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Guidance

We offer guidance to firms in the form of podcasts, webinars, FAQs, reports, and more. Use the toggle below to find guidance by topic, type or date. 

5 A B C D E F G H I L M N O P Q R S T V
Compliance Tools
FINRA has assembled a list of resources that firms may use to manage their cybersecurity risk. These resources include: news and analysis; effective practices and guidance; and free diagnostic tools...
October 25, 2016
Compliance Tools
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These reports and report cards display summaries and statistics related to various risk factors, including sales practice and customer complaints, and more.

October 25, 2016
Targeted Examination Letter
FINRA is conducting an inquiry with respect to Unit Investment Trust (“UIT”) rollovers. In connection with our inquiry, we request that firm provide the following documents and information for the period from January 1, 2014 through June 30, 2016 (the “Review Period”) to the undersigned by no later than October 10, 2016.
September 13, 2016
FAQ
In March 2016, the SEC approved the adoption of FINRA Rule 2273 (Educational Communication Related to Recruitment Practices and Account Transfers).
August 19, 2016
Guidance
Application for exemptive relief from trade reporting obligation for certain teransactions on an Alternative Trading System
August 09, 2016
Targeted Examination Letter
FINRA is conducting an inquiry with respect to non-traded Business Development Companies (“BDCs”).
August 04, 2016
FAQ
Q1. Is a firm required to report on the OBS the market value of underwriting commitments entered into on a “best efforts” basis?
A1. No. Underwriting commitments entered into on a “best efforts” basis are not required to be reported on the OBS.
Q2.
June 16, 2016
Guidance
In connection with the Mutual Fund Waiver Sweep and pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210, FINRA requests that the Firm provide the following documents and information to FINRA staff on or before June 10, 2016 regarding the above referenced Sweep.
May 16, 2016
Guidance
Based on the information provided in your application, and conditioned upon Tradeweb Direct providing the items listed below, the staff has determined that Tradeweb Direct meets the specified criteria and hereby grants, pursuant to FINRA Rule 9610, Tradeweb Direct an exemption from the trade reporting obligation under FINRA Rule 6730, subject to the monthly transaction reporting obligation and remission of the transaction reporting fees based on the fee schedule set forth in Rule 7730(b)(1) for each exempted sell transaction occurring on the ATS.
May 16, 2016
Guidance
Direct Purchases and Bank Loans as Alternatives to Public Financing in the Municipal Securities Market
April 04, 2016
Interpretive Letter
A member firm that provides services to Non-ERISA Plan participants and beneficiaries may rely on the filing exclusions contained in Rule 2210(c)(7)(B) and (C) in preparing and distributing a “Model Disclosure” as described in the letter, subject to the stated conditions and obligations discussed in the letter.
March 22, 2016
Arbitration and Mediation
DR Portal FAQ for Arbitrators and Mediators
March 17, 2016
Report / Study

Technology has long played a central role in financial services innovation. It continues to do so today as many firms in the securities industry introduce new digital investment advice tools to assist in developing and managing investment portfolios. FINRA undertook a review of selected digital investment advice tools to assess these developments.

March 15, 2016
Report / Study

FINRA is conducting a retrospective review of the NASD Rule 1010 Series (Membership Proceedings) (collectively, MAP rules), which govern FINRA’s Membership Application Program (MAP).1 The purpose of the review is to assess whether the rules are meeting their intended investor protection objectives by reasonably efficient means and to take steps to maintain or improve the effectiveness of the rules while minimizing negative economic impacts.

March 11, 2016
Targeted Examination Letter
Firm culture has a profound influence on how a broker-dealer conducts its business, including how it manages conflicts of interest.
February 18, 2016
FAQ
FINRA Rule 5131 (New Issue Allocations and Distributions) addresses potential misconduct in the allocation and distribution of new issues.
January 29, 2016
Exemptive Letter
Exemptive relief is denied based on: Firm D was subject to a ban that was discernible via a review of publicly available Forms G-37 which disclosed that a PAC controlled by Firm D or a Firm D MFP made political contributions to the Issuer Officials; Firm D had a long history of making contributions to the Issuer Officials; the ban attached to Firm A upon completion of the acquisition of Firm D; neither Firm A nor Firm D attempted to obtain refunds of the contributions; Firm A’s proposed supervisory systems are not adequate to address regulatory concerns presented.
January 04, 2016
Report / Study

On April 20, 2015, FINRA launched a significant new initiative—the FINRA Securities Helpline for Seniors (HELPSTM)—to broaden its investor protection efforts. As part of FINRA’s commitment to the protection of senior investors, the Helpline is intended to be the “go-to” resource for senior investors with securities-related questions and concerns.

December 30, 2015
Guidance

FINRA Rule 2210(d)(8) (Communications with the Public) requires a firm to include a readily apparent reference and hyperlink to BrokerCheck on the initial Web page that the firm intends to be viewed by retail investors, and any other webpage that includes a professional profile of one or more registered persons, who conduct business with retail investors.

December 17, 2015
Guidance
On this free, on-demand recording of a WebEx presentation, FINRA staff members discuss new and updated fixed income-related Report Cards.
November 25, 2015
FAQ

FINRA is committed to ensuring that all respondents are treated fairly in the disciplinary process. Below, you will find brief answers to a number of questions frequently asked by respondents. We hope these answers will be helpful in orienting you to the disciplinary process.

September 18, 2015
FAQ
Web EFT Frequently Asked Questions
September 11, 2015
Targeted Examination Letter
As referenced in FINRA's Annual Priorities Letter, conflicts of interest represent a recurring challenge that contribute to compliance and supervisory breakdowns which can lead to firms and registered representatives, at times, compromising the quality of service they provide to clients.
August 01, 2015
Video
From the FINRA 2015 Annual Conference, a panel discussion about ways to get involved via committee service, elections, and comment letters.
July 31, 2015
Guidance
Guidance Relating to Firm Short Positions and Fails-to-Receive in Municipal Securities
July 30, 2015