These guidelines supersede prior editions of the FINRA Sanction Guidelines, whether published in a booklet or discussed in FINRA Regulatory Notices (formerly NASD Notices to Members). These guidelines are effective as of the date of publication, and apply to all disciplinary matters, including pending matters. FINRA may, from time to time, amend these guidelines and announce the amendments in a Regulatory Notice or post the changes on FINRA's website (www.finra.org).

The following list of factors should be considered in conjunction with the imposition of sanctions with respect to all violations. Individual guidelines may list additional violation-specific factors.

The regulatory mission of FINRA is to protect investors and strengthen market integrity through vigorous, even-handed and cost-effective self-regulation. FINRA embraces self-regulation as the most effective means of infusing a balance of industry and non-industry expertise into the regulatory process. FINRA believes that an important facet of its regulatory function is the building of public confidence in the financial markets.