Reminder on Completing Continuing Education Requirements

• Rule for Approval of Bulk Investment Adviser Orders: FINRA filed a proposal with the SEC to eliminate the requirement that late allocations of bulk investment adviser orders be approved by a firm principal. The proposal recognizes the limited utility and operational challenges of obtaining principal approval in today’s automated environment while maintaining important investor protections. Comments are due to the SEC by Aug. 11.
   
• SEC Requests Comment on Proposed Exemption for Collective Trust Funds: The SEC issued an order July 9 to institute proceedings to determine whether to approve or disapprove FINRA’s amended proposal to exempt collective trust funds from IPO allocation rules. Comments on the proposal, as amended, were due to the SEC by Aug. 4 and rebuttal comments are due by Aug. 18.
   
• FINRA Seeks Comment on Modernizing Communications Rule: FINRA published Regulatory Notice 26-14 on July 9 requesting comment on a proposal to modernize our rules related to communications with the public. Comments are due by Sept. 11.
   
• TRF Operating Hours: FINRA’s Trade Reporting Facilities (TRFs) will extend their operating hours. Starting Dec. 6, they will operate from 9 p.m. ET on Sundays through 8 p.m. ET on Fridays, with a one-hour technical pause from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET, Mondays through Thursdays, excluding holidays.
   
• TRACE Transition to Native FIX: FINRA is transitioning from our legacy FIX Protocol platform to a new Native FIX platform for TRACE trade reporting. We anticipate retiring all TRACE legacy FIX reporting late in the fourth quarter.
   
• FINRA Seeks Comment on Modernizing Best Execution Guidance: FINRA published Regulatory Notice 26-15 on July 24 to request comment on how we can modernize our best execution guidance to facilitate investor protection and market integrity under the existing principles-based standard. Comments are due by Sept. 25.

Disciplinary Actions

Financial Crimes and Cybersecurity Conference | Aug. 10-11 | Hybrid Event | New York, NY

Report Center Webinar Series: Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) Report Cards | Aug. 13 | Virtual Event

Advertising Regulation Conference | Oct. 15-16 | Hybrid Event | Washington, DC

FINRA Small Firm Conference | Oct. 27-28 | In-Person Event | Chicago, IL

FINRA Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP)^® Program Week II | Nov. 15-20 | In-Person Event | Washington, DC

Crypto and Blockchain Education Program Foundational E-Learning Courses | Self-Paced

Member Firm Hub – The latest guidance, resources, educational opportunities and more.

FINRA Forward – An overview of our work in action for becoming more effective and efficient at pursuing our mission is available on FINRA.org. The webpages include information and videos about our efforts to modernize our rules, empower member firm compliance, and combat cyber and fraud threats.

Quarterly Regulatory Policy Agenda – An overview of our current priorities for significant regulatory policy initiatives.

Comment Process – On-demand webinar on how to provide comments on FINRA Forward proposals, as well as the impact of comment letters and how they are used. 

Involvement and Election Process – How to engage with FINRA to help carry out our mission of protecting investors and safeguarding market integrity. Members can contribute their unique perspectives and skillsets with rotating terms on FINRA committees and other opportunities. Submit an indication of interest to be considered to join a FINRA advisory committee or speak at a FINRA event by clicking here.

Membership Application Program (MAP) Tools – Guidance and other resources to help current members prepare for their continuing membership application (CMA) and new applicants prepare for a new member application (NMA).

FINRA Unscripted – A monthly podcast that discusses a range of topics important to the securities industry.

Investor Insights – Feature articles on timely topics for investors, which firms are welcome to share with customers.