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Electronic Blue Sheets (EBS)

Blue Sheet Data

Electronic Blue Sheet (EBS) data files, which contain both trading and account holder information, provide regulatory agencies with the ability to analyze a firm’s trading activity. Firms are expected to provide complete, accurate and timely Blue Sheet data in response to regulatory requests. Incomplete, inaccurate and untimely Blue Sheet data compromises regulators’ ability to identify individuals engaging in insider trading schemes and other fraudulent activity. 


Blue Sheet Requests

FINRA sends Blue Sheet requests to firms by email and also posts them on FINRA's Request Manager system as a second means of notification. To access FINRA's Request Manager, go to FINRA Gateway, choose the Request & Filings tab, and then select the “Bluesheet Request” type filter. Firms that do not have entitlement to FINRA's Request Manager should contact (800) 321-6273.

Firms are responsible for providing FINRA with the firm's most current Blue Sheet contact information. Firms should promptly inform the Blue Sheet section of any contact changes by sending an email.


Blue Sheet Submissions

FINRA posts Blue Sheet data files that are successfully transmitted to FINRA on FINRA's Request Manager as a means of confirmation of receipt. The posting does not represent that the data file FINRA received was complete or accurate.

If a firm determines that it does not have any Blue Sheet data to report in response to a request, then the firm should send an email with an affirmative determination (i.e. stating that the firm has reviewed its records and have no Blue Sheet data to submit). A firm should not submit an empty Blue Sheet data file as this will not be considered an affirmative determination nor responsive to the Blue Sheet request.

Pursuant to FINRA Rules 8210, 8211 and 8213, firms are required to submit Blue Sheet data in a prescribed format. See Regulatory Notice 20-19 for the latest version of the Blue Sheet Record Layout.

Three options are available for electronic Blue Sheet submission: 

  • Transmission via the Securities Industry Automation Corporation (SIAC). FINRA must receive submissions on or before the designated due date. Firms are responsible for ensuring that FINRA receives submissions they make through SIAC by the due date. 
  • Transmission through FINRA’s Request Manager, which allows the data to be sent directly to FINRA at no cost to the firm. See Request Manager for more information. 
  • Transmission via FINRA fileX.

2021 Report on FINRA’s Examination and Risk Monitoring Program

The Large Trader Reporting section of the 2021 Report on FINRA’s Risk Monitoring and Examination Activities (the Report) informs member firms’ compliance programs by providing annual insights from FINRA’s ongoing regulatory operations, including (1) relevant regulatory obligations and related considerations, (2) exam findings and effective practices, and (3) additional resources.

Need Help?

Please review our list of Frequently Asked Questions.

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For questions, please contact FINRA Support Center at (800) 321-6273.

  • FINRA and ISG Announce the Update of Blue Sheet Data Elements and Repositioning of Exchange Code Field
    06/23/2020
  • FINRA and ISG Announce the Update of Blue Sheet Data Elements
    10/01/2019
  • FINRA and ISG Announce Extension of Effective Date for Certain Electronic Blue Sheet Data Elements and Updates to Certain Requestor and Exchange Codes Effective Date: November 15, 2018
    01/29/2018
  • FINRA and ISG Update Certain Electronic Blue Sheet Data Elements
    02/01/2017
  • FINRA and ISG Modify Certain Electronic Blue Sheet Data Elements
    07/14/2016
  • FINRA and ISG Extend Effective Date for Certain Electronic Blue Sheet Data Elements
    11/06/2015
  • FINRA and ISG Extend Effective Date for Certain Electronic Blue Sheet Data Elements
    11/01/2013
  • FINRA and ISG Extend Effective Date for Certain Electronic Blue Sheet Data Elements
    04/17/2013
  • FINRA and ISG Extend Effective Date for Certain Electronic Blue Sheet Data Elements
    10/31/2012
  • FINRA and ISG Delay Effective Date for Enhanced Electronic Blue Sheet Submissions
    07/18/2012
  • FINRA and ISG Enhance Electronic Blue Sheet Submissions
    12/13/2011
  • Frequently Asked Questions regarding Electronic Blue Sheet Submissions
    06/30/2006
  • Intermarket Surveillance Group (ISG)1 Requires Validation of Electronic Blue Sheet Submissions
    09/07/2005
  • FAQ
    1. For purposes of the SEC Large Trader Reporting Rule (SEA Rule 13h-1), what is the format of the LTID and the optional suffix? 2. For purposes of the SEC Large Trader Reporting Rule (SEA Rule 13h-1), how should Unidentified Large Traders be designated? ...