Guidance

In 2022, FINRA developed an enterprise-wide strategy to ensure preparation for an evolving crypto asset regulatory landscape with the creation of the Crypto Hub, the Blockchain Lab and the Crypto Asset Investigations Team. On this episode, which originally aired in August 2023, we learn more about the strategy and the role of the Hub.

Learn how to submit a Form BR amendment related to the Residential Supervisory Location (RSL) rule. In this short video (2:02 minutes), FINRA demonstrates a scenario for an existing branch that was previously filed with FINRA, the NYSE, and a state, but is now an RSL for FINRA and the NYSE, but not with the state.

Learn how to use the Non-registered Locations with RSL Status report template available in FINRA Gateway by watching this short video (2:23 minutes). The report template can be used to identify associated persons’ office of employment addresses marked as non-registered, private residences with outstanding “Yes” or “No” responses.

Learn how to amend a Form U4 filing to complete the RSL Question by watching this short (2:04 minutes) video.

FINRA prepared this quick reference guide to help firms that have identified a location as a non-registered private residence to answer the RSL question on Form U4.

In the securities world today, there is little daylight between money laundering and fraud. On this episode, we learn how FINRA’s Special Investigations Unit works to detect and investigate cases of illicit finance and market abuse, as well as how they proactively identify and mitigate threats.

Companies that use Fortinet’s FortiManager product could be exposed to a remote, unauthenticated attacker executing arbitrary code or commands due to a critical product vulnerability (CVE-2024-47575), according to two recent alerts from the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

Gen X is often called the Forgotten Generation given how often they’re overlooked in favor of conversation around boomers, millennials or now even Gen Z. But on this episode, Gen X is the one in the spotlight as we dig into the financial health of those born between 1965 and 1980 and, importantly, their perception of their financial well-being.

FINRA alerts member firms that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) has filed a rule change for immediate effectiveness to harmonize NYSE Rule 3110 (Supervision) with FINRA Rule 3110 (Supervision) to permit eligible NYSE member organizations to participate in FINRA’s Remote Inspections Pilot Program and to adopt FINRA’s Residential Supervisory Location (RSL) classification.

The term “metaverse” has attracted significant attention and curiosity in recent years from the media, entertainment and technology sectors. Though the term has no concrete definition, and interpretations may differ, the metaverse is generally viewed as the next evolution of today’s internet.

On Oct. 16, 2024, the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released Cybersecurity Advisory - AA24-290A, which provides threat actors’ tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) and indicators of compromise (IOCs) associated with Iranian cyber actors. In light of the historical proclivity of Iranian threat actors targeting the financial services industry, FINRA is sharing this information with member firms.

Why do we engage with scammers? What makes one person more likely to engage than the next? Of those that engage, what makes someone more likely to lose money? On this episode, we dig into the research on these important questions with three academics in the field.

This notification warns member firms of an ongoing phishing campaign that began on or around Oct. 9 that involves fraudulent emails purporting to be from FINRA executives, in some instances containing a PDF attachment. These emails are not from FINRA, and firms should delete them and consider blocking their domains.

FINRA has implemented Form BR (Uniform Branch Office Registration Form) functionality enhancements for amendments to Form BR submissions for existing locations that will allow firms to account for the RSL designation by de-selecting a location’s registration for FINRA and the jurisdiction that accepts the RSL designation, while continuing to pre-select the location’s registration or notice filing in a jurisdiction or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), or both, that has not accepted the RSL designation. 

An overview of the scenarios described in FAQs 39-44, covering Form BR filings—initial and amendments—for FINRA and a jurisdiction, and the NYSE, as applicable.

Download the Findings Reporting Categories for Remote Inspection Pilot Participants

Falling victim to a scam carries more than just a financial impact. It can be an isolating experience and exact a mental and emotional toll. On this episode, we hear about the experience of two real life victims and their efforts to recover from their loss with the help of the Cybercrime Support Network.

The FINRA Board announced two newly appointed Industry Governors, received an update on FINRA’s Enforcement Digital Transformation and continued discussions around FINRA’s long-term financial planning.

Read CEO Robert Cook’s email to firms previewing topics the Board is scheduled to discuss at the September 2024 FINRA Board of Governors Meeting.

Last week, FINRA CEO Robert Cook spoke at a conference hosted by the FINRA Foundation to underscore the importance of working together to disrupt the cycle of fraud. He highlighted specific areas for further coordination and announced that FINRA will reach out operators of existing regulatory databases to explore ways to create a one-stop shop resource for investor research. On this episode, we tune in to his remarks.

A new question has been added to the Uniform Application for Securities Industry Registration or Transfer (Form U4) to identify Residential Supervisory Locations (RSLs) for purposes of complying with FINRA Rule 3110.19(d), as amended (RSL Question). Firms that have identified a location as a non-registered private residence are required to answer the RSL Question as either “Yes” or “No” by December 26, 2024. The previously announced October 15, 2024 date in Regulatory Notice 24-02 has been replaced by the December 26, 2024 deadline. Further information on Form U4’s new RSL Question and the related deadline is available in File No. SR-FINRA-2024-015 and in the Frequently Asked Questions about Residential Supervisory Locations (RSLs).

This Guidance assists member firms with continuing membership applications (CMAs) as part of the implementation of a succession plan or an exit from the broker-dealer securities business (which may or may not be connected to a succession plan).

The Cyber and Analytics Unit (CAU) within FINRA’s Member Supervision program highlights recent cybersecurity risks at third-party providers (commonly referred to as third-party vendors) impacting member firms.

FINRA’s Examinations team has undertaken changes to create efficiencies before, during and after the exam process to continuously improve the program. On this episode, three senior leaders of the team join us to detail some of the recent changes, including the introduction of thematic reviews, changes to the post-exam closeout process and more.