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 →

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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 →

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