Guidance
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The Cross-Market Equities Supervision: Auto Execution Manipulation report is a tool designed to provide firms feedback on exceptions that were generated based on the firm’s order entry and trading activity in a given surveillance period. The report covers auto execution manipulation. This report is produced on a monthly basis.
Summary Report
The table below provides a reference description for all of the elements found for Auto Execution Manipulation exceptions identified during the month.
In general, a member firm’s office or location is either registered as a branch office, if it meets the definitions contained in Rule 3110(f), or exempt from branch office registration (i.e., an unregistered office or non-branch location), if it fits within an express exclusion from the branch office definition listed in Rule 3110(f)(2)(A)(i)–(vii) or is designated as a residential supervisory location (or RSL) under the terms of Rule 3110.19.
Background
In response to the March 2017 Special Notice on Engagement issued as part of FINRA360, FINRA received a number of comments and suggestions regarding engagement in connection with FINRA's rulemaking process. After carefully reviewing and analyzing the comments, FINRA is taking a number of actions to address the comments and suggestions that it received.
Rulemaking Process
Questions and Answers on FINRA’s Eligibility Proceedings for Firms Participating in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC” or “Commission”) Share Class Selection Disclosure Initiative (“SCSD Initiative”).
The Web CRD Form BD Timeliness Report Card is a monthly analysis of FINRA firms' ability to meet certain filing obligations. In accordance with FINRA rules, firms are required to submit information related to applicant member and/or affiliate(s). This report displays a firm's performance in submitting certain BD amendment filings in the required time frame.
-->This targeted educational series is designed specifically for Financial and Operations Principals (FINOPs) and compliance professionals. Each session delivers timely, practical guidance on regulatory updates and operational requirements that directly impact your firm's financial and operational compliance.
General
1. Q: Why does FINRA publish the Sanction Guidelines?
A: FINRA publishes the Sanction Guidelines to familiarize member firms and associated persons with the disciplinary sanctions that could result from typical securities industry rule violations.
2. Q: Who develops the sanctions and fines?
Background
A large number of registered representatives are also Certified Financial PlannerTM (CFP®) professionals. These professionals must complete a minimum of 30 continuing education (CE) hours every two years as part of the requirements for CFP certification renewal. Through the FINRA360 process, a number of firms expressed a desire for improved opportunities with regard to continuing education credits.
1. When are books, records and accounts under the “control” of a member firm, associated person or person subject to FINRA’s jurisdiction?
For purposes of Rule 8210, whether a particular document is within a member firm’s or person’s “control” is determined by the facts and circumstances of each situation. Generally, a document will be considered to be in the control of a member firm or person if the firm or person has the legal right, authority or ability to obtain the document upon demand.1
The Executing Firm 10 Second Compliance Report Card is a monthly status report for trades that another firm reported on behalf of the market participant. The report contains counts of properly modified late trades, late trades that were not modified, and improperly modified trades.
FINRA Rule 3170 (Tape Recording of Registered Persons by Certain Firms)—commonly referred to as the “Taping Rule”— requires certain firms to install taping systems to record all telephone conversations between their registered persons and existing and potential customers, review those recordings and file reports with FINRA.
Overview – FINRA’s Funding Portal Rules (FP Rules) apply to firms that register with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as funding portals pursuant to the SEC’s Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) and that become FINRA FP members.
Utilize this checklist to determine if a private residence from which an associated person engages in supervisory functions meets the residential supervisory location (RSL) eligibility requirements and conditions.
FINRA recently introduced a new interactive report card designed to help firms proactively detect potential compliance problems and strengthen their oversight capabilities. The optional report card provides near real-time insights and interactive features to help identify reporting deficiencies and enhance your compliance programs.
To view the report card, you must have the entitlement: Firm View Equity Report Card
Additional Webinars Coming Soon.
Background
In March 2017, FINRA issued a Special Notice on its engagement programs as part of FINRA360, its comprehensive review of its operations. In response to the Special Notice, FINRA received a number of comments and suggestions regarding the usefulness of some advisory committees, their membership and their effectiveness as a vehicle for dialogue between FINRA and member firms. After carefully reviewing and analyzing the comments, FINRA is taking a number of actions to address the comments and suggestions.
In June 2009, FINRA issued Regulatory Notice 09-31 to remind firms of their sales practice obligations relating to leveraged and inverse exchange-traded funds (ETFs). At the same time, the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) issued guidance to the Canadian industry that is substantially similar to our Notice. In July we released a compliance podcast concerning the Notice and some of the issues that it raised.
Background
Small firms represent a critical portion of FINRA’s membership and often face regulatory challenges that are unique from their large firm counterparts. In an effort to provide additional compliance education and consistent with the FINRA360 goal of being a more effective regulator, FINRA launched The Small Firm Report in April 2018. The Small Firm Report is a free conference call series hosted by senior FINRA leaders who discuss trending topics, new rules and regulatory guidance and best practices, as well as answer questions from participants.