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 →

SR-FINRA-2014-028 Proposed Rule Change Relating to Revisions to the Definitions of Non-Public Arbitrator and Public Arbitrator Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") a proposed rule change to amend the Code of Arbitration Procedure for Customer Disputes ("Customer Code") and the Code of Arbitration Procedure … Continue reading FINRA Proposed Rule Change Relating to Revisions to the Definitions of Non-Public Arbitrator and Public Arbitrator →

The SEC requests comment on a proposal to adopt additional rules addressing quotation requirements for unlisted equity securities and to delete the OTC Bulletin Board rule series and discontinue operation of the OTC Bulletin Board Service. The comment period expires August 5, 2014. See the Federal Register notice.

SR-FINRA-2014-026 Proposed Rule Change to Amend the Codes of Arbitration Procedure to Increase Arbitrator Honoraria by Increasing Arbitration Filing Fees, Member Surcharges and Process Fees and Hearing Session Fees Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. ("FINRA") is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC" or "Commission") a proposed rule change to amend the Code of … Continue reading FINRA Proposed Rule Change to Amend the Codes of Arbitration Procedures →

C & L Regional Seminar:  August 6, 2014 -  Charles Schwab Convention Center - San Francisco We cordially invite you to attend the SIFMA Compliance & Legal Society San Francisco Regional Seminar to be held at Charles Schwab on Wednesday, August 6th, 2014. This one day seminar will feature presentations by leading securities regulators and … Continue reading SIFMA Compliance and Legal Society San Francisco Regional Seminar →

Alexandria, VA – The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) today announced new officers and Board of Directors members who will begin their terms on October 1, 2014. The Board makes policy decisions, authorizes rulemaking and oversees the MSRB’s operations. Kym Arnone, Managing Director at Barclays, will serve as Chair of the MSRB for Fiscal Year … Continue reading MSRB Announces New Officers and Board Membersfor Fiscal 2015 →

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s (MSRB) request for approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of a proposal to amend MSRB Rule G-3 has been published in the Federal Register. Proposed changes to Rule G–3 would require brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers to conduct annual municipal securities training for registered representatives who regularly … Continue reading MSRB Filing Rule Change to Rule G-3 on Professional Qualification Requirements →

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s (MSRB) request for approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of proposed MSRB Rule G-44, on supervision and compliance obligations of municipal advisors, and related amendments to MSRB Rules G-8 and G-9 has been published in the Federal Register. Read the notice of publication in the Federal Register. Read … Continue reading MSRB Request for Approval from SEC of proposed Rule G-44 has been published in the Federal Register →

Regional Compliance Events Midwest Des Moines, IA: Compliance Meeting: August 26 North Stamford, CT: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 7 Woodbridge, NJ: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14 South Dallas, TX: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 11 Boca Raton, FL: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14

In April, FINRA initiated a retrospective rule review by issuing two Regulatory Notices (14-14 and 14-15) requesting comment on the effectiveness and efficiency of FINRA's communications with the public rules, and the gifts, gratuities and non-cash compensation rules. In addition to the feedback we received during the comment process and through subsequent interviews with subject … Continue reading FINRA – Retrospective Rule Review Surveys →

The second-quarter data tables for the TRACE Fact Book are now available. The tables include aggregated information for securitized products as well as corporate and agency debt securities, including trades reported, the top 50 issues by trades and by par value, the average daily par value traded, customer buy vs. customer sell ratios and more.

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 →

Regional Compliance Events Midwest Des Moines, IA: Compliance Meeting: August 26 North Stamford, CT: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 7 Woodbridge, NJ: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14 South Dallas, TX: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 11 Boca Raton, FL: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14

The SEC requests comment on an amendment to a proposal relating to per share estimated valuations for unlisted DPP and REIT securities. The comment period expires August 12, 2014. See the Federal Register notice.

Regulatory Notice 14-32 FINRA Amends FINRA Rule 9120 and the Definition of “Hearing Officer” Implementation Date: August 12, 2014 Executive Summary FINRA has amended the definition of “Hearing Officer” to include a former FINRA employee who previously acted as a Hearing Officer and who is a licensed attorney. Based on the amended definition, the Chief Hearing … Continue reading FINRA Amends FINRA Rule 9120 and the Definition of “Hearing Officer” →

Regional Compliance Events Midwest Des Moines, IA: Compliance Meeting: August 26 North Stamford, CT: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 7 Woodbridge, NJ: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14 South Dallas, TX: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 11 Boca Raton, FL: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14

Regional Compliance Events Midwest Des Moines, IA: Compliance Meeting: August 26 North Stamford, CT: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 7 Woodbridge, NJ: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14 South Dallas, TX: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 11 Boca Raton, FL: Half-Day Compliance Boot Camp: August 14

August 14, 2014 3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET The MSRB will host an educational webinar on its recently released request for comment on a revised draft rule to establish core standards of conduct for municipal advisors. Register for the webinar. Read the request for comment

As a reminder, ballots for FINRA's election to fill one small firm seat and one large firm seat on the FINRA Board of Governors must be submitted prior to the Annual Meeting scheduled for August 14, 2014. Eligible firms are urged to vote. To ensure that FINRA receives sufficient proxies to satisfy the annual meeting … Continue reading FINRA BOARD OF GOVERNORS ELECTION →

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

SIFMA's Asset Managers Forum will host the next Buy-Side Academy on Monday, August 18, focusing on the operational impact of moving to a T+2 settlement cycle in Europe, which will be effective October 6, 2014. Industry professionals representing all aspects of the trade life-cycle - including asset management firms, broker-dealers, custodians, securities depositories, industry utilities and … Continue reading SIFMA Asset Managers Forum →

Regulatory Notice 14-28 SEC Approves FINRA Rule Concerning Self-Trades Effective Date: August 25, 2014 Executive Summary The SEC approved new supplementary material to FINRA Rule 5210 (Publication of Transactions and Quotations) to address transactions in a security resulting from the unintentional interaction of orders originating from the same firm that involve no change in the … Continue reading SEC Approves FINRA Rule Concerning Self-Trades →

Regional Compliance Events Midwest Des Moines, IA: Compliance Meeting: August 26

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s (MSRB) request for approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of a proposal to amend MSRB Rule G-3 has been published in the Federal Register. Proposed changes to Rule G–3 would require brokers, dealers and municipal securities dealers to conduct annual municipal securities training for registered representatives who regularly … Continue reading MSRB Deadline for Comments to Rule Change Request for Rule G-3 →

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board’s (MSRB) request for approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of proposed MSRB Rule G-44, on supervision and compliance obligations of municipal advisors, and related amendments to MSRB Rules G-8 and G-9 has been published in the Federal Register. Read the notice of publication in the Federal Register. Read … Continue reading MSRB Request for Approval from SEC of proposed Rule G-44 has been published in the Federal Register →

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

Regulatory Notice 14-29 FINRA Requests Comment on a Proposal to Establish a Publicly Accessible Online Repository of Form 211 Information Comment Period Expires: September 2, 2014 Executive Summary FINRA is soliciting comment on a proposal to make publicly available through FINRA’s website a repository of Form 211 information. Firms are required to complete FINRA’s Form … Continue reading FINRA Requests Comment on a Proposal to Establish a Publicly Accessible Online Repository of Form 211 Information →

Information Notice 7/10/14 Revised Process for Candidates Whose Primary Language Is Not English to Receive Additional Time to Complete a Qualification Examination or Continuing Education Session Effective: September 8, 2014 Executive Summary FINRA is enhancing the process for candidates with limited English proficiency (LEP) to receive additional time to complete a qualification examination or Regulatory … Continue reading FINRA Information Notice: Revised Process for Candidates Whose Primary Language Is Not English →

www.sifma.org/blastemails/societies/ias/ias-auditreportseminar_tev1.html Writing an audit report that communicates the right message to stakeholders and management is always a challenge.  This course will provide the key strategies and secrets to write an effective audit report that gets results.

www.sifma.org/blastemails/societies/ias/iasbusinesscontinuity090914_tev1.html The Internal Auditors Society will have an IT Audit Directors Roundtable on September 9, 2014 focused on Business Continuity: Challenges in a Changing Regulatory Environment. Join Nazir Vellani and Luke Miller of Ernst & Young to hear more.

Regulatory Notice 14-21 Effective Dates: OATS: April 7, 2014; ORF: September 15, 2014; ADF and TRFs: (millisecond reporting): September 29, 2014; ADF and TRFs (remaining amendments): First Quarter 2015 Executive Summary The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved amendments to FINRA rules governing the reporting of (i) over-the-counter (OTC) transactions in equity securities to … Continue reading SEC Approves Amendments to Equity Trade Reporting and OATS Rules →

Election Notice 8/1/14 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 Member and one Small Firm NAC Member. FINRA’s Nominating and Governance Committee nominated … Continue reading FINRA Announces Nomination Process to Fill Upcoming Vacancies on the National Adjudicatory Council →

With new leadership at the U.S. derivatives regulators in place, overseas derivatives reforms starting to take shape and swap markets in transformation, now is the right time to take stock and assess the state of the global derivatives markets.  The SIFMA Asset Management Derivatives Conference is the premier buy-side focused derivatives event for the latest … Continue reading SIFMA AMG Derivatives 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

www.sifma.org/cl-charlotte2014/ This one day seminar will feature presentations by leading securities regulators and industry professionals.

2014 Foundations of Web CRD/IARD Schedule & How to Register There are three ways to register: online, fax, or mail. Online registration is for credit card transactions only. Dates Fee Location September 22 – 23 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., ET, both days Full Waitlist Available $500* FINRA 9509 Key West Ave. Rockville, MD 20850 * Payment is … Continue reading FINRA Foundations of Web CRD/IARD Training →

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) →

Regulatory Notice 14-20 Implementation Date: October 1, 2014 Executive Summary Starting on October 1, 2014, firms must select revised and new product and problem codes when: (1) reporting information regarding written customer complaints alleging theft or misappropriation of funds or securities, or forgery; (2) reporting quarterly statistical and summary information regarding written customer complaints; and … Continue reading FINRA Revises the Product and Problem Codes Used for Reporting Customer Complaints and Filing Required Documents Online →

Where is the SILA 2014 National Education Conference? Disneyland® Hotel Anaheim, California When is the SILA 2014 National Education Conference? October 5-8, 2014 Attend SILA's annual conference to participate and learn about hot topics affecting insurance and securities licensing professionals. Following are securities related sessions on the agenda for the 2014 conference.  

FINRA's annual Advertising Regulation Conference provides practical guidance on complying with advertising rules and regulations for communications with the public. Highlights Current regulatory developments in securities advertising Interactive, hands-on workshops Office hours with FINRA Advertising Regulation analysts CLE and CPE credits available Register early for reduced in-person rates. Additional conference details—including the agenda and session … Continue reading FINRA Advertising Regulation Conference →

www.sec.gov

SR-FINRA-2014-035 Proposed Rule Change to Revise the Series 24 Examination Program Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) revisions to the content outline and selection specifications for the General Securities Principal (Series 24) examination program. The proposed revisions update the material to reflect changes to … Continue reading Proposed Rule Change to Revise the Series 24 Examination Program →

SR-FINRA-2014-034 Proposed Rule Change to Revise the Series 23 Examination Program Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) is filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC” or “Commission”) revisions to the content outline and selection specifications for the General Securities Principal Sales Supervisor Module (Series 23) examination program.2 The proposed revisions update the material to … Continue reading Proposed Rule Change to Revise the Series 23 Examination Program →

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

SIFMA's next Social Media Seminar will take place on October 23, 2014 in New York City. Coming back to New York from the west coast, this one-day event brings together experts across multiple fields to further explore the increasingly important issues our industry faces in light of the rapidly changing and growing tools of social … Continue reading SIFMA Social Media Seminar →

Join SIFMA and SIFMA's Compliance & Legal Society at an Ethics Seminar for financial services lawyers. Top industry professionals will discuss a range of topics, including: the SEC and CFTC ethics rules, internal investigations, privilege issues, client relationships, and much more. Learn more about the ethical issues impacting the industry and satisfy all your ethics … Continue reading SIFMA Ethics Seminar →

The Complex Products Forum is a collaborative event that brings together regulators, distributors, and manufacturers to discuss the issues, challenges, and opportunities related to the sale of complex products to retail investors. This full-day program will examine: Reasonable-basis suitability and innovative investment products Due diligence process when on boarding new products Ongoing supervision and oversight … Continue reading SIFMA Complex Products Forum →

Join SIFMA's Financial Management Society (FMS) and the AICPA on October 29-30 for the latest accounting, auditing and financial regulatory developments affecting securities firms. Hear from regulators first-hand and gain access to in-depth analysis and thought provoking Q&A sessions with industry experts. NEW LOCATION: This year, the conference will be held at the New York … Continue reading SIFMA National Conference on the Securities Industry →

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 →

www.sec.gov

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.

www.finra.org/AboutFINRA/HolidaySchedule

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.

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) →

Web CRD and IARD are unavailable as Final Statements are generating.

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 for QUERY-only and the creation of "Pending" filings.

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 →