Why do we engage with scammers? What makes one person more likely to engage than the next? Of those that engage, what makes someone more likely to lose money? On this episode, we dig into the research on these important questions with three academics in the field.
The SEC, NASAA and FINRA are jointly issuing this Investor Alert to make investors aware of the increase of investment frauds involving the purported use of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Bad actors are using the growing popularity and complexity of AI to lure victims into scams. Here are a few things to look out for to help you keep your money safe from these frauds.
A broker-deal firm’s anti-money laundering efforts may overlap with any number of other regulatory concerns. On this episode, the second in a two-part series, we’re looking at how AML may overlap with a firm’s efforts to protect senior investors from exploitation and fraud.
FINRA Announces Updates of the Interpretations of Financial and Operational Rules
Summary
FINRA seeks comment on proposed amendments to Rule 4210 (Margin Requirements) that would clarify and incorporate into the rule current interpretations regarding when issued and other extended settlement transactions, and provide relief to facilitate the application of the rule to these transactions.
The proposed rule text marked to show changes from the current rule text is
In a pump-and-dump scheme, fraudsters accumulate stock, spread positive—but false—information to “pump” up the price, then eventually “dump” their shares, often causing unsuspecting investors to lose money when the stock price then sharply declines. Learn how to recognize and protect yourself against pump-and-dump schemes.
Application of the SEC’s Financial Responsibility Rules in Response to the Downgrade of U. S. Long Term Credit Rating by Standard & Poor’s
FINRA issued $85.5 million in fines in 2023 , and the Board determined that there were $97.8 million in fines-eligible expenditures in 2023 (i.e., capital initiatives, strategic expenditures and other activities eligible to be funded by fine monies based on the criteria set forth above). Because the total of fines-eligible expenditures exceeded the amount of fines issued in 2023, the balance of $12.3 million was funded from FINRA’s reserves and excess operating results.
Question 1
Does FINRA Rule 3210 impose any requirement as to what specific information or data an employer member must review or monitor upon receiving duplicate copies of confirmations and statements, or the transactional data contained therein, with respect to an account subject to the rule?
Answer
No. FINRA Rule 3210 does not by its terms specify what specific information or data