Saturday, October 26 Unavailable Web CRD/IARD Software Release 2013.4  

FINRA periodically reviews the content of qualification examinations to determine whether revisions are necessary or appropriate in view of changes—including changes to the laws, rules and regulations—pertaining to the subject matter covered by the examinations. Based on this review process, FINRA has revised the Supervisory Analyst (Series 16) examination program. To find our more information … Continue reading Regulatory Notice 13-28: FINRA Revises the Series 16 Examination Program →

Effective October 28, 2013, new entitlement privileges will be added to Web CRD/IARD as additional safeguards to viewing sensitive or confidential data. Please review the entitlement privileges page to learn how these new privileges will impact super account administrators, account administrators and users of Web CRD/IARD.

SEC Rule 17a-5(d) requires that FINRA member firms to file an Annual Audited Report electronically with FINRA through the firm Gateway and with the SEC (main office and regional office) via mail or overnight carrier not more than 60-calendar days after the date selected for their fiscal year end. The Annual Audit must also be … Continue reading Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending 08/31/2013) →

MSRB Rule A-14 In addition to any other fees prescribed by the rules of the Board, requires each broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, and municipal advisor shall pay an annual fee to the Board of $500, with respect to each fiscal year of the Board in which the broker, dealer, municipal securities dealer, or municipal … Continue reading MSRB Rule A•14 (Annual Fee) →

Please be advised that if the broker-dealer is registered in the State of Illinois, you will receive (or have received) a 2 page letter from Illinois requesting verification that the Designated Principal on their records is accurate. One page of the document will be the Designation of Principal form, which is required to be edited … Continue reading Illinois Renewal for Dealers →

FINRA seeks comment on a revised proposal to transfer the NASD Rule 1010 Series (Membership Proceedings), with substantive changes, into the Consolidated FINRA Rulebook as the FINRA Rule 1100 Series (Member Application). The revised proposal includes changes in response to comments on the prior proposal set forth in Regulatory Notice 10-01. The proposal also includes … Continue reading Deadline for FINRA Request for Comment: Notice 10-01 →

Date: November 10 - 15, 2013 Designed for the high-potential executive, Week II of the FINRA Institute at Wharton program delivers a comprehensive and rigorous course of instruction on the foundation, theory and practical application of securities laws and regulation. The program draws on the expertise of Wharton faculty, senior regulators and industry practitioners and … Continue reading FINRA Institute at Wharton – Week II →

Beginning November 11,2013, Preliminary Renewal Statements are available for viewing and printing on Web CRD/IARD.

Date: November 11 - 12, 2013 Our Annual Meeting brings leaders of the financial services industry together with prominent policymakers, thought leaders and financial media. Featuring keynote speakers President Bill Clinton and Governor Jeb Bush, join us to explore the role of financial services in providing the capital to fuel the U.S. economy and enhance … Continue reading SIFMA Annual Meeting & Tribute Dinner 2013 →

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

Notice of FINRA District Committee Elections and Ballots Ballots Due: November 15, 2013 Executive Summary The purpose of this Notice is to inform firms of the upcoming elections to fill vacancies on the FINRA District Committees and distribute ballots to the firms eligible to vote in these elections. Firms that are members of FINRA as … Continue reading Notice of FINRA District Commitee Elections & Ballots →

Notice of SFAB Election and Ballots Ballot Due Date: November 15, 2013 Executive Summary The purpose of this Notice is to distribute to eligible FINRA small firms the ballots to elect a New York Region member of the Small Firm Advisory Board (SFAB). FINRA small firm members in the New York Region as of the … Continue reading Notice of SFAB Election & Ballots →

In accordance with SEC Rule 15c3-1, each broker/dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Act must have evidence of the computation of net capital monthly. That computation should be completed and approved by the FINOP within 17 business days after the end of each month.

Date: November 28, 2013 www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/HolidaySchedule

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) →

SEC Rule 17a-5(d) requires that FINRA member firms to file an Annual Audited Report electronically with FINRA through the firm Gateway and with the SEC (main office and regional office) via mail or overnight carrier not more than 60-calendar days after the date selected for their fiscal year end. The Annual Audit must also be … Continue reading Annual Audit Filing Due Date (Period Ending 09/30/2013) →

Designed for compliance and legal professionals at FINRA member firms, these events offer an opportunity to hear about current regulatory issues while engaging in a direct dialogue with FINRA District Office staff. For more information including discussion topics, see the individual program descriptions below. December 9, 2013 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. District Compliance Meeting   … Continue reading District 9A (Philadelphia) District Compliance Meeting →

Click here for our latest renewal update FINRA advises FINRA-registered firms that failure to remit full payment of their Preliminary Renewal Statements to FINRA by December 13, 2013, may cause the firm to become ineligible to do business in the jurisdictions where it is registered, effective January 1, 2014. FINRA-registered firms will also be subject … Continue reading Final Renewal Statement Payment →

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

In accordance with SEC Rule 15c3-1, each broker/dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Act must have evidence of the computation of net capital monthly. That computation should be completed and approved by the FINOP within 17 business days after the end of each month.

Web CRD and IARD are available on an abbreviated schedule from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., ET, due to the holiday schedule.

www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/HolidaySchedule

DEADLINE to submit form filings prior to year-end is 3p.m., ET via Web EFT and 6 p.m., ET, via Web CRD and IARD. Web CRD and IARD are available from 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., ET.  Approvals will be effective 1/2/2014.

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 Rule 1250 requires all covered registered persons (any person registered with a member who has direct contact with customers in the conduct of the member's securities sales, trading and investment banking activities, any person registered as an operations professional or research analyst, and to the immediate supervisors of such person) to participate in the … Continue reading Review and update Firm Element Continuing Education Plan →

Date: December 31, 2013

www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/Holiday Schedule

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2013-274 Washington D.C., Dec. 27, 2013 —The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that it has adopted amendments to eliminate references in certain of its rules and forms to credit ratings by nationally recognized statistical rating organizations (NRSROs). The changes were required by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act … Continue reading SEC News: SEC Removes References to NRSRO Ratings in Certain Rules and Forms →

Click here for the latest renewal information Final Renewal Statements will be available online in Web CRD/IARD. If you have a renewal overpayment. It will be automatically transferred to your daily account in conjunction with year-end renewal processing. Refund requests are made from this account.

Web CRD & IARD are available with complete functionality as of 7 a.m. ET, including submitting form filings and approving registrations. All renewal overpayments are automatically transferred to firms' Daily Accounts.  Refund requests should be made from this account. Final Renewal Statements and reports are available for viewing and printing.

The SEC requests comment on a proposal to amend the Uniform Branch Office Registration Form to (1) eliminate Section 6 (NYSE Branch Information), which is currently applicable only to NYSE-registered firms; (2) add questions relating to space sharing arrangements and the location of books and records that are currently only in Section 6 and make … Continue reading SEC Requests Comments: Uniform Branch Registration Form →

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 Registration Date for lower rates to the CRCP Program at Wharton →

The SEC requests comment on a proposal to add a new entrant, LavaFlow, to the Alternative Display Facility. The comment period expires January 7, 2014. See the Federal Register notice.

Beginning November 11,2013, Preliminary Renewal Statements are available for viewing and printing on Web CRD/IARD. FINRA advises FINRA-registered firms that failure to remit full payment of their Preliminary Renewal Statements to FINRA by December 13, 2013, may cause the firm to become ineligible to do business in the jurisdictions where it is registered, effective January … Continue reading Full Payment of Final Renewal Due →

The Municipal Secuities Rulemaking Board ( MSRB) is seeking comments on proposed amendments to Rule G-3 , rule G-27, and Rule G-7 to require all associated persons primarily  engaged in municipal securities activities to participate in a minimum of one hour of Firm Element continuing education on municipal securities topics annually.  The MSRB has completed … Continue reading MSRB Requests Comments to Proposed Changes to C.E. Program →

Join in on January 14th for an afternoon seminar on the compliance and legal considerations that impact cross border activity in the global marketplace. Financial service providers and the investors they serve, in the United States and abroad, have a global outlook yet must consider the local regulations and issues when conducting business. From the … Continue reading SIFMA Event: Cross Border Regulation in the Global Marketplace →

Join SIFMA’s next Securitization Spotlight Session on January 14, 2014, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This Spotlight Session will focus on the industry-wide efforts to successfully implement the Treasury Market Practices Group's (TMPG) recommendation regarding the margining in forward-settling agency MBS trading. Speakers and participants will: Troubleshoot implementation issues Discuss the next steps for margining on … Continue reading SIFMA Event: Securitization Spotlight Session →

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 2013-275 Washington D.C., Dec. 27, 2013 —The Federal Reserve Board, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the Securities and Exchange Commission on Friday said they are reviewing whether it would be appropriate and consistent with the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act … Continue reading SEC News: Agencies Reviewing Volcker Rule →

The SEC requests comment on a proposal to update the rules governing the Alternative Display Facility (ADF) to, among other things, reflect regulatory requirements that have been put into place since the last comprehensive revision of the ADF rules, and to conform the ADF trade reporting rules, to the extent practicable, to current FINRA rules … Continue reading SEC Requests Comments: Alternative Display Facility →

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

ORF Migration Conference Call January 22, 2014 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET On April 28, 2014, the OTC Reporting Facility (ORF) is scheduled to migrate to new technology. On this free WebEx and conference call, FINRA staff: discuss in detail the major changes and enhancements to ORF; review factors that firms will need to … Continue reading FINRA ORF (OTC Reporting Facility) Migration of Technology Conference Call →

The CFTC Recordkeeping rules came into effect earlier this year. Hear from industry experts on what you need to know to ensure your firm is in compliance.  Topics include: CFTC Voice Recording and Recordkeeping Requirements including mobile recording, searchability, and privacy concerns. Trade Reconstruction and Recordkeeping, including, streaming quotes retention, execution information and rules for … Continue reading SIFMA Event: New CFTC Voice Recording & Recordkeeping Rules →

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) will host a public education and outreach seminar for municipal market professionals in Atlanta, Georgia on January 28, 2014. The MSRB, which oversees the $3.7 trillion municipal securities market, will discuss development of new regulations for professionals that provide financial advice to state and local governments, among other topics. … Continue reading MSRB Event: Public Education & Outreach Seminar in Atlanta →

SIFMA's 14th Annual Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crimes Conference will bring together leading experts from the securities industry, regulatory agencies and law enforcement to discuss recent developments in the anti-money laundering space and provide practical guidance for implementing effective compliance programs to address money laundering and other financial crimes. Anti-money laundering compliance is an integral part of a … Continue reading SIFMA Event: 2014 Annual AML and Financial Crimes Conference →

Text: 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 … Continue reading Outside Business Activity Review (NASD Rule 3050) →

Deadline for receipt of FINAL Renewal Statement payments and reporting any Renewal Discrepancies.

FINRA is soliciting public comment on a set of proposed rules—referred to as the Funding Portal Rules-and related forms for SEC—registered funding portals that become FINRA members pursuant to the crowdfunding provisions of the JOBS Act. The comment period expires February 3, 2014. See Regulatory Notice 13-34.

FINRA is soliciting public comment on a set of proposed rules—referred to as the Funding Portal Rules-and related forms for SEC—registered funding portals that become FINRA members pursuant to the crowdfunding provisions of the JOBS Act. The comment period expires February 3, 2014. See Regulatory Notice 13-34

13-43: SEC Approves a Limited Exception From FINRA Rule 5131(b) to Permit Firms to Rely Upon a Written Representation From Certain Unaffiliated Private Funds; Effective Date: February 3, 2014

Options Regulation Conference February 6, 2014 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time In-Person or Conference Call FINRA’s Market Regulation department is hosting a free two-hour conference to discuss regulatory issues with firms that trade in the options markets. The conference includes a panel of legal representatives from the options industry, including senior representatives from … Continue reading FINRA offers Options Regulation Conference →

www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/Holiday Schedule

FINRA is requesting comment on a concept proposal to develop a new Comprehensive Automated Risk Data System (CARDS), a rule-based program that would allow FINRA to collect on a standardized, automated and regular basis, account information, as well as account activity and security identification information that a firm maintains as part of its books and … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comments: Comprehensive Automated Risk Data System (CARDS) →

13-41: eFOCUS System Updates Applicable to Joint Broker-Dealers/Futures Commission Merchants: Effective Date: Monthly FOCUS Report Part II and Part II CSE Due on February 26, 2014, Covering the January 31, 2014, Reporting Period

As a reminder, the SEC adopted amendments to the net capital, customer protection, books and records, and notification rules (SEA Rules 15c3-1, 15c3-3, 17a-3, 17a-4 and 17a-11), and amended annual reporting and audit requirements under SEA Rule 17a-5. Certain of the new rules were to take effect on October 21, 2013. However, on October 17 … Continue reading Exemption Expiration for New SEC Financial Responsibility Rules →

FINRA Diversity Summit March 4, 2014 New York, NY The FINRA 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. Participation is first come, first served. Visit the … Continue reading FINRA offers Diversity Summit →

SIFMA's annual Insurance-and-Risk-Linked Securities Conference is the leading forum for updates, strategies and insights into the top industry issues in the coming year. A range of topics will be explored – from identifying and mobilizing new sources of capital, examining reinsurance's evolving role – to emerging legal issues and broadening the industry's scope. Registration questions? … Continue reading SIFMA Event: IRLS (Insurance & Risk Linked Securities) Conference 2014 →

Fixed Income Conference March 11, 2014 New York, NY The conference agenda and session descriptions are now available in our online brochure. Topics include: market structure and electronic trading; market volatility and liquidity issues; mark-ups, best execution and prevention of front-running; retail sales practice issues; municipal securities developments; TRACE nuts and bolts; and examination and … Continue reading FINRA offers Fixed Income Conference →

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on September 26, 2013 to amend Rule G-11 (on primary offering practices), Rule G-8 (on books and records) and Rule G-32 (on disclosures in connection with primary offerings). The amendments to Rule G-11 establish certain basic protections for issuers and … Continue reading MSRB Notice 2013-20: SEC Approves Amendments to MSRB Rules G-11, G-8 & G-32. →

Mark your calendar and plan to attend the 2014 FINRA Annual Conference to hear the latest regulatory developments and FINRA priorities, and gain practical guidance on compliance issues. Register by October 1 to take advantage of the lowest registration rates that are available to the first 100 in-person registrants. For more information, visit www.finra.org/annualconference

The SEC was established 80 years ago on June 6, 1934, when President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 into law. The SEC's mission then and now is to protect investors, maintain fair, orderly and efficient markets, and facilitate capital formation. Here's a look back at the events of 1934 and … Continue reading SEC Celebrates 80th Anniversary →

SIFMA Tech 2014 convened industry leaders, regulators and solution providers to explore pressing industry issues and their solutions. The event offered critical updates and expert outlooks that will help you achieve a technological infrastructure that facilitates operating efficiency and promotes sound risk management.

Regulatory Notice 14-25 FINRA Announces Updates of the Interpretations of Financial and Operational Rules Executive Summary FINRA is updating the imbedded text of Securities Exchange Act (SEA) reporting rules for broker-dealers in the Interpretations of Financial and Operational Rules to reflect the effectiveness of amendments the SEC adopted. The updated imbedded text relates to SEA … Continue reading FINRA Announces Updates of the Interpretations of Financial and Operational Rules →

Release Date: June 25, 2014 Contact: Carol Danko, 202.962.7390, cdanko@sifma.org SIFMA Statement on SEC Approval of Cross-Border Swaps Rules Washington, D.C., June 25, 2014 - SIFMA today released the following statement from Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., SIFMA president and CEO following the Securities and Exchange Commission's unanimous decision to adopt cross-border security-based swaps rules and … Continue reading SIFMA Statement on SEC Approval of Cross-Border Swaps Rules →

Washington D.C., June 25, 2014 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted the first of a series of rules and guidance on cross-border security-based swap activities for market participants.  The new rules will be key to finalizing the remaining proposals. The rules and guidance explain when a cross-border transaction must be counted toward the … Continue reading SEC Adopts Cross-Border Security-Based Swap Rules →

www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/HolidaySchedule

Regulatory Notice 14-26 New Payments for Market Making Certification Requirement for FINRA Form 211 Effective Date: July 7, 2014 Executive Summary FINRA is issuing this Regulatory Notice to remind firms and associated persons of the FINRA Rule 5250 (Payments for Market Making) prohibition on accepting payments for market making, which includes payments for filing a … Continue reading New Payments for Market Making Certification Requirement for FINRA Form 211 →

Regulatory Notice 14-30 SEC Approves Amendments to FINRA Rule 2210 to Exclude Research Reports on Exchange-Listed Securities From Filing Requirements and Clarify the Standards Applicable to Free Writing Prospectuses Effective Date: July 11, 2014 Executive Summary The SEC has approved amendments to FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public) that: (i) exclude from Rule 2210’s … Continue reading SEC Approves Amendments to FINRA Rule 2210 →

Washington, DC, July 11, 2014 - SIFMA today issued the following statement from Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., SIFMA president and CEO, on the "Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2014" (S. 2588), which was passed by the Senate Intelligence Committee earlier this week: "We applaud Chairman Feinstein and Vice Chairman Chambliss for their leadership on this critical … Continue reading SIFMA Statement on ‘Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act’ →

Release Date: July 14, 2014 Contact: Liz Pierce, 212.313.1173, lpierce@sifma.org SIFMA Publishes Recommendations for Enhancing Fairness, Stability and Transparency in US Equity Markets New York, NY, July 14, 2014– SIFMA today published a set of recommendations on equity market structure for enhancing fairness, stability and transparency in the U.S. stock market. Innovation, regulation and competition … Continue reading SIFMA Publishes Recommendations for Enhancing Fairness, Stability and Transparency in US Equity Markets →

Release Date: July 16, 2014 Contact: Alison Hawkins (FSR), 202.589.2427, Alison.Hawkins@FSRoundtable.org Liz Pierce (SIFMA), 212.313.1173, lpierce@sifma.org Laena Fallon (FSF), 202.457.8765, laena.fallon@financialservicesforum.org Sean Oblack (TCH), 202.649.4629, sean.oblack@theclearinghouse.org John Hall (ABA), 202.663.5473, jhall@aba.com Financial Industry: Cybersecurity is a Top Priority for Protecting Customers Washington, D.C.- Responding to remarks today by Treasury Secretary Jack Lew regarding cybersecurity and the financial … Continue reading Financial Industry: Cybersecurity is a Top Priority for Protecting Customers →

WASHINGTON — The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced today the formation of a 13-member Arbitration Task Force to consider possible enhancements to its arbitration forum to improve the transparency, impartiality and efficiency of FINRA's securities arbitration forum for all participants. "FINRA's mission is to protect investors and support their confidence in the capital markets," … Continue reading FINRA Announces Arbitration Task Force →

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

Today, the MSRB filed a rule change with the Securities and Exchange Commission to require that dealers provide Firm Element continuing education annually on municipal securities for registered representatives and principals who regularly engage in or supervise, respectively, municipal securities activities. While the MSRB has intended, from the inception of MSRB Rule G-3, that dealers … Continue reading MSRB Files Rule Change with SEC for Continuing Education Requirements for Municipal Securities Dealers →

WASHINGTON — The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) today announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved a new rule prohibiting firms and registered representatives from conditioning settlement of a customer dispute on—or otherwise compensating a customer for—the customer's agreement to consent to, or not to oppose, the firm's or representative's request to … Continue reading SEC Approves FINRA Rule to Prohibit Conditioning Settlements on Expungements →

Release Date: July 23, 2014 Contact: Liz Pierce, 212.313.1173, lpierce@sifma.org Washington, DC, July 23, 2014- SIFMA today issued the following statement from Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr., SIFMA president and CEO, after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a final rule to reform money market funds: "Money market funds play a vital role in capital … Continue reading SIFMA Statement on SEC Money Market Fund Reform →

Washington D.C., July 23, 2014 — The Securities and Exchange Commission today adopted amendments to the rules that govern money market mutual funds.  The amendments make structural and operational reforms to address risks of investor runs in money market funds, while preserving the benefits of the funds. Today’s rules build upon the reforms adopted by … Continue reading SEC Adopts Money Market Fund Reform Rules →

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) today released for public comment a revised draft rule to establish the core duties of municipal advisors when providing advice on municipal securities transactions and related products. The revised draft MSRB Rule G-42 addresses a number of issues raised by commenters on the initial draft rule published in January … Continue reading MSRB Releases Revised Draft Rule G-42 and Board Meeting Discussion Items →

In accordance with SEC Rule 15c3-1, each broker/dealer registered pursuant to Section 15 of the Act must have evidence of the computation of net capital monthly. That computation should be completed and approved by the FINOP within 17 business days after the end of each month.

Date: July 24, 2014 Contact: Jennifer A. Galloway, Chief Communications Officer (703) 797-6600 jgalloway@msrb.org MSRB SEEKS APPROVAL TO IMPLEMENT SUPERVISION RULE FOR MUNICIPAL ADVISORS   Alexandria, VA – In a major milestone in its development of a federal regulatory framework for municipal advisors, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) today sought approval from the Securities and … Continue reading MSRB Seeks Approval to Implement Supervision Rule for Municipal Advisors →

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) →

Date: July 25, 2014 Contact: Jennifer A. Galloway, Chief Communications Officer (703) 797-6600 jgalloway@msrb.org MSRB TO MAKE KROLL BOND RATINGS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH ITS EMMA WEBSITE   Alexandria, VA – The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) announced today that it plans to provide free public access on its Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA®) website  to … Continue reading MSRB to Make Kroll Bond Ratings Available to the Public through its EMMA Website →

SIFMA Submits Comments to the Securities and Exchange Commission on FINRA's Arbitrator Definition: SIFMA supported the proposal, claiming, “the dual components of the Proposal thus collectively ensure a balanced approach to arbitrator classifications, and fair treatment of all parties to FINRA arbitration. For these same reasons, the Proposal should also help address and improve perceptions … Continue reading SIFMA Submits Comments to the Securities and Exchange Commission on FINRA’s Arbitrator Definition →

Alexandria, VA – To facilitate access by municipal securities investors, state and local governments and others interested in the municipal market to free, objective educational resources, the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) today unveiled an online education center on its website at msrb.org. The new MSRB Education Center consolidates videos, fact sheets and a significant library … Continue reading MSRB Creates Online Education Center to House Digital Resources about the Municipal Market →

Regulatory Notice 14-27 SEC Approves Amendments to Codes of Arbitration Procedure to Require Redaction of Personal Confidential Information from Documents Filed With FINRA Dispute Resolution Effective Date: July 28, 2014 Executive Summary The SEC approved amendments to the Customer and Industry Codes of Arbitration Procedure to provide that any document that a party files with … Continue reading SEC Approves Amendments to Codes of Arbitration Procedure to Require Redaction of Personal Confidential Information from Documents Filed With FINRA Dispute Resolution →

Conference Center New York, NY On Tuesday, July 29, SIFMA will host a Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) Bidder Summit to provide a forum for the six CAT bidders to share key concepts of their respective CAT proposals with the industry. The following bidders are confirmed to participate at this summit: SunGard EPAM Systems FINRA AxiomSL … Continue reading SIFMA Consolidated Audit Trail Bidder Summit →

MSRB Education and Outreach Seminar Tuesday, July 29, 2014, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. CT Conrad Hotel, 521 North Rush Street Chicago, IL 60611 The MSRB will host a public education and outreach seminar for municipal market professionals to discuss municipal market structure issues and development of new regulations for professionals that provide financial advice … Continue reading MSRB – Education and Outreach Seminar in Chicago, IL →

Regulatory Notice 14-31 SEC Approves FINRA Rule 2081 Regarding Prohibited Conditions Relating to Expungement of Customer Dispute Information Effective Date: July 30, 2014 Executive Summary The SEC has approved FINRA Rule 2081 (Prohibited Conditions Relating to Expungement of Customer Dispute Information) to prohibit member firms and associated persons from conditioning or seeking to condition settlement … Continue reading SEC Approves FINRA Rule 2081 Regarding Prohibited Conditions Relating to Expungement of Customer Dispute Information →

SIFMA Announces Cybersecurity Resources for Small Firms: Cyber attacks, a real threat to our economic and national security, do not discriminate based on firm size: cybersecurity firm Symantec reports that in 2012, 31% of all cyber attacks targeted businesses with fewer than 250 employees, up from 18% in 2011. Every market participant bears the responsibility … Continue reading SIFMA Announces Cybersecurity Resources for Small Firms →

6SIFMA and Other Associations Submit Comments to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Structure of MCDC: SIFMA suggested adjusting MCDC’s 5‐10 year look‐back period to determine whether or not issuers have made materially inaccurate statements in offering documents regarding prior continuing disclosure compliance, as well as extending the end date of MCDC from September 9, … Continue reading SIFMA and Other Associations Submit Comments to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Structure of MCDC →

Election Notice 8/1/14 FINRA Announces Nomination Process to Fill Upcoming Vacancies on the National Adjudicatory Council Petitions for Candidacy Due: September 15, 2014 Executive Summary The purpose of this Election Notice is to announce the nomination process to fill two vacancies on the National Adjudicatory Council (NAC) to be filled by one Large Firm NAC … Continue reading FINRA Announces Nomination Process to Fill Upcoming Vacancies on the National Adjudicatory Council →