This begins with ensuring that all firms and individuals are appropriately registered with FINRA and that individuals have passed relevant qualification exams. From there, we require individuals to take continuing education courses as well as offer ongoing optional programs in subject areas such as compliance, regulatory, ethical and sales practice standards, among others.

FINRA regularly engages with member firms to provide resources, tools and effective practices that help facilitate compliance with our rules. Each year, we provide an annual Exam Findings and Observations Report, Annual Exam and Risk Monitoring Priorities Letter, and host other timely, topical events such as member roundtables and forums.

We also believe that it is appropriate, after a reasonable period, to look back at our significant rulemakings to determine whether a rule or rule set is meeting its intended investor-protection objectives. These retrospective reviews look at the substance and application of a rule or rule set, including any unintended consequences, as well as our processes to administer the rules.