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Arbitration & Mediation
Arbitration & Mediation

This section of FINRA.org is dedicated to helping investors and other FINRA constituents understand how to navigate our two Dispute Resolution Services of Arbitration and Mediation. Our goal is to provide appropriate guidance to help you resolve your dispute, as well as set realistic expectations regarding our Arbitration and Mediation processes —including timelines, fees and how to find an attorney.

Constituents can file an arbitration claim and/or request mediation through FINRA Dispute Resolution Services when they have a dispute involving the business activities of a brokerage firm or one of its brokers, and are seeking monetary or other relief.

In most instances, to be considered for arbitration or mediation, the alleged act resulting in a claim must have taken place within the past six years. However, arbitrators may find that there is a continuing occurrence or event giving rise to the dispute. For example, although a customer purchased stock 10 years ago, there are allegations of ongoing fraud starting with the purchase, but continuing to a date within six years of the date the claim was filed

While in most instances attorneys will be present in both arbitration and mediation, the outcomes are not decided by a court of law. Arbitration cases are decided by independent arbitrators who are chosen by the parties to issue final binding decisions. Arbitration is a compulsory process requiring FINRA members to answer claims.

In mediation parties jointly select an independent mediator who assists the parties in reaching a negotiated resolution. Mediation is voluntary and both sides must agree before a session can commence.

Separately, constituents may also file a complaint through FINRA's Investor Complaint Center to alert FINRA’s Regulatory Department to potentially fraudulent or suspicious activities by brokerage firms or brokers. Filing an investor complaint does not preclude you from filing a separate arbitration or mediation case with FINRA Dispute Resolution Services.

Dispute Resolution Portal

The DR Portal allows participants in an arbitration or a mediation to log into a secure area of our website so they can submit documents and manage case information. 

NEED HELP?

For help logging into the DR Portal, call FINRA Support Center at (301) 590-6500. For other technical difficulties, call (800) 700-7065.

For case-related questions, please contact the regional office assigned to your case.

FINRA’s website can be read in languages other than English, by using a translation service.

Arbitration parties may request a financial hardship waiver of filing and interpretation fees.

All Dispute Resolution hearing locations are open for in-person proceedings.

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FINRA Dispute Resolution is...

Experienced

EXPERIENCED

8,000+ well-qualified arbitrators drawn from diverse professions and cultural backgrounds

Fair

FAIR

In 2023, 74% of customer arbitration cases closed through settlement or paid damages

Effective

EFFECTIVE

3,644 arbitration and mediation cases closed in 2023

Efficient

EFFICIENT

The average FINRA arbitration case closed in just 14.6 months in 2023

 


Become a FINRA Arbitrator

FINRA Dispute Resolution Services has embarked on an aggressive campaign to recruit new arbitrators with a particular focus on adding arbitrators from diverse backgrounds, professions, and geographical locations

FINRA arbitrators are highly engaged, dynamic individuals who collaborate to aid their communities and enhance their professional lives by resolving securities-related disputes.  

As a FINRA arbitrator, you have the opportunity to develop skills, give back and supplement your income.  No previous arbitration, securities or legal experience is required to apply—just five years of paid work experience and two years of college-level credits.