, self-regulatory organization dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. Learn how our structure and operations safeguard investors.
Regulatory Operations
Protecting investors and safeguarding markets requires constant vigilance. FINRA’s three groups in Regulatory Operations oversee member firms, monitor market activity and, where appropriate, bring disciplinary actions. RegOps consists of three key units:
Member Supervision
Member Supervision conducts examinations of member firms to ensure compliance with securities regulations, reviews new firm applications and monitors for potential risks. Member Supervision encompasses Examinations, National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Programs (NCFC), Risk Monitoring, including the Membership Application Program (MAP), and Strategic and Threat Intelligence (StratIntel).
Market Oversight
Market Oversight monitors compliance with FINRA rules and federal securities laws by leveraging an innovative market surveillance program to identify market manipulation or other misconduct in the securities markets. The department also conducts investigations into potential market and trading related violations and provides compliance support through FINRA’s Rapid Remediation review process and Report Cards Program.
Enforcement
FINRA’s Department of Enforcement investigates potential securities violations and, when necessary, brings disciplinary actions against firms and individuals who break the rules. Find detailed information about their processes, priorities and resources on the Enforcement page.
Market & Regulatory Services
Market & Regulatory Services (MRS) strategically manages and coordinates a range of highly technology-dependent and operationally complex facilities and services for the benefit of FINRA’s regulatory programs, other regulators, market participants and the investing public. MRS consists of three key units:
Transparency Services
Transparency Services runs systems that collect and share real-time and historical trading information for over-the-counter (OTC) stocks and bonds. These systems provide current prices and trade data to investors and market professionals, while maintaining the databases and audit trails FINRA uses to oversee these markets.
Credentialing, Registration, Education and Disclosure (CRED)
FINRA's CRED department registers securities professionals through the Central Registration Depository (CRD) program. CRED administers qualification exams, delivers the securities industry continuing education program, and oversees BrokerCheck, a free online tool that provides investors with comprehensive information about firms and financial professionals.
Regulatory Services Management (RSM)
RSM is FINRA’s centralized point of strategic and operational support for managing FINRA’s Regulatory Service Agreements (RSAs) with securities exchanges and the various services provided across FINRA pursuant to the RSAs.
Technology
In today's markets, data is everything. FINRA’s Technology team develops and maintains sophisticated tools that support FINRA's data-driven approach to oversight. From cloud computing and AI to innovative surveillance systems, the Technology team ensures we have the technological edge to monitor markets effectively. Discover how they empower our teams on the Technology page.
Office of Regulatory Economics and Market Analysis (REMA)
Our markets are ever evolving, and so must our rules. REMA conducts research and analysis to guide FINRA's rule making, helping our regulations reflect the realities of modern finance and protect investors in a changing landscape. Under the guidance of FINRA's Chief Economist, REMA uses research and analysis to shape FINRA's rules and policies. REMA empowers decision-making by assessing economic impact and proactively protects investors by providing driven insights for rule making and Regulatory Operations.
Office of the Chief Legal Officer
The Office of the Chief Legal Officer forms the foundation of our regulatory framework. This office writes, interprets and helps enforce the rules that govern all FINRA-registered broker-dealer firms and their individual representatives in the United States. This office's work ensures a level playing field for all firms and investors. Among the groups within this department are Advertising Regulation and Corporate Financing.
Member Relations & Education (MRE)
MRE fosters collaboration and understanding between FINRA and our member firms. This group provides firms with tools and educational opportunities to help them understand and comply with their regulatory obligations, and help firms inform FINRA as to where those obligations need to adapt to meet changing markets and business practices.
Investor Education
We believe empowered investors make smarter decisions. The Office of Investor Education provides investors with the knowledge, skills and resources they need to protect their financial interests. This includes tools to spot fraud, educational programs and support for underserved communities through the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. Visit the Investor page to see more of their work.
Dispute Resolution Services (DRS)
When disputes arise, DRS provides a fair, efficient and cost-effective forum for resolving securities-related disagreements between investors, brokerage firms and registered representatives. Explore their commitment to impartial processes on the Arbitration and Mediation page.
Office of the Ombuds
FINRA’s Office of the Ombuds is an independent, neutral and confidential resource for anyone with questions or concerns about FINRA. This group assists individuals who have questions or concerns about the activities of FINRA and its employees, believe the issue cannot be resolved through normal channels, or seek anonymity. Visit the Ombuds page for more information.