On The Front Lines of Protecting Investors
FINRA’s priorities are clear: getting bad brokers out of the industry, returning money to harmed investors, and preventing and deterring future misconduct. We stand ready on the front lines of investor protection to act quickly, root out potential fraud, and aggressively stop those who take advantage of vulnerable investors.
To carry out our mission, FINRA monitors and examines for member firm compliance with FINRA rules, MSRB rules, and federal securities laws and rules, and works to detect and address possible fraud or other misconduct. We investigate possible misconduct and bring disciplinary actions for violations of industry rules and regulations. We coordinate closely with the SEC and other federal and state regulators.
We register and administer qualification examinations to securities industry personnel who conduct business with the investing public, and require them to achieve and maintain certification as members of FINRA. We operate a fair and efficient dispute resolution forum for investors, brokerage firms and their registered employees.
We provide BrokerCheck®, a free online tool that allows the investing public to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisers and firms. We offer investors financial tools and resources through the FINRA Investor Education Foundation®.
Protecting investors—this is our core mission.
Featured
News Release
Firm Also Fined $350,000 for Failing to Reasonably Supervise Recommended Securities Transactions and Other Violations
WASHINGTON—FINRA announced today that it sanctioned Worden Capital Management LLC (WCM) more than $1.5 million, including approximately $1.2 million in restitution to customers whose accounts were excessively traded by the firm’s representatives, and a $350,000 fine for supervisory and other violations.
News Release
$2.7 Million in Restitution to Customers; Two Matters Resolved Through Settlements and 17 Matters Resolved Through Cautionary Actions, Resulting in Remediation to Customers and Correction of Supervisory Deficiencies
WASHINGTON—FINRA today announced initial results of its voluntary self-reporting 529 Plan Share Class Initiative (529 initiative), which include more than $2.7 million in restitution and interest to customers owning approximately 3,900 accounts, arising from settlements with two firms and 17 matters resolved through cautionary action letters.
News Release
Firm Ordered to Pay $4.4 Million in Restitution to Approximately 2,400 Affected Customers
WASHINGTON—FINRA announced today that Transamerica Financial Advisors, Inc. (TFA) has agreed to pay approximately $4.4 million in restitution to approximately 2,400 customers for failing to supervise its registered representatives’ recommendations of three different products - variable annuities, mutual funds, and 529 plans. FINRA also fined TFA $4.4 million.
Podcast
For some investors a high-volume trading strategy could be something that they seek. For others it might be a sign of excessive trading. But when does a lot become too much? What does a firm's responsibility when it comes to supervising for this behavior? On this episode, FINRA Enforcement's Chris Kelly joins us to tell us more.
Blog Post
Laura is a single mother who earns less than $40,000 per year. In 2016, Laura, who had little investing experience, decided to invest in the stock market. She met with a broker and, at his suggestion, opened a brokerage account and deposited approximately $13,500—which constituted almost all of her savings. Less than a year later, Laura’s account had lost more than $9,000. Yet, Laura’s broker had made more than $11,000 in commissions. How did this happen? Laura was a victim of excessive trading by her broker.
Blog Post
In light of the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, FINRA recently launched an online testing service for candidates seeking to take qualification exams remotely.
News Release
Firms to Pay $1.4 Million in Restitution to Approximately 100 Affected Customers
WASHINGTON—FINRA announced today that Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC and Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (Wells Fargo) have agreed to pay more than $1.4 million in restitution, plus interest, to approximately 100 customers and fines totaling $675,000 for failing to supervise recommendations that customers switch from variable annuities to investment company products.
Blog Post
In the last two years, FINRA has barred more than 730 brokers and associated persons. What was the most prevalent rule violation that resulted in these bars?
Podcast
You can't talk about investor protection without talking about senior investors. With a substantial increase in recent years in the number of cases involving the exploitation of seniors, FINRA Enforcement has made protecting this segment of the population a priority. On this episode, we hear what FINRA is doing and how firms can work with FINRA in this important effort.
Podcast
The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike any other crisis in recent history, which presents an opportunity to criminals who are flexible and adaptable. That means firms and regulators must be flexible and adaptable too. So FINRA created a COVID-19 Task Force to help FINRA tackle emerging issues to quickly protect investors and our markets.
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