FINRA Rule 3270 prohibits any registered person from being an employee, independent contractor, sole proprietor, officer, director or partner of another person, or being compensated, or having the reasonable expectation of compensation, from another person as a result of any business activity outside the scope of the relationship with the member firm unless he or … Continue reading Outside Business Activity Review (NASD Rule 3050)→
FINRA and the Wharton School offer the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) Program—an executive education experience that covers the theory and practical application of securities laws and regulation through intensive instruction, discussion and case studies. The program is comprised of two weeklong residential courses at the Wharton campus in Philadelphia. Week I – August … Continue reading FINRA and the Wharton School offer CRCP Program→
SIFMA's 2014 Annual Meeting gathers the leaders of the financial services industry together with prominent policymakers and financial media. In one-on-one conversations, thought leaders will share their perspectives on how the financial services industry will best serve tomorrow's economy. Join us to explore the role of capitalism in creating opportunity across America. How do we … Continue reading SIFMA 2014 Annual Meeting→
SIFMA 2014 Diversity Conference: 20/20 VISION For Global Diversity and Inclusion SIFMA's annual Diversity and Inclusion Conference brings together industry leaders to share perspectives on ways to advance Diversity and Inclusion as a crucial ingredient in achieving an organization's priorities and meeting the needs of clients as well as employees. Business line managers and leaders, … Continue reading SIFMA Diversity Conference→
The firm should complete the review of the outside brokerage accounts of all associated persons for the prior month. finra.complinet.com/en/display/display_main.html
2014 FINRA South Region Compliance Seminar November 20 – 21, 2014 Fort Lauderdale, FL Marriott Harbor Beach Registration is now open for the FINRA South Region Compliance Seminar. The One-and-a-half-day event provides compliance and legal professionals an opportunity to discuss important regulatory and compliance issues and solutions with industry peers and regulators. Throughout the event, … Continue reading FINRA South Region Compliance Seminar→
The Corporate Actions Section Annual Dinner will be returning to the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers, and will provide an opportunity for CAS members to network.
2014 FINRA Small Firm Conference December 10 – 11, 2014 San Francisco, CA Registration is now open for FINRA's new Small Firm Conference, which focuses on small firms' practices and tips for complying with FINRA rules. Each session begins with a FINRA staff member highlighting key requirements of a rule, and then small firm panelists … Continue reading 2014 FINRA Small Firm Conference→
Firms with sufficient monies in their Flex-Funding Account will have funds transferred to their Renewal Account to cover total renewal fees owed. Transfers will be conducted every day until Web CRD shuts down for year-end procesing.
FINRA Rule 3270 prohibits any registered person from being an employee, independent contractor, sole proprietor, officer, director or partner of another person, or being compensated, or having the reasonable expectation of compensation, from another person as a result of any business activity outside the scope of the relationship with the member firm unless he or … Continue reading Outside Business Activity Review (NASD Rule 3050)→
Web CRD/IARD are available from 8 am to 6 pm ET. Note: FINRA will be closed Saturday, December 27 and FINRA staff support is unavailable. Therefore, Forms U4 and BD filing/deficiencies will not be manually reviewed by staff until full system functionality resumes on Jan. 2, 2015.
Web CRD and IARD are available with complete functionality as of 5 a.m., ET, including submitting form filings and approving registrations. • Overpayments are transferred to firms' Flex-Funding Account. Refund requests should be made from this account. • Final Renewal Statements and reports are available for viewing and printing.
Five Challenges Firms Should Address Highlighted in 10th Anniversary of Letter WASHINGTON — The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) today released its 2015 Regulatory and Examination Priorities letter highlighting significant risks and issues that, if not properly addressed, could adversely affect investors and market integrity. This year's letter, the tenth edition of providing such guidance … Continue reading FINRA Releases 2015 Regulatory and Exam Priorities Letter→
Alexandria, VA – The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) today announced that its Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA®) service would begin collecting and disseminating disclosures related to municipal asset-backed securities required under the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Rule 15Ga-1 on January 9, 2015. Read the regulatory notice. The changes facilitate a requirement adopted by … Continue reading MSRB Accepting Municipal Asset-Backed Securities Disclosures on EMMA→
MSRB PUBLISHES 2014 ANNUAL REPORT AND AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAlexandria, VA – The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) today published its 2014 Annual Report, which highlights important advances in municipal advisor regulation, enhancements to market structure and ongoing efforts to maximize regulatory efficiency. The MSRB, created by Congress in 1975, is the principal regulator of the municipal securities market. … Continue reading MSRB 2014 Annual Report→
New York, N.Y., January 14, 2015 - SIFMA today issued our 2014 Year in Review. The report highlights the work of more than 10,000 professionals from 500 member firms who participate in 100 committees and countless working groups to advocate in support of effective and resilient capital markets. The full report is available in PDF at … Continue reading SIFMA Issues 2014 Year in Review→
In accordance with NASD Conduct Rule 3050, all associated persons shall be required to notify the member firm of the existence of any and all securities accounts maintained by the associated person with any foreign or domestic brokerage firm, bank, investment adviser or other financial institution. Further, all associated persons shall be required to notify … Continue reading NASD Rule 3050 Transactions for Associated Persons→
Final Renewal Statements: On January 2, 2015, Final Renewal Statements and reports became available for viewing and printing in Web CRD/IARD. These statements reflect the final status of broker-dealer, registered representative, investment adviser firm, investment adviser representative, and branch registrations and/or notice filings as of December 31, 2014. Any adjustments in fees owed because of … Continue reading FINRA BD & IA Renewals for 2015 Renewal Statement deadline→
Firms with sufficient monies in their Flex-Funding Account will have funds transferred to their Renewal Account to cover total renewal fees owed. Transfers will be conducted every day until any outstanding renewal assessment is satisfied.
Washington, D.C., January 20, 2015 - SIFMA today released the following statements from Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., president and CEO, on President Obama’s State of the Union address: Cybersecurity: “SIFMA applauds the President's focus on cybersecurity as this is a top priority for the financial services industry, one that our members are dedicating significant resources … Continue reading SIFMA Statement on the State of the Union Address→
Alexandria, VA – The Board of Directors of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) held its quarterly meeting January 28-29, 2015, where it reached another milestone in its development of a baseline qualifying exam for individuals who engage in municipal advisory activities, such as providing financial advice to state and local governments on municipal bond issuances. … Continue reading MSRB Quarterly Board Meeting→
Description Proposed rule change to amend FINRA Rule 6433 (Minimum Quotation Size Requirements for OTC Equity Securities) to extend the Tier Size Pilot, which currently is scheduled to expire on February 13, 2015, for an additional three months, until May 15, 2015.
New York, NY, January 29, 2015 - SIFMA today issued its quarterly government securities issuance and rates forecast for the first quarter of 2015. The full report is available at the following link: http://www.sifma.org/govtforecast1Q2015/
Students from High Schools and Middle Schools from all 50 States Participate in the SIFMA Foundation Competition to Promote Financial Capability and Expose Students to Fiscal Policymaking Washington, DC, February 2, 2015—SIFMA and the SIFMA Foundation today kicked-off the 12th annual Stock Market Game™-Capitol Hill Challenge (CHC). This 14-week challenge organizes teams of middle and … Continue reading SIFMA and the SIFMA Foundation Kick-Off the 12th Annual Stock Market Game™-Capitol Hill Challenge→
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a new report on cybersecurity, which details practices that firms can tailor to their business model as they strengthen their cybersecurity efforts. The Report on Cybersecurity Practices draws in part from the results of FINRA's recent targeted examination ("sweep") of a cross-section of firms. The sweep, conducted in … Continue reading FINRA Issues Report on Cybersecurities Practices→
Washington D.C., Feb. 3, 2015 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today released publications that address cybersecurity at brokerage and advisory firms and provide suggestions to investors on ways to protect their online investment accounts. “Cybersecurity threats know no boundaries. That’s why assessing the readiness of market participants and providing investors with information on how … Continue reading SEC Alerts Investors, Industry on Cybersecurity→
The frequency and sophistication of cybersecurity attacks are increasing, and combating these threats remains a priority for regulators and firms. That’s why FINRA and SIFMA are joining forces to host a full-day conference dedicated to discussing important issues around cybersecurity. The program is intended to foster a culture of risk management and protection from cyber … Continue reading FINRA & SIFMA: Cybersecurity Conference→
FIA and SIFMA Asset Management Group are hosting a comprehensive review of the most critical derivatives issues facing the buy-side. With international regulation of the derivatives markets heating up, new leadership in place at the derivatives regulators and the one-year anniversary of mandatory swap trade execution approaching, challenges to trading in the global swaps markets … Continue reading FIA & SIFMA: Asset Management Derivatives Forum 2015→
Miami Regional Director Eric Bustillo and Fort Worth Regional Director David Woodcock will be panelists at the 33rd Annual Federal Securities Institute. Their panel will discuss SEC enforcement and private litigation developments. Location: 1435 Brickell Ave., Miami Contact: Alec Moore, 646-562-3495, alexander.moore@thomsonreuters.com
9:10 and 10:45 a.m. Elizabeth Murphy, Associate Director, Division of Corporation Finance, will participate on two panels at the 33rd Annual Federal Securities Institute. The panel at 9:10 a.m. will focus on disclosure, executive compensation, accounting and other regulatory developments. The panel at 10:45 a.m. will discuss public and private capital raising. Location: 1435 Brickell … Continue reading SEC: 33rd Annual Federal Securities Institute→
Rule change to extend the expiration date of FINRA Rule 0180 (Application of Rules to Security-Based Swaps) to February 11, 2016. FINRA Rule 0180 temporarily limits, with certain exceptions, the application of FINRA rules with respect to security-based swaps.
FINRA's Annual User Accounts Certification Process is underway and will conclude February 12, 2015. During this certification period, Super Account Administrators (SAAs) for firms with more than one user must certify that users at their firm who require access to applications in FINRA's Entitlement Program have the appropriate entitlement privileges to perform their job responsibilities. … Continue reading Annual Entitlement User Accounts Certification Process→
SIFMA’s FINRA Disciplinary Hearings Forum is a half-day interactive program that will provide valuable insights and practice tips both for lawyers experienced in FINRA proceedings and those new to the forum. Panelists will include FINRA’s Chief Hearing Officer, FINRA’s Head of Litigation, and other senior officers from FINRA’s Office of Hearing Officers and Department of … Continue reading FINRA Disciplinary Hearings Forum→
Effective February 14, 2015, the Section 31 fee rate applicable to specified securities transactions on the exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets will decrease from its current rate of $22.10 per million dollars in transactions to a new rate of $18.40 per million dollars in transactions. Finance-related questions should be directed to Robert Huml, Accounting … Continue reading New Rate for Fees Paid Under Section 31 of the Exchange Act→
2 p.m. Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies will hold a public meeting by conference telephone call. Location: Conference Call Contact: Julie Davis, acsecquery@sec.gov
Alexandria, VA – The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), the self-regulatory organization that oversees the $3.6 trillion municipal securities market, is accepting applications for its Board of Directors. The Board sets the strategic direction of the organization, makes policy decisions, authorizes rulemaking and market transparency initiatives, and oversees MSRB operations. The MSRB is seeking individuals knowledgeable … Continue reading MSRB Seeks Board of Directors Applicants→
FINRA requests comment on a proposal to identify over-the-counter (OTC) trades in NMS stocks reported more than two seconds following trade execution as "out of sequence" and not last sale eligible for public dissemination purposes. See Regulatory Notice 14-46. The comment period expires February 20, 2015.
FINRA is soliciting comment on a proposal to reduce the synchronization tolerance for computer clocks. The current clock synchronization requirements allow for a tolerance of one second from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) atomic clock. Under the proposal, the tolerance for computer clocks would be reduced to 50 milliseconds. The tolerance for … Continue reading FINRA Request for Comments Deadline: Synchronization for computer clocks→
FINRA Board of Governors Rulemaking Items for Discussion at the February 2015 Meeting The FINRA Board of Governors will consider the following rulemaking items at its February 2015 meeting. After the meeting, FINRA will notify firms via email about the Board's actions on these items and anticipated next steps, if any. BrokerCheck Disclosure The … Continue reading FINRA Board of Governors February Meeting: Rulemaking Items for Discussion→
SIFMA's 2015 Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Conference will bring together leading experts from the industry, regulatory agencies and law enforcement to discuss new trends in financial crime; emerging issues relating to anti-money laundering, economic sanctions and anti-bribery/anti-corruption compliance; and changes in regulatory expectations and requirements. Now in its 15th year, this is the only … Continue reading SIFMA Anti-Money Laundering & Financial Crimes Conference→
Event status: Not started (Register) Date and time: Tuesday, February 24, 2015 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time (New York, GMT-05:00) Change time zone Duration: 1 hour Description: Join NSCP and Renaissance Regulatory Services, Inc. on {date and time} for a free webinar on the compliance issues faced by state registered investment advisers. Presenters will provide … Continue reading NSCP: Free Webinar – How to Successfully Navigate State Investment Adviser Regulations→
SIFMA's popular Social Media Seminar is coming back to the West Coast. Join us for this full day Seminar that brings together experts from across multiple fields to further explore the important issues facing our industry in light of the rapidly changing and growing tools of social media. Please use the link for more details. … Continue reading SIFMA Social Media Seminar 2015→
Hear from the Regulators at on a “Margin Regulation: Current State and Future Trends” panel at the February Credit & Margin Dinner. This panel will have representatives from the CBOE, FBR, OCC, CME and FINRA. Please use the link below to find out more information. www.sifma.org/events/
Members of SIPC are required to pay their assessment on SIPC Net Operating Revenue as defined by the SIPC By Laws Article VI. The SIPC 6 General Assessment is to be filed by all members of the Securities Investor Protection Corporation for the first half of each fiscal year, due no later than 30 days … Continue reading SIPC Assessments (Year ending 12/31/2014) SIPC 7→
The SIFMA Insurance- and Risk-Linked Securities Conference (IRLS 2015) will feature industry experts, sponsors and institutional investors discussing this growing and evolving market place, product design and innovation, and emerging trends. Please use the link below to find out more information. www.sifma.org/events/
The Securities Industry Institute® (SII) is the premier executive development program for financial services professionals. For more than 60 years, SIFMA and The Wharton School of The University of Pennsylvania have partnered to equip SII participants with practical information, ideas and answers directly applicable to their present and future responsibilities.
www.finra.org/web/groups/industry/@ip/@edu/documents/education/p602223.pdf Please use the link above for more information. Fixed Income Conference March 10, 2015 New York, NY FINRA's Fixed Income Conference addresses current impacts on the fixed income markets and how regulators and firms are responding. Topics include: fixed income-related examination and enforcement update; risk management for institutional firms; fixed income compliance practices for … Continue reading FINRA Fixed Income Conference→
The 2015 Foundations of Web CRD/IARD training is designed for those at broker-dealers or joint broker-dealer/investment adviser firms who are new to registration and licensing, new to Web CRD and IARD, or who want to receive a refresher and registration tips. The two-day program offers practical, hands-on and comprehensive training. Six sessions are being offered: … Continue reading 2015 Foundations of Web CRD/IARD Training→
2015 FINRA Diversity Summit (SOLD OUT) March 18, 2015 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. New York, NY FINRA’s Diversity Summit provides a forum for diversity practitioners and business leaders from securities firms, financial regulators and other organizations to share diversity and inclusion best practices that link business goals to the workplace and the marketplace. Hear … Continue reading FINRA Diversity Summit→
In FINRA Notice to Members 15-08 , FINRA noted that it regularly conducts a comprehensive review of the examination fee structure, including an analysis of the costs associated with developing, administering and delivering each examination, so that FINRA may better understand whether pricing changes are warranted and evaluate the financial condition of each qualification examination … Continue reading Regulatory Notice: Effective Date for Changes to Qualification Examination Fees→
The Westin
Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, United States
The SIFMA Private Client Conference is North America's leading event designed specifically for financial professionals who service the individual investor. Register now to hear from top industry leaders on tactical ways to enhance client service, advice and trust to help investors achieve their financial goals. Why You Should Attend: STRONG INDUSTRY PRESENCE - Senior Wealth … Continue reading SIFMA: Private Client Conference 2015→
DoubleTree Hotel St. Louis at Westport
1973 Craigshire, St. Louis, MO, United States
St. Louis, MO :: April 9, 2015 :: DoubleTree Hotel St. Louis at Westport This one day conference provides a comprehensive review and clarification on current regulatory issues for both compliance industry professionals and service providers in the financial services industry. Our workshops and labs are led by experienced industry veterans and legal professionals who focus … Continue reading NSCP: 2015 Regional Conference – St. Louis, MO→
9:30 - 10:00 a.m. Welcome Remarks and Continental Breakfast 10:00 - 10:05 a.m. Approval of Minutes 10:05 - 10:20 a.m. Nomination of Candidates for Officer Positions to Become Available Upon Expiration of Current Three-Year Terms 10:20 - 10:50 a.m. Discussion of CFTC Investor Behavior Survey Results 10:50 - 11:20 a.m. Discussion of Background Checks as … Continue reading Meeting of the Securities and Exchange Commission Investor Advisory Committee→
Executive Summary FINRA is soliciting comment on a proposal to expand dissemination of TRACE data to include additional Securitized Products, specifically, collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), commercial mortgage-backed securities (CMBSs) and collateralized debt obligations (CDOs). FINRA is proposing to reduce the reporting time frame for these additional Securitized Products from end-of-day to 45 minutes and, … Continue reading FINRA Regulatory Notice 15-04 Fixed Income Price Dessimination→
The LeGaye Law Firm wants to remind you that all registered broker-dealers, investment advisers and agents registered in the State of Tennessee should be receiving their annual Professional Privilege Tax invoices. Payments are due on or before June 1, 2015 in order to avoid late fees. For more information regarding this, please click here at: http://www.tn.gov/revenue/tntaxes/proftax.shtml … Continue reading Tennessee Professional Privilege Tax Invoices→
In an era of heightened SEC enforcement, do you know when the SEC will hold you personally liable for employee misconduct? How do you protect yourself and how can compliance automation help you mitigate liability?Join NSCP and Compliance Science for a webinar discussion on CCO Liability and how compliance automation can help on April 21st … Continue reading NSCP: Free Webinar-Mitigate Your Liability by Leveraging Automation in Your Compliance Program→
AMA Conference Center
1601 Broadway, New York, NY, United States
New York, NY :: April 28, 2015 :: AMA Conference Center This one day conference provides a comprehensive review and clarification on current regulatory issues for both compliance industry professionals and service providers in the financial services industry. Our workshops and labs are led by experienced industry veterans and legal professionals who focus on the … Continue reading NSCP: 2015 Regional Conference – New York, NY→
Chairman and CEO Rick Ketchum gave testimony before the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises Committee on Financial Services. For the full text of his testimony, click here
Read Chairman and CEO Rick Ketchum's testimony before the Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises Committee on Financial Services.
FINRA plans to administer this year's RCA in the May/June timeframe—and will announce the specific date in the Weekly Update email. The RCA is an important part of FINRA's risk-based examination program, in that the information collected from firms helps us better understand firms' businesses so examiners can arrive for examinations focused on any areas … Continue reading FINRA 2015 Risk Control Assessment (RCA) Survey→
Alexandria, VA – The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) has released an update to its 2013 report on how many days after the end of the fiscal year that issuers of municipal securities and other obligated persons make their annual financial information available to the public. Timing of typical financial disclosures remained largely unchanged year … Continue reading MSRB Publishes Updates on Annual Financial Disclosures→
On May 12, 2015, FINRA announced that the NAC revised its Sanction Guidelines to call for tougher sanctions against those who commit fraud. For the complete new release, click here.
FINRA is conducting a retrospective review of the membership application rules to assess their effectiveness and efficiency. This Notice outlines the general retrospective rule review process and seeks responses to several questions related to firms’ experiences with these specific rules. The comment period expires May 14, 2015.
FINRA Regulatory Notice 15-12 reflects that FINRA established an accounting support fee (GASB Accounting Support Fee) to adequately fund the annual budget of the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The GASB Accounting Support Fee is collected on a quarterly basis from member firms that report trades to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). Each member … Continue reading Quarterly GASB Accounting Support Fee Due→
Regulatory Notice 15-06 stated that FINRA is soliciting comment on a proposal to require registration as a Securities Trader of associated persons primarily responsible for the design, development or significant modification of algorithmic trading strategies, or who are responsible for supervising or directing such activities. The comment period expires May 18, 2015.
Advisers: Mind your recommended fund lineups, review plan sponsor contracts The U.S. Supreme Court made its decision on a key 401(k) lawsuit Monday, and the takeaway for retirement plan advisers is a simple one: Keep a close eye on your recommended fund lineups and review your contracts with plan sponsors. The retirement plan industry has … Continue reading Supreme Court hands down decision in key 401(k) lawsuit→
Chairman and CEO of Stifel and member of the SIFMA Board of Directors, testified on behalf of SIFMA this week before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises. Kruszewski noted the proposals under discussion are important and appropriate work to promote capital formation. They build upon the success of the … Continue reading SIFMA Testifies on Legislative Proposals to Enhance Capital Formation and Reduce Regulatory Burdens→
Westminster co-president Tim O'Halloran, who authored the study, found that 88 percent of European and 93 percent of North American financial professionals want the same or lower levels of regulation for commission sharing arrangements. to read the entire article, click here.
This podcast is the second in a three-part series on topics for firms to consider when planning their Firm Element training, as identified in the CE Council's Spring 2015 Firm Element Advisory.
SIFMA Conference Center
New York City, NY, United States
The Next Generation of Financial Advisors Seminar will provide a forum to discuss the numerous opportunities to recruit and train the next generation of financial advisors. Speakers and panelists will discuss innovative ideas and tactical approaches, including: Enhancing Education: How can the industry increase college and university offerings to create a buzz around the profession … Continue reading Next Generation of Financial Advisors Seminar→
Marriott Marquis
901 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., DC, United States
FINRA's Annual Conference provides compliance professionals, securities attorneys, and other industry leaders with the opportunity to hear regulatory priorities and share compliance solutions. Click here for further details. FINRA Annual Conference May 27 – 29, 2015 Washington, DC Registration is now open to attend the 2015 FINRA Annual Conference in person or via live broadcast. The … Continue reading 2015 FINRA Annual Conference→
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows
101 Wilshire Boulevard, Santa Monica, CA
Registration is now open for FINRA's Small Firm Conference, which focuses on small firms' practices and tips for complying with FINRA rules. Each session begins with a FINRA staff member highlighting key requirements of a rule, and then small firm panelists provide a step-by-step approach for complying with that particular rule. Topics featured at least … Continue reading FINRA Small Firm Conference Registration – California→
The SEC approved amendments to the Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE) rules and dissemination protocols to provide for dissemination of transactions in an additional group of asset-backed securities and to reduce the time frame for reporting such transactions, other than Fixed or List Price and Takedown Transactions. Transactions in asset-backed securities effected pursuant to … Continue reading Effective Date for Amendments to TRACE rules→
The SEC requests comment on a proposal to adopt FINRA Rule 2272 (Sales and Offers of Sales of Securities on Military Installations) to govern sales or offers of sales of securities on the premises of any military installation to members of the U.S. Armed Forces or their dependents. The comment period expires June 2, 2015. … Continue reading SEC Request for Comment on FINRA Rules→