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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

The table below provides a reference description for all of the elements found for ATS Cross Manipulation exceptions identified during the month.  


Compliance Tools

The Market Order Timeliness Statistical Report is published monthly based upon firm-reported data detailing the number of customer market orders executed by your firm in NMS securities and classifying these orders based on time duration to execute. Supplementary Material .01 of FINRA Rule 5310 – Best Execution and Interpositioning - states that member firms must make every effort to execute marketable customer orders it receives fully and promptly.


FAQ
Following are "Frequently Asked Questions" regarding the Order Audit Trail System (OATS).

About FINRA

Background

FINRA has been actively monitoring financial technology-related (FinTech) developments in the securities industry. A growing number of FinTech firms have been embracing new technologies, pioneering innovative products and developing new client-oriented financial services business models. Many traditional financial service providers are also rethinking their business models, incorporating these technologies and services. As part of the FINRA360 process, FINRA determined that it needed to enhance resources dedicated to this rapidly developing area of the industry.


FAQ

The FINRA qualification and registration requirements are set forth in FINRA Rules 1210 through 1240.1 These rules, among other things: (1) require the registration of individuals as representatives or principals; (2) allow for the permissive registration of associated persons of firms; (3) establish a waiver program for individuals working for a financial services industry affiliate of a member firm; (4) require firms to designate a Principal Financial Officer and a Principal Operations Officer; and (5) set forth requirements for registered persons who are to function as princip


Compliance Tools

The Web CRD Late Filing Fee Report is a monthly analysis of FINRA firms' ability to meet certain filing obligations. In accordance with FINRA rules, firms are required to submit information related to registered representatives. This report displays a firm's performance in submitting certain U4 and U5 filings in the required time frame.


Compliance Tools

Term

Description

Exceptions Periods

Date of all listed options position, as reported.

Total Number of Exceptions

Total number of issues reported during the period.

Large Options Positions Reported (LOPR) - Listed Detail Data

Term


FAQ
1. Does Rule 5110 apply to public offerings that also are regulated under Rule 2310?
Yes. Rule 2310 regulates the underwriting terms and arrangements of direct participation programs and unlisted real estate investment trusts (collectively, “Investment Programs”) that are publicly offered. All public offerings in which a member participates, with limited exceptions provided in Rule 5110(h), must be filed, including Investment Programs.
2.

Compliance Tools

Overview

This guidance is intended to provide direction on key information for a prospective and existing FINRA member firm that is contemplating to engage in activities utilizing an online platform or mobile application.1 Under Standard 6 of FINRA’s Standards for Admission (Standard), an applicant’s online platform or mobile application that the applicant intends to employ for the purpose of conducting business with customers and other members must be adequate and provide reasonably for business continuity.


FAQ
The following are frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding renewals that are applicable to broker-dealer (BD) firms. If your firm is a joint broker-dealer/investment adviser (BD/IA) firm,

Guidance
Below are links to the central web sites that provide copies of each of the three NMS Plans in which FINRA participates.

Compliance Tools
These report cards will help firms track their compliance with key equity trading rules related to CAT, Best Execution Outside-of-the-Inside, Market Order Timeliness, Trade Reporting and Reg NMS trade throughs.

About FINRA

Background

In response to the March 2017 Special Notice on Engagement issued as part of FINRA360, FINRA received a number of comments and suggestions regarding the effectiveness of communications with and education of firms, including ways in which FINRA could enhance its engagement with member firms. After careful review of the comments and suggestions received, FINRA is taking a number of actions.  


FAQ
Supervision Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

About FINRA

Background

FINRA’s highest priority when it identifies misconduct is to seek restitution for harmed investors. However, like many other self-regulatory organizations in the securities industry, FINRA also imposes fines on its members to discourage further misconduct. Fine amounts are based on public, pre-established guidelines and the facts and circumstances of the individual case. FINRA does not target any minimum amount of fines to be collected.


Compliance Tools

The Reporting Firm 10 Second Compliance Report Card are monthly status reports for market participant that contain counts of properly modified late trades, late trades that were not modified, and improperly modified trades.

Reporting Firm is defined as the firm that reported the Executing Party of the trade.


FAQ

FINRA is committed to ensuring that all respondents are treated fairly in expedited proceedings. 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 process for expedited proceedings.


Guidance
FINRA has created this page to educate member firms on “Firm Identity Theft”.

Compliance Tools
Report cards created for firms to monitor timeliness of Corporate Financing filings.These report cards display statistics about late filings submitted to Corporate Financing.

Compliance Tools

From cybersecurity to new product review, the FINRA Peer-2-Peer Compliance Library is a one-stop source for templates, checklists and other materials provided by FINRA-registered firms as supplemental resources at FINRA events. Investment professionals can browse the library after logging in with FINRA Gateway credentials. If you have feedback on the Peer-2-Peer Compliance Library, send an email to Member Relations and Education.


FAQ
Following are FAQs about FINRA registration and qualification requirements. Click on the links below to view all sections of the FAQs.

About FINRA

In addition to the Small Firm Helpline, FINRA has implemented other programs for small firms:


Compliance Tools

The Contra Reporting Firm 20 Minute Compliance Report Card is a monthly status report on compliance for market participants with the requirement that Contra Firms accept / decline / compare trades within 20 minutes of trade execution. It provides information about the number of trades that were accepted / declined / compared within 20 minutes of execution, along with the number of trades that were accepted / declined / compared greater than 20 minutes after execution time, as well as the percentage of those trades to total trades executed.


Compliance Tools
The Cross-Market Equities Supervision Manipulation Reports provide firms feedback on exceptions that were generated based on firms' order entries and trading activities in a given surveillance period.