Short Interest Reporting File Transfer Service Migration to fileX

Background

FINRA is pleased to announce a new centralized, secure file transfer platform called fileX, which enables firms to programmatically send, track and receive files in one place. fileX significantly streamlines the process for submitting bulk filings to FINRA, provides additional options for downloading files from FINRA, and allows for seamless and secure authentication and authorization.

If your firm does not submit filings by batch submission, there is no action required.

Purpose

The current phase of transition to the new fileX file transfer platform is focused on migrating Short Interest Reporting from FINRA’s legacy file transfer system to fileX. In order to ensure an easy transition for firms, FINRA has provided detailed information about the fileX platform and migration process. This information will assist firms with their transition and help prepare for testing.

fileX supports the following three service methods through which files can be transferred to FINRA: SFTP, REST API and S3 Direct. The key features, benefits and access details of each service can be found through hyperlinks under the Resources section below. fileX will eventually replace all legacy file transfer methods currently in use. The following actions are required for file transfers related to 4530.

Required Firm Action Items

1. Firms currently using FINRA Enterprise Web Security (EWS) accounts will be able to continue using their current credentials to connect to fileX. Alternatively, a firm can request a new EWS account by contacting the FINRA Support Center (800) 321-6273. Application access is controlled by entitlements granted to the EWS account. The process for requesting new accounts and the associated entitlements will remain the same.
2. Firms will need to whitelist the new FINRA fileX IPs to successfully connect with the FINRA servers. The new FINRA fileX IPs can be found in the fileX User Guide. Firms will not need to have FINRA whitelist their IPs again unless their server addresses are changing, as FINRA will be carrying over existing whitelists.
3. Update scripts or configurations¹ that drive the existing SFTP transfers with:
   1. New hostname/IP can be found in the user guide listed below.
   2. Drop-off/pick-up directories:

The FINRA Support Center is available to assist firms in making a successful transition, and can be reached at (800) 321-6273 or by email. We will continue to keep you updated as we make progress on this initiative.

Key fileX Migration Dates

• February 2, 2020 – Customer test environment will be available for testing connectivity and file transmission.
• February 10, 2020 – Production environment will be available for file transmission.
• April 18, 2020 – All Short Interest Reporting batch submitters must complete their migration to the new fileX infrastructure in the production environment as the legacy services will be retired.

Note: Batch submitters may begin transmitting files using fileX prior to February 27, 2020, within the production environment.

1. Or create new processes to leverage the REST or direct AWS S3 copy capability.