Guidance
We offer guidance to firms in the form of podcasts, webinars, FAQs, reports, and more. Use the toggle below to find guidance by topic, type or date.
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
I
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
The Municipal Primary Offering Disclosure Report displays statistics about transactions your firm effected with customers during the securities’ Primary Offering Disclosure Period. This report is designed to aid firms in monitoring their compliance with Rule G-32(a) customer disclosure requirements, which apply to all broker-dealers selling offered municipal securities.
Overview
When considering their obligations to provide all available breakpoint discounts on sales of Class A shares of front-end load mutual funds, member firms may review the following Breakpoint Checklist and Breakpoint Worksheet, which may help member firms evaluate their breakpoint compliance programs and confirm whether they are capturing all relevant categories of information to provide customers all available breakpoint discounts.
Background
FINRA has been actively monitoring financial technology-related (FinTech) developments in the securities industry. A growing number of FinTech firms have been embracing new technologies, pioneering innovative products and developing new client-oriented financial services business models. Many traditional financial service providers are also rethinking their business models, incorporating these technologies and services. As part of the FINRA360 process, FINRA determined that it needed to enhance resources dedicated to this rapidly developing area of the industry.
On This Page
- FAQ Applicable to FINRA's Fingerprint Process
- FAQ Applicable to All Firms
- FAQ Applicable to Broker-Dealers Firms
- FAQ Applicable to Funding Portals
- FAQ Applicable to Investment Advisers
FAQ Applicable to FINRA’s Fingerprint Process
Q1: Which firm personnel are required to be fingerprinted?
The MSRB Due Diligence Report Card is a monthly status report to help firms monitor their issuances being brought to market in order to support firm's due diligence efforts. The report shows how many total issuances have been brought to market and which of those had issuers with previous issuances in the market that are lacking current audited financial filings (LCF) on EMMA. If any of the issuances being brought to market have a previously issued CUSIP LCF, then the current issuance is identified on this report card.
The report offers two alternative views:
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 the effectiveness of communications with and education of firms, including ways in which FINRA could enhance its engagement with member firms. After careful review of the comments and suggestions received, FINRA is taking a number of actions.
On This Page
General
Q100.1: What is the Trading Activity Fee?
The Registered Representative Composition Report is produced on a quarterly basis and displays trends in the profile of registered representatives associated with the firm. The report allows firms to compare their statistics to those of the industry. The data in this report comes from Web CRD®.
This report is generally published approximately 5 weeks after the last business day of the quarter. Users who have not opted-out of notifications will receive an email indicating that new reports have been published.
1. Where can I access a list describing the exams listed in CRD?
A listing of the exams available in CRD can be found on the Qualification Exams page.
2. How long is an exam window in CRD?
Exam windows are valid for 120 days. Provided that an exam candidate is not subject to a waiting period after a previous failed attempt, the exam window start date will be the day following the submission of the exam enrollment request.
FINRA has initiated a multi-phased effort to overhaul its registration and disclosure programs, including the Central Registration Depository (CRD) -- the central licensing and registration system that FINRA operates for the U.S. securities industry and its regulators, and that provides the backbone of BrokerCheck. In June 2018, we implemented the first phase of the transformation through a new WebCRD interface that highlights important information or activities requiring the immediate attention of firms, branches and individuals.
SR-FINRA-2022-030
Pursuant to SR-FINRA-2022-030, FINRA Rule 3110.17, which provides firms the option to satisfy their Rule 3110(c) obligations remotely, has been amended to include calendar year 2023 inspections obligations through the earlier of the effective date of the pilot program proposed in File No. SR-FINRA-2022-021, if approved, or December 31, 2023. Rule 3110.17, as amended, becomes operative on January 1, 2023 and does not extend to a member’s inspection requirements beyond December 31, 2023.
The Customer Complaint Report is a quarterly report that displays trends in complaints reported to FINRA's Rule 4530 Application each quarter, pursuant to FINRA Rule 4530. Note: prior to July 1, 2011, complaints were submitted pursuant to NASD Rule 3070 and NYSE Rule 351. When a customer complaint is submitted to FINRA, the submitter must identify the product and problem classification detailed in the complaint. The report allows a firm to see their complaints in two views, by problem identified in the complaint and by product for which the complaint was submitted.
NASAA, the SEC, and FINRA co-hosted a free webinar on identifying and reporting the financial exploitation of senior investors. Firms can use this webinar to help train associated persons about how to identify and report financial exploitation of senior and vulnerable adult investors.
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?
Account Creation
1. I am a new user and need to request an enrollment. How do I log into TESS?
Please visit our “Enroll for a Series Exam” page and select the appropriate link for the exam you are requesting. Note that before you can enroll as a new user for an exam using TESS, you must register to create a profile. Use the following steps to register:
Background
In 2018, FINRA and the Securities Industry/Regulatory Council on Continuing Education (CE Council) launched an initiative to evaluate enhancements to the CE Program. The overall goal of the program review is to reflect advances in technology and learning theory while continuing to ensure that registered persons receive timely education on the securities business and the regulatory requirements applicable to their respective functions.