Notice on 2026 Renewal Program

November 5, 2025

Features

  • Notice on 2026 Renewal Program 
    Preliminary statements for firm, individual, and branch renewals for 2026 will be posted in E-bill on Nov. 10, while final statements will be available on Jan. 2, 2026. Full payment of the preliminary statements by Dec. 8 is mandatory. Late payments will incur fees and may result in business ineligibility in certain jurisdictions. Please see the Notice for more details and visit the FINRA Fee Adjustment Schedule page for additional information. 
     
  • New Ways for Firms to Report Required Information 
    FINRA recently adopted system enhancements to enable member firms to electronically deliver required information relating to Form U4, Form U5, and predispute arbitration through the Financial Professional Gateway (FinPro Gateway™). FINRA has published several resources to help firms satisfy their regulatory obligations through this new functionality, including step-by-step guidance on opting in, frequently asked questions, and recommendations to meet the conditions described in our Aug. 15 Notice announcing the enhancements. Firms may access these resources here. 
     
  • New FINRA Unscripted Episode Features Small Firm Discussion 
    The latest edition of the FINRA Unscripted podcast delves into the unique challenges faced by small firms, featuring a conversation between FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook and Small Firm Advisory Committee Chair Preston Haxo at last month’s Small Firm Conference. The two discussed the vital role of the SFAC, how FINRA Forward aims to reduce burdens for small firms, the practical ways small firms can engage with FINRA, and more. You can listen to the podcast here. 
     
  • Listen to the Small Firm Briefing 
    In case you were unable to tune into last week’s Small Firm Briefing, an on-demand recording is available here. Robert Cook and the three small firm governors from our Board—Erin Baskett, Wendy Lanton, and Jennifer Szaro—joined FINRA’s Vice President of Member Relations and Education Kayte Toczylowski for a conversation on how small firms are navigating today's evolving regulatory landscape. 
     
  • Compliance Outreach Program Postponed  
    The Compliance Outreach Program for Municipal Advisors and Municipal Dealers that was originally scheduled for Nov. 18-19 has been postponed due to the federal government shutdown. We plan to reschedule the event—which is hosted by FINRA, the SEC, and the MSRB—and will post the new dates in this newsletter. 
     
  • ICYMI: Cook on GenAI 
    In a recent blog, Robert Cook discusses how FINRA is leveraging GenAI to strengthen our regulatory programs while maintaining strong governance and controls. Cook also details how FINRA is engaging with member firms regarding their use of GenAI through regular risk monitoring outreach, industry roundtables, and discussions with our advisory committees.
Regulatory Information, Upcoming Deadlines, Effective Dates
New
  • Notice on 2026 Renewal Program: Preliminary statements for firm, individual, and branch renewals for 2026 will be posted in E-bill on Nov. 10. See above feature for details.
Reminders
  • SFAC and Regional Committee Elections: The elections to fill one open seat on the Small Firm Advisory Committee and several vacancies on the Regional Committees have begun. Firms eligible to vote in the elections should have received voting instructions and ballots from FINRA’s election agent ([email protected]) and will have until Nov. 19 to cast their votes. 
     
  • 2026 Regulatory Element: FINRA Rule 1240 requires registered persons to complete the Regulatory Element annually by Dec. 31 for each registration that they hold.
Disciplinary Actions
  • FINRA on Monday fined First Trust Portfolios L.P. $10 million for providing excessive non-cash compensation (e.g., gifts, meals, and entertainment) in connection with the distribution of First Trust investment company securities and related misconduct. First Trust consented to the entry of FINRA’s findings, without admitting or denying the charges. In addition, the firm agreed to provide annual compliance certifications to FINRA for three years regarding the issues identified in the settlement. You may read the press release here. 
     
  • FINRA publishes disciplinary actions to remind members of specific conduct that violates FINRA rules and may result in disciplinary action. The October 2025 Monthly Disciplinary Actions are available here.
Education and Compliance Programs
FINOP Focus: Annual Reporting Updates Part I | Nov. 17 | Virtual Event  
 
Resources
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.

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

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 – Monthly podcast on a range of topics important to FINRA members and other stakeholders.

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.
 
Subscribers
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