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
The SEC requests comment on proposals by the exchanges and FINRA to amend the Plan Governing the Collection, Consolidation, and Dissemination of Quotation and Transaction Information for Nasdaq-Listed Securities Traded on Exchanges on an Unlisted Trading Privilege Basis, and the Consolidated Tape and Consolidated Quotation Plans (collectively, the "Plans") to require Plan participants to include … Continue reading SEC Request for Comment on Proposed NMS Plan Amendments
Half-day compliance boot camps are local educational programs that focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Through a combination of classroom training and case studies, compliance professionals who are new to their role or those looking for a refresher gain valuable insights on compliance activities for immediate application to the workplace.
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 2015 Risk Control Assessment (RCA) Survey
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. Three more sessions are being … Continue reading 2015 Foundations of Web CRD/IARD Training
The annual meeting of FINRA firms will take place on or about Thursday, July 30, 2015, to elect one Small Firm Governor, one Mid-Size Firm Governor and one Large Firm Governor to the FINRA Board of Governors (FINRA Board). A formal notice of the meeting, including the precise date, time and location, will be mailed … Continue reading FINRA Board of Governors Election: Petitions for Candidacy Due
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Suitability & Managing Conflicts
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. Three more sessions are being … Continue reading 2015 Foundations of Web CRD/IARD Training
During this free webinar, MSRB staff will provide a review of the content outline for the first qualifying exam for municipal advisors and instructions on how to register for the pilot exam. To register for the webinar, click here.
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. - See more at: Regional Event.
U.S. securities regulators are asking the public to weigh in on how new and novel exchange-traded products should be listed, marketed and traded, as part of an effort to potentially write new rules for the sector. The Securities and Exchange Commission cited an ever-increasing number of requests by funds to launch new kinds of complex … Continue reading Comment Period Ends: SEC Request for Public Feedback to Inform Policy for Exchange-Traded Products
Join industry and regulatory leaders in Chicago on June 17-19 for the latest economic developments as well as important updates on accounting, tax rules and proposals, and regulations. New to the 2015 SIFMA FMS Regional Conference program is the Treasury Panel and a look at the new SEC 17a-5 Compliance Reporting requirements. The Regulator Panel … Continue reading 2015 SIFMA FMS Regional Conference
Join SIFMA to hear about the industry efforts to roll out Volcker Rule compliance programs as the industry approaches the July 21, 2015 compliance date for the Volcker Rule. The webinar will feature expert panelists who will address issues related to both the proprietary trading and covered funds provisions of the Volcker Rule. A question … Continue reading Volcker Implementation Webinar: Countdown to Compliance
Summary: On March 25, 2015, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) proposed amendments to Rule 15b9-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEA or Exchange Act), which currently provides many proprietary trading firms with an exemption from membership in a national securities association. If adopted, the amendments generally would require a proprietary trading firm … Continue reading FINRA Comment Period Ends on Proposed Exemption to the Trading Activity Fee for Proprietary Trading Firms
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Supervision, and Supervision of Complex Products
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Cybersecurity and Supervision
The 2015 Risk Control Assessment (RCA) which was issued on June 22. FINRA has requested that the survey be completed by Friday, July 17, 2015.
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Managing Conflicts of Interest and Branch Office Inspections
The SEC approved FINRA’s proposed rule change to adopt NASD Rule 3010(e) (Qualifications Investigated) relating to background checks on registration applicants as FINRA Rule 3110(e). FINRA Rule 3110(e) becomes effective on July 1, 2015. 3110(e) is based in part on substantially similar provisions in NASD Rule 3010 (e) and includes new provisions relating to the … Continue reading Effective Date of consolidated FINRA Rule 3110(e)
Early close time Day before Independence Day Holiday.
FINRA is soliciting comment on proposed amendments to the FINRA rules governing communications with the public. The proposed amendments would revise the filing requirements in FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public) and FINRA Rule 2214 (Requirements for the Use of Investment Analysis Tools) and the content and disclosure requirements in FINRA Rule 2213 (Requirements … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comment on Proposed Amendments to Rules Governing Communications With the Public
Closed for Independence Day Holiday
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Supervision and Branch Office Inspections
Only a few weeks remain for you to enroll in the initial course of the FINRA Institute at Wharton Certified Regulatory and Compliance ProfessionalTM (CRCPTM) program. Week I: Foundation takes place July 12 – 17, 2015, on the Wharton campus in Philadelphia, and focuses on case studies and interactive discussions designed to provide participants with … Continue reading FINRA Institute at Wharton CRCP Program Week I
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) is requesting comment on a proposal to modify the application of the standard of independence for the one public member of its Board of Directors designated to be representative of institutional or retail investors in municipal securities. Comments should be submitted to the MSRB no later than July 13, 2015. … Continue reading Comment Period Ends for MSRB Requests on Alternative Standard of Independence for Investor Representative on its Board
WASHINGTON — The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) today announced the opening of registration for their 2015 National Compliance Outreach Program for Broker-Dealers. The program is intended to provide an open forum for regulators and industry professionals to discuss compliance practices and exchange ideas on effective compliance structures. The … Continue reading SEC and FINRA to Hold National Compliance Outreach Program for Broker-Dealers
Securities and Exchange Commission Chair Mary Jo White is leading a multi-agency event to support Military Consumer Protection Day 2015, highlighting how service members can best protect themselves and their finances from fraud and identity theft. Other federal agencies participating include the the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Justice’s Service Members and Veterans … Continue reading Military Consumer Protection Day 2015
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Supervision and Suitability
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Supervision and Branch Office Inspections
The firm should complete the review of the outside brokerage accounts of all associated persons for the prior month.
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.
The comment period ends July 27, 2015 on FINRAs concept proposal to restructure the registered representative-level qualification examination program into a format whereby all potential representative-level registrants would take a general knowledge examination and an appropriate specialized knowledge examination to reflect their particular registered role. For purposes of the proposal, the general knowledge examination would be … Continue reading Comment Period Ends: Concept Proposal to Restructure Qualification Examination Program
The SEC requested comments on a proposal to amend FINRA Rule Series 9100, 9200, 9300, 9550 and 9800 to (1) modify the evidentiary standard that must be met to impose a temporary cease and desist order; (2) adopt a new expedited proceeding for repeated failures to comply with temporary or permanent cease and desist orders; (3) ease administrative burdens in temporary cease and desist proceedings; (4) harmonize the provisions governing how documents are served in temporary cease and desist proceedings and expedited proceedings; (5) clarify the process for issuing permanent cease and desist orders; and (6) make conforming changes throughout FINRA's Code of Procedure.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) and the Municipal Forum of New York will host an education and outreach seminar on July 28, 2015 from 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Marriott New York Downtown, Grand Ball Room, 85 West Street, New York, NY. A reception will follow. The event will highlight the municipal market’s past, present and … Continue reading MSRB and Municipal Forum of New York Education and Outreach Seminar
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Suitability and Managing Conflicts of Interest
Ballots for FINRA's election to fill one small firm seat, one mid-size firm seat and one large firm seat on the FINRA Board of Governors must be submitted prior to the Annual Meeting scheduled for July 30, 2015.
The SEC requests comment on a proposal to expand FINRA's alternative trading system (ATS) transparency initiative to publish the remaining equity volume executed over-the-counter by FINRA members, including, among other trading activity, non-ATS electronic trading systems and internalized trades.
As regulators continue to narrow in on protecting senior investors, broker-dealers, now more than ever, need to focus on how their compliance programs are set-up to cater to today’s ‘graying’ American population. As many firms are quickly beginning to realize, failing to implement such safeguards can lead to serious issues regarding suitability and disclosure.
This webinar will discuss the unique needs of senior investors, steps your firm should take when working with this growing demographic, and the serious implications of FINRA and the SEC’s recent influx of disciplinary actions and investor alerts. Please join the discussion July 30 at 1pm.
As regulators continue to narrow in on protecting senior investors, broker-dealers, now more than ever, need to focus on how their compliance programs are set-up to cater to today’s ‘graying’ American population. As many firms are quickly beginning to realize, failing to implement such safeguards can lead to serious issues regarding suitability and disclosure.
FINRA will conduct its annual meeting of firms on Thursday, July 30, 2015, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time at 1735 K Street, NW, in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the meeting is to elect individuals to fill one small firm seat, one mid-size firm seat and one large firm seat on the FINRA Board of … Continue reading Notice of Annual Meeting of FINRA Firms
FINRA has extended the deadline to complete the voluntary 2015 Risk Control Assessment (RCA) survey to July 31, 2015.
The SEC requested public comment on a proposal to amend FINRA Rule 2210 (Communications with the Public) to require a readily apparent reference and hyperlink to BrokerCheck® on: (1) the initial webpage that the member intends to be viewed by retail investors; and (2) any other webpage that includes a professional profile of one or more registered persons who conduct business with retail investors. These requirements would not apply to a member that does not provide products or services to retail investors, or to a directory or list of registered persons limited to names and contact information.
The SEC requested comments on a proposal to amend NASD Rule 1032(f) (Limited Representative-Equity Trader) to replace the Equity Trader registration category and qualification examination (Series 55) with a Securities Trader registration category and qualification examination (Series 57). In addition, the proposal amends NASD Rule 1022(a) (General Securities Principal) to establish a Securities Trader Principal registration category. The proposal also makes technical conforming changes to the Form U4 (Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer).
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Managing Conflicts of Interest and Branch Office Inspections
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Supervision and Managing Conflicts of Interest
The firm should complete the review of the outside brokerage accounts of all associated persons for the prior month.
FINRA has requested comments on a revised proposal to adopt the NASD and Incorporated NYSE rules regarding discretionary accounts and transactions as FINRA Rule 3260 (Discretionary Accounts and Transactions by Persons Other Than the Customer) in the consolidated FINRA rule book. In addition,he revised proposal addresses the treatment of customers’ free credit balances, sweep programs, … Continue reading Comment Period Ends: FINRA Request for Revised Proposal to Adopt FINRA Rule Regarding Discretionary Accounts and Transactions
FINRA Rule 2040 ("Rule") governs the payment of transaction-based compensation by member firms to unregistered persons. The new amendment to the Rule is effective August 24, 2015. The amended It expressly aligns the rule with Section 15(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (SEA or Exchange Act) and its related guidance to determine whether … Continue reading Effective Date of FINRA Rule 2040 – Payment to Unregistered Persons
FINRA Notice to Members 15-07 noted that the effective date of Rule 0190 is August 24, 2015. Rule 0190 is based largely on NASD IM-2420-1(a) (Transactions Between Members and Non-Members; Non-members of the Association) and provides that a member firm will be considered as a non-member of FINRA from the effective date of any order … Continue reading Effective Date of FINRA Rule 0190
FINRA Notice to Member 15-07 noted that the amendments to FINRA Rule 8311 would be effective August 24, 2015. In general, the amendments to FINRA Rule 8311 eliminate duplicative provisions in NASD IM-2420-2 and clarify the scope of the rule on payments by member firms to persons subject to suspension, revocation, cancellation, bar (each a … Continue reading Effective Date of amended FINRA Rule 8311
The comment period ends on August 24, 2015 for a FINRA proposal to reduce the delay period for the Historic TRACE Data Sets from 18 months to six months. For more information, see Regulatory Notice 15-24.
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Boot Camp: Supervision and Branch Office Inspections
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)
www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/HolidaySchedule/
The SEC requests comment on a proposal to adopt FINRA Rule 3210 (Accounts At Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions) into the Consolidated FINRA Rulebook and to delete NASD Rule 3050, Incorporated NYSE Rules 407 and 407A and Incorporated NYSE Rule Interpretations 407/01 and 407/02. The proposed rule addresses accounts opened or established by associated persons … Continue reading Comment Period Ends: FINRA Rule 3210 replacing NASD 3050
www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/HolidaySchedule/
FINRA is soliciting comment on a proposal to create a new Academic TRACE Data product that would be available to institutions of higher education. FINRA and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) have been engaged in ongoing dialogue to support a coordinated approach to potential rulemaking in this area. The comment period expires September 14, … Continue reading Comment Period Ends: Academic TRACE Data product
FINRA Member Firms may begin to submit post-dated Forms BDW & ADV-W on FINRA CRD
On the surface, the automated compliance library can appear to be smooth sailing. But when you look below the surface, do you really know what lies beneath? Uncontrolled library growth, inconsistent interpretation of mandates, rules that don’t match actual trading activity or regulations, false positives, excessive overrides and data issues are just a few of … Continue reading NSCP Offers Free Webinar: Managing Investment Compliance
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. Three more sessions are being … Continue reading 2015 Foundations of Web CRD/IARD Training
Stephen Luparello, SEC Director of Trading and Markets, will deliver the keynote address at the T+2 Symposium: The Road to a Shortened Settlement Cycle, in NYC on Sept. 17. Senior operations, technology, legal and compliance, risk, and corporate actions professionals, as well as service providers and regulators, will discuss the industry's progression from the selection … Continue reading SIFMA: T + 2 Symposium
FINRA Half-day Compliance Boot Camp focuses on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to the role or those looking to reinforce their understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities.
The firm should complete the review of the outside brokerage accounts of all associated persons for the prior month.
Rule change to amend Section 4(c) of Schedule A to the FINRA By-Laws to establish an administration and delivery fee for the new Municipal Advisor Representative Examination (“Series 50 examination”). Click here for full discussion of rule change.
Rule change to adopt NASD Rule 3040 (Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person) as FINRA Rule 3280 (Private Securities Transactions of an Associated Person) in the consolidated FINRA rulebook without any substantive changes. FINRA also proposes to update cross-references within other FINRA rules accordingly.
September 22, 2015 is the last day to register for the National Society of Compliance Professional's Annual National Conference. Click here to register and get more information.
The 2015 OFAC Fall Symposium will be held in Washington, DC on September 22, 2015. The symposium will provide a comprehensive review of current U.S. economic sanctions. It will include presentations on OFAC regulations, as well as targeted reviews of sanctions concerns for new and updated OFAC-administered programs.
FINRA Half-day Compliance Boot Camp focuses on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to the role or those looking to reinforce their understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities.
Half-day Compliance Boot Camps focus on basic regulatory requirements and compliance responsibilities. Participants are required to complete approximately three hours of assigned pre-course readings and online coursework prior to attending the session. Pre-course work is assigned and distributed approximately one week before the session. This course is designed for compliance professionals who are new to … Continue reading FINRA Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: New York
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 2241 ( Research Analysts and Research Reports) becomes effective as to the following provisions:
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 the examinations cover. Based on this review process, FINRA has revised the Registered Options Principal (Series 4) examination program. The changes are reflected in … Continue reading FINRA Revises the Series 4 Examination Program
SIFMA’s Volcker Rule Seminar, on September 30th at the SIFMA Conference Center in New York City, will bring together experts from the industry, government and law firms to discuss the current compliance and enforcement issues post the July 21st compliance date.
As of October 1, 2015, amendments to FINRA rules to provide a Web-based delivery method for completing the Regulatory Element of the Continuing Education (CE) requirements are effective. For more information, see FINRA Regulatory Notice 15-28
The MSRB’s current fee for initial registration under Rule A-12 is $100, an amount that has not been changed since its inception in 1975. During its fee review, the MSRB Board concluded that an increase in the initial registration fee from $100 to $1,000 was reasonable to help defray a significant portion of the administrative and operational costs associated with processing an initial registration.
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) announced in Regulatory Notice 2015-13 that it will be raising the fees assessed to its registrants (brokers, dealers, and municipal securities dealers (collectively "dealers") and municipal advisors (collectively "regulated entities"), effective October 1, 2015.
Interested in getting a discounted registration rate on the 2016 FINRA Annual Conference May 23-25, 2016? FINRA is offering discounts for those who meet requirements before Oct. 1. The special discounted rate for the first 100 in-person registrants is non-refundable. For all other registration categories, a full refund—less a $150 processing fee—will be granted to … Continue reading 2016 FINRA Annual Conference: Special Discounted Registration Rate
SILA National Education Conference, walk with us and get inspired by innovative ideas of how to move insurance licensing and securities registration issues
Attend this event to hear about proposed changes and new developments involving the communications rules. Also, gain practical guidance on the advertising standards from industry and FINRA experts. Discounted registration rates are available through September 16.
Speakers will share their experience and perspectives on how women can best position themselves to identify opportunities emerging from changes in regulation and technology, and insights on how to carve out leadership roles within an evolving Asset Management industry. The event will also highlight the role of mentorship and sponsorship as well as best practices … Continue reading Women in Asset Management
SIFMA’s Senior Investors Forum: Serving the Needs of Our Aging Investors brings together advisors, regulators, compliance officers, attorneys and academic experts to discuss the innovative practices in place to ensure our aging clients are properly protected against those seeking to part them from their hard-earned savings and rob them of their retirement security. Currently, Americans … Continue reading SIFMA’s Senior Investors Forum
The SIFMA Global Tax Reporting Symposium, providing in-depth perspective on financial services reporting and withholding in today’s global marketplace, will bring together industry and government experts to discuss three evolving tax compliance regimes: FATCA: Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act CRS: OECD Common Reporting Standard Section 871(m) of the Internal Revenue Code The symposium will explore … Continue reading SIFMA Global Tax Reporting Symposium
The firm should complete the review of the outside brokerage accounts of all associated persons for the prior month.
On October 21 and 22, 2015, the FBI, U.S. Secret Service (USSS) and the Department of the Treasury will host open houses at locations across the country to enhance collaboration between the financial services sector and federal law enforcement entities on cybersecurity. Session attendees will gain further insight into the capabilities of the FBI and USSS, a better understanding of cybersecurity threats and information about how to incorporate collaboration with law enforcement into internal incident response plans.
The SEC has requests comment on a proposal to amend FINRA Rule 8312 (FINRA BrokerCheck Disclosure) to reduce the 15-day waiting period for the release of information reported on Form U5 (Uniform Termination Notice for Securities Industry Registration) through BrokerCheck. The comment period expires October 22, 2015.
FINRA is hosting a WebEx presentation discussing new and updated fixed income Report Cards.
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.
FINRA Member Firms may begin to submit post-dated Form U5s and Form BR closing/Withdrawal forms on FINRA CRD, which must be dated 12/31/2015.
The SEC requested comments on a proposal to amend FINRA Rule 0150 (Application of Rules to Exempted Securities Except Municipal Securities) so that FINRA Rule 2121 (Fair Prices and Commissions) and its Supplementary Material .01 and .02, which govern mark-ups and commissions, will apply to transactions in, and business activities relating to, exempted securities that are government securities. The comment period expires October 27, 2015.
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)
You are invited to attend the NSCP's annual National Conference for the most comprehensive educational offering within the financial services industry covering over 80 topics, encompassing broker-dealer, investment adviser, investment company, municipal advisor and private fund/hedge fund compliance issues. The workshops, labs and roundtable discussions are all led by experienced industry veterans who focus on the practical … Continue reading NSCP: National Society of Compliance Professionals
Amendments to the TRACE reporting rules were approved by the SEC to the to permit FINRA to implement a new contra-party type for use by firms in identifying transactions with non-member affiliates. The amendment also requires firms to separately identify transactions with non-member affiliates that occur within the same day, at the same price and … Continue reading Amendments to Trace Reports Require Firms to Identify Transactions with Non-Member Affiliates in TRACE Trade Reports – Effective Date
Firms may begin to submit post dated Firms BDW and ADV-W, which must be dated 12/31/2015.
The SEC approved amendments to FINRA rules for Cease & Desist Orders. The new rules and amendments lower the evidentiary standard to impose a temporary cease and desist order (TCDO); created a new expedited proceeding for repeated failures to comply with a TCDO or a permanent cease and desist order (PCDO); harmonized the provisions governing how documents are served in temporary cease and desist and expedited proceedings; clarified FINRA’s authority to impose a PCDO; and ease FINRA’s administrative burden in temporary cease and desist proceedings. The amendments become effective on November 2, 2015.
The SEC comment period ends November 3, 2015 on FINRA's proposal to merge its dispute resolution subsidiaries, FINRA Dispute Resolution, Inc. into and with its regulatory subsidiary, FINRA Regulation, Inc. FINRA's existing dispute resolution program would continue to operate as a separate department within FINRA Regulation, and would be referred to as the Office of Dispute Resolution.
As required by Regulation Systems Compliance and Integrity (Regulation SCI), FINRA has adopted new Rule 4380 related to mandatory member firm participation in business continuity and disaster recovery (BC/DR) testing. The new rule authorizes FINRA to designate firms that must participate in FINRA’s BC/DR testing under Regulation SCI, which will be conducted once per year. … Continue reading FINRA Files Rule with SEC for Authority to Designate Firms for Mandatory Participation in FINRA’s Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Testing
Leaders of the financial services industry will gather in the nation’s capital at the 2015 SIFMA Annual Meeting: The Capital Markets Conference to discuss challenges and the ways the industry can continue to drive capital formation, job creation and economic growth. Click here for registration information.
The Small Firm Conference 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.
The firm should complete the review of the outside brokerage accounts of all associated persons for the prior month.