The following frequently asked questions (FAQs) provide guidance on FINRA Rule 2111 (Suitability). This document consolidates the questions and answers in Regulatory Notices 12-55, 12-25 and 11-25, organized by topic.
Frequently asked questions and answers
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Publication Date: August 11, 2025Interpretations are marked in blue background beneath the rule text to which they relate. 17a-4 Records to be preserved by certain exchange members, brokers and dealers.This section applies to the following types of entities: A member of a national securities exchange who transacts a business in securities directly with others than members of a
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Publication Date: August 11, 2025Interpretations are marked in blue background beneath the rule text to which they relate. 17a-3 Records to be made by certain exchange members, brokers and dealers.This section applies to the following types of entities: A member of a national securities exchange who transacts a business in securities directly with others than members of a national
Publication Date: February 23, 2023
Interpretations are marked in blue background beneath the rule text to which they relate.
18a-3 Non-cleared security-based swap margin requirements for security-based swap dealers and major security-based swap participants for which there is not a prudential regulator.
18a-3(a) Every security-based swap dealer and major security-based swap participant for
FINRA Rule 4111(b) requires the Department of Member Supervision (Department) to calculate annually a member firm’s "Preliminary Identification Metrics" to determine whether the firm meets the "Preliminary Criteria for Identification."1 A key driver of that is whether a member firm’s Preliminary Identification Metrics meet quantitative, risk-based "Preliminary
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Publication Date: August 11, 2025Interpretations are marked in blue background beneath the rule text to which they relate. 17a-5 Reports to be made by certain brokers and dealers.This section applies to the following types of entities: Except as provided in this introductory text, a broker or dealer, including an OTC derivatives dealer as that term is defined in § 240.3b-12
Teaching kids about financial concepts and prudent decision-making can help them become financially proficient adults and deserves a spot alongside early learning basics. Learn four tips to help build their foundation for financial fluency.
At FINRA’s annual conference on May 13, 2025, President and CEO Robert Cook discusses the FINRA Forward initiative and other topics of interest to FINRA member firms and other stakeholders, in conversation with Kayte Toczylowski, VP, Member Relations and Education.
The Product Suitability section of the 2017 Report on Exam Findings informs member firms’ compliance programs by describing recent findings and observations from FINRA’s examinations, and, in certain cases, also providing a summary of effective practices.
