Parties must arbitrate a dispute under the Code if:

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), if the Code provides that the parties may agree to modify a provision of the Code, or a decision of the Director or the panel, the written agreement of all named parties is required.

(b) If the Director or the panel determines that a named party is inactive in the arbitration, or has failed to respond after adequate notice has been given, the Director or the panel may determine that the written agreement of that party is not required while the party is inactive or not responsive.

(a) Submitting a dispute to arbitration under the Code does not limit or preclude any right, action or determination by FINRA that it would otherwise be authorized to adopt, administer or enforce.

(b) During the pendency of an arbitration, any arbitrator may refer to the Director any matter or conduct that has come to the arbitrator's attention during a hearing, which the arbitrator has reason to believe poses a serious threat, whether ongoing or imminent, that is likely to harm investors unless immediate action is taken.

(a) The Board shall appoint a Director of FINRA Dispute Resolution Services. The Director shall perform all the administrative duties relating to arbitrations submitted under the Code.

(a) Pursuant to Section II of the Plan of Allocation and Delegation of Functions by FINRA to FINRA Regulation, Inc. ("Delegation Plan"), the Board shall appoint a National Arbitration and Mediation Committee ("NAMC").

(a) Applicability of Code

The Code applies to any dispute between a customer and a member or associated person of a member that is submitted to arbitration under Rule 12200 or 12201.

(b) Incorporation by Reference

When a dispute is submitted to arbitration under the Code pursuant to an arbitratio

Unless otherwise defined in the Code, terms used in the Code and interpretive material, if defined in the FINRA By-Laws, shall have the meaning as defined in the FINRA By-Laws.

The term "Arbitrator and Mediator Portal" means the web-based system that allows invited arbitrators and mediators to access a secure section of FINRA's website to submit documents and information and view their arbitration and mediation case information and document

It may be deemed conduct inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade and a violation of Rule 2010 for a member or a person associated with a member to:

(a) fail to submit a dispute for arbitration under the Code as required by the Code;

(b) fail to comply with any injunctive order issued pursuant to the Code;

(c) fail to appear or to produce any docum