Become a FINRA Mediator

FINRA's highly-qualified national roster of mediators helps investors, brokerage firms and brokers effectively resolve their securities disputes.

We seek mediators with significant and relevant mediation experience and subject matter knowledge. We strive for our roster to be reflective of the communities that we serve, and we are committed to increasing its diversity.

Qualifications & Application

FINRA seeks mediators who meet the needs of the parties. We therefore focus on the following candidate qualifications:

Experience as a mediator:

mediator training (multi-day training that includes role-playing techniques)
four reference letters from service as a mediator
certifications or membership on other mediator rosters

Subject matter experience:

securities-related experience
presiding as a neutral for securities matters in any dispute resolution forum
service as a FINRA arbitrator

Request a Mediator Application

After you submit your application request, FINRA staff will send you a pre-screening questionnaire. Staff then reviews your responses to the questionnaire to see if you qualify to receive an application. If you qualify, staff will send you an application. Completed applications and letters of reference are sent to the Mediation Subcommittee of the National Arbitration and Mediation Committee (NAMC), which approves new mediators.

Benefits

Professional

The FINRA credential gives mediators a competitive advantage as members of the leading securities mediation program. FINRA only admits mediators who meet our stringent qualifications, so parties are assured of the quality and expertise of FINRA mediators. Staff encourages parties in new disputes and ongoing arbitrations to try mediation—resulting in more opportunities for you.

Financial

FINRA collects fees from parties and pays its mediators directly after the mediation concludes. FINRA mediators do not have to wait for the parties to submit payment. FINRA collects a simple flat fee of $150 at the conclusion of a mediation case.

Administrative

Staff provides administrative support, including scheduling mediation sessions via Zoom, telephone, or in person, and collecting mediator fees and expenses. Mediation administrators work directly with parties to respond to questions about the mediation process. This service prepares parties for mediation and allows the mediator to focus on resolving disputes. Staff also ensures that all parties execute a Mediation Submission Agreement to establish the terms of the mediation in advance.

Role & Responsibilities

Mediators assist and guide parties toward their own resolution. A mediator does not decide the outcome. Instead, a mediator helps the parties understand and focus on the important issues needed to reach a resolution. FINRA’s mediators have securities expertise that helps them assess the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s case.

FINRA Mediators must conduct mediations in accordance with FINRA procedures, the Code of Mediation Procedure and the provisions of the Standards of Conduct for Mediators. Mediators must conduct a mediation in a fair and unbiased manner, and decline or withdraw from a mediation if the mediator cannot remain impartial. Mediators must avoid a conflict of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest during and after a mediation, and maintain the confidentiality of a mediation.

Parties that agree to mediate often request a list of available mediators, which will include the Mediators' Disclosure Reports. The report provides parties with valuable information to help them decide who they would like to mediate their case. FINRA mediators are required to keep the information on their disclosure reports current using DR Portal.