Rule Modernization Progress Continues | FINRA.org

Rule Modernization Progress Continues

October 14, 2026

Features

  • Rule Modernization Progress Continues
    FINRA this week shared an update on our rule modernization work with the latest Quarterly Regulatory Policy Agenda and a blog by FINRA Chief Legal Officer Robert Colby. The blog highlights two significant milestones—a new Outside Activities rule and new intraday margin standards—and previews several upcoming areas of focus. They include plans to seek comment on new approaches to address fraudulent customer account transfers; propose making the Remote Inspections Pilot Program permanent; modernize supervisory obligations; revise FINRA’s continuing education programs; amend rules for reviewing applications for new and continuing membership; update best execution guidance; and propose a more risk-based standard for supervising retail communications.
     
  • New and Enhanced Investor Tools Now Live
    FINRA unveiled three new and enhanced tools to help investors navigate the markets and recognize fraud. The Market Data and Investments Explorer brings together market, product, and company data with educational context to make market information and investing terms easier to understand. The Risk Meter helps investors assess their susceptibility to investment fraud with a personalized fraud vulnerability rating and tips to strengthen their defenses. The Scam Meter builds awareness of red flags and delivers insights into where an investor may benefit from additional vigilance. More information about FINRA’s free investor resources is available here.
     
  • Notice on Bulk Investment Adviser Order Approval
    FINRA Regulatory Notice 26-17, published Oct. 9, summarizes recently approved amendments to FINRA Rule 4515.01 (Allocations of Orders Made by Investment Advisers). Part of FINRA Forward rule modernization, the amendments preserve investor protections while removing unnecessary burdens in light of technological advances in the processing of allocations. Specifically, they eliminate the requirement that a principal review and approve allocations of bulk investment adviser orders received after trade date. The amendments take effect Nov. 16.
     
  • Report from September Board of Governors Meeting  
    The FINRA Board of Governors approved rule proposals and received updates on key FINRA initiatives at its third quarterly meeting Sept. 29-30. The Board received several briefings covering FINRA’s AI strategy, our market surveillance program, our cyber and information security program, our rule modernization initiative, the recent integration of several teams into a unified Regulatory Operations division, and steps we are taking to address recommendations from the recent outside review of our enforcement program. You may find more information about the meeting here.
Regulatory Reminders
  • Order Allocation Procedures: Rule change to eliminate the requirement that late allocations of bulk investment adviser orders be approved by a firm principal will take effect Nov. 6.
     
  • 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 8-9 p.m. ET, Mondays through Thursdays, excluding holidays.

Disciplinary Actions

  • FINRA publishes disciplinary actions to remind members of specific conduct that violates FINRA rules and may result in disciplinary action. The September 2026 Monthly Disciplinary Actions are available here.
Education and Compliance Programs

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

Report Center Webinar Series: MSRB Report Cards | Oct. 22 | Virtual Event

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

FINRA Virtual Registration Systems Foundation | Nov. 4-5 | Virtual Event

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

Annual Conference | May 11-13, 2027 | Hybrid Event | Washington, DC

Crypto Applied Learning Program | June 8-10, 2027 | In-Person Event | Washington, DC

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

Resources

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.

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About FINRA
FINRA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. FINRA regulates one critical part of the securities industry—member brokerage firms doing business with the public in the U.S. FINRA, overseen by the SEC, writes rules, examines for and enforces compliance with FINRA rules and federal securities laws, registers broker-dealer personnel and offers them education and training, and informs the investing public. In addition, FINRA provides surveillance and other regulatory services for equities and options markets, as well as trade reporting and other industry utilities. FINRA also administers a dispute resolution forum for investors and brokerage firms and their registered employees. For more information, visit www.finra.org.
Regulatory Contacts
FINRA By-Laws require member firms to maintain an email account on behalf of their executive representatives, to facilitate firm notification of important information. In light of this, requests from executive representatives to be removed from this email list cannot be honored.
 
Firms wishing to change the name or email address of their executive representative or designated assistant should use the FINRA Contact System: http://www.finra.org/FCS.
 
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