Background
In 2018, FINRA and the Securities Industry/Regulatory Council on Continuing Education (CE Council) launched an initiative to evaluate enhancements to the CE Program. The overall goal of the program review is to reflect advances in technology and learning theory while continuing to ensure that registered persons receive timely education on the securities business and the regulatory
In addition to the Small Firm Helpline, FINRA has implemented other programs for small firms:
Benefits Specific to Small Firms
Increased the number of Certified Registered Compliance Professional small firm scholarships.
Significantly reduced the small firm registration fee for FINRA conferences.
Initiated a retrospective review of FINRA Rule 4311 (Carrying Agreements), especially important
Background
Small firms represent a critical portion of FINRA’s membership and often face regulatory challenges that are unique from their large firm counterparts. In an effort to provide additional compliance education and consistent with the FINRA360 goal of being a more effective regulator, FINRA launched The Small Firm Report in April 2018. The Small Firm Report is a free conference call
FINRA has initiated a multi-phased effort to overhaul its registration and disclosure programs, including the Central Registration Depository (CRD) -- the central licensing and registration system that FINRA operates for the U.S. securities industry and its regulators, and that provides the backbone of BrokerCheck. In June 2018, we implemented the first phase of the transformation through a new
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
Summary
FINRA is conducting a retrospective review to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of its rules and administrative processes that help protect senior investors from financial exploitation. The protection of senior investors is a top priority for FINRA. As such, FINRA is interested in whether additional tools, guidance or changes to FINRA rules or administrative processes are
1. When are books, records and accounts under the “control” of a member firm, associated person or person subject to FINRA’s jurisdiction?
For purposes of Rule 8210, whether a particular document is within a member firm’s or person’s “control” is determined by the facts and circumstances of each situation. Generally, a document will be considered to be in the control of a member firm or person
Summary
This Notice reminds members of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) adoption of a best interest standard of conduct for broker-dealers and a relationship summary (Form CRS) delivery obligation, and provides an SEC email address where members may submit questions about the new requirements. As more fully described below, the SEC encourages firms to actively engage with SEC
Regulatory Notice 13-10 announced the SEC’s approval, pursuant to FINRA Rule 4524, of the Derivatives and Other Off-Balance Sheet Items Schedule (OBS) as a supplement to the FOCUS report. At the time of its adoption, the OBS required all firms that carry customer accounts or self-clear or clear transactions for others (collectively, “carrying or clearing firms”) to file with FINRA the
