FINRA Launches New Disciplinary Actions Database

Web-Based Tool Allows Public Access to Disciplinary Documents

WASHINGTON — The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) today announced the launch of the FINRA Disciplinary Actions Online database, a web-based searchable system that makes its disciplinary actions accessible via its website at www.finra.org.

The database enables users to perform searches for FINRA actions free of charge, seven days a week. Users may search for actions by case number, document text, document type, action date (by date range), a combination of document text and action date, individual name and Central Registration Depository (CRD^®) number, or firm name and CRD number. The documents can be viewed online, printed, or downloaded as text-searchable PDF files.

Previously, the public had to contact FINRA to obtain copies of disciplinary actions. The new database makes available disciplinary action documents including Letters of Acceptance, Waivers and Consent (AWCs), settlements, National Adjudicatory Council decisions, Office of Hearing Officers decisions and complaints.

BrokerCheck^® reports will now link to disciplinary actions housed in the system, as it currently does for arbitration awards in the Arbitration Awards Online database. Beginning June 15th, FINRA Monthly Disciplinary Actions will also link each write-up to its corresponding action in the database.

Investors can obtain more information about, and the disciplinary record of, any FINRA-registered broker or brokerage firm by using FINRA's BrokerCheck. FINRA makes BrokerCheck available at no charge. In 2010, members of the public used this service to conduct 17.2 million reviews of broker or firm records. Investors can access BrokerCheck at www.finra.org/brokercheck or by calling (800) 289-9999.

FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. FINRA is dedicated to investor protection and market integrity through effective and efficient regulation and complementary compliance and technology-based services. FINRA touches virtually every aspect of the securities business – from registering and educating all industry participants to examining securities firms, writing and enforcing rules and the federal securities laws, informing and educating the investing public, providing trade reporting and other industry utilities, and administering the largest dispute resolution forum for investors and registered firms. For more information, please visit www.finra.org.