For Your Information - January 1998

For Your Information For January

Published Date:

January 01, 1998

NASD Regulation Reminds Members To Develop Year 2000 Plans

NASD Regulation, Inc., urges National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (NASD^®) members to develop and implement an action plan to ensure and achieve Year 2000 compliance. The scope of Year 2000 plans should extend to all information technology systems (internal and external) used to conduct a securities business and other business support systems (e.g., telephone, power, elevators, etc.). All introducing and clearing firms have a responsibility to analyze the readiness of their automated regulatory and compliance systems and make the changes needed for continued successful operation.

Be aware that computer failures related to Year 2000 problems generally will not be considered a defense to violations of firms' regulatory or compliance responsibilities or a mitigation of sanctions for such violations.

By now, you should have already completed and returned to NASD Regulation^SM the mandatory "Year 2000 Compliance Survey" distributed with NASD Special Notice to Members 97-96. This survey must be returned by January 31, 1998. Member firms that have returned a completed "Year 2000 Survey" to the New York Stock Exchange are not required to complete the NASD Regulation survey at this time. If you need an additional copy of the survey, it is posted on the Year 2000 Web Pages of both the NASD Regulation (www.nasdr.com) and NASD Web Sites (www.nasd.com).

Remember, the deadline for Year 2000 compliance is December 31, 1999, and there are no extensions.

1000. MEMBERSHIP, REGISTRATION AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Note: Although M-1000-1 through IM-1000-4 are not published here, they remain part of the rules of the Rule 1000 Series and are contained, without amendment, in the written Manual.

1010. Membership Proceedings

1011. Definitions

Unless otherwise provided, terms used in the Rule 1010 Series shall have the meaning as defined in Rule 0120.

(a) Applicant

The term "Applicant" means a person or entity that applies for membership in the Association under Rule 1013, files an application to remove or modify a restriction under Rule 1017, or files a notice and application for continuance in membership under Rule 1018.

(b) Associated Person

The term "Associated Person" means a natural person registered under the Rules of the Association or a sole proprietor, partner, officer, director, branch manager, or natural person occupying a similar status or performing similar functions who will be or is anticipated to be associated with the Applicant, or a natural person engaged in the investment banking or securities business who will be or is anticipated to be directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by the Applicant, whether or not any such person is registered or exempt from registration under the NASD By-Laws or the Rules of the Association.

(c) Department

The term "Department" means the Department of Member Regulation of NASD Regulation.

(d) Director

The term "Director" means a member of the NASD Regulation Board.

(e) district

The term "district" means a district established by the NASD Regulation Board.

(f) district office

The term Adistrict office means an office of NASD Regulation located in a district.

(g) Governor

The term "Governor" means a member of the NASD Board.

(h) Interested Association Staff

The term "Interested Association Staff" means an employee who directly participates in a decision under Rule 1014, 1017, or 1018, an employee who directly supervises an employee with respect to such decision, an employee who conducted an investigation or examination of a member that files an application under Rule 1017 or a notice and application under Rule 1018, the District Director for the relevant district, and the head of the Department.

(i) NASD Board

The term "NASD Board" means the Board of Governors of the NASD.

(j) NASD Regulation Board

The term "NASD Regulation Board" means the Board of Directors of NASD Regulation.

(k) sales practice violations

The term "sales practice violations" means any conduct directed at or involving a customer that would constitute a violation of any Rule in the Rule 2000 or 3000 Series, any provision of the Act, or any state statute prohibiting fraudulent conduct in connection with the offer, sale, or purchase of a security or in connection with the rendering of investment advice.

(l) Subcommittee

The term "Subcommittee" means a subcommittee of the National Adjudicatory Council that is constituted pursuant to Rule 1015 to conduct a review of a Department decision issued under the Rule 1010 Series.

1012. General Provisions

(a) Service of Notices and Decisions; Filing by Applicant

A notice or a decision issued by the Association under the Rule 1010 Series with respect to an application shall be served promptly by first-class mail on the Applicant or its counsel, unless a Rule specifies a different method of service. Service by the Association or filing by an Applicant by mail shall be deemed complete upon mailing. Service by the Association or filing by an Applicant by commercial courier or facsimile shall be deemed complete on the date specified in the written confirmation of receipt.

(b) Ex Parte Communications

(1) Unless on notice and opportunity for an Applicant and Interested Association Staff to participate, or to the extent required for the disposition of ex parte matters as authorized by the Rules of the Association:

(A) an Applicant, a counsel or representative of an Applicant, or an Interested Association Staff shall not make or knowingly cause to be made an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of a membership proceeding under the Rule 1010 Series to a Governor, a member of the National Adjudicatory Council or a Subcommittee thereof, or an Association employee who is participating or advising in a decision of such a person with respect to that proceeding; and

(B) a Governor, a member of the National Adjudicatory Council or a Subcommittee thereof, or an Association employee who is participating or advising in the decision of such a person with respect to a membership proceeding shall not make or knowingly cause to be made to an Applicant, a counsel or representative of the Applicant, or an Interested Association Staff an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of that proceeding.

(2) A Governor, a member of the National Adjudicatory Council or a Subcommittee thereof, or an Association employee participating or advising in the decision of such a person, who receives, makes, or knowingly causes to be made a communication prohibited by this paragraph shall place in the record of the membership proceeding:

(A) all such written communications;

(B) memoranda stating the substance of all such oral communications; and

(3) The prohibitions against ex parte communications shall become effective when Association staff has knowledge that an Applicant intends to file a written request for review by the National Adjudicatory Council under Rule 1015.

(c) Recusal or Disqualification

A Governor or a member of the National Adjudicatory Council or a Subcommittee thereof shall not participate in a matter governed by the Rule 1010 Series as to which that person has a conflict of interest or bias, or if circumstances otherwise exist where his or her fairness might reasonably be questioned. In such a case, the person shall recuse himself or shall be disqualified as follows:

(1) The Chair of the NASD Board shall have authority to direct the disqualification of a Governor, and a majority of the Governors of the NASD Board excluding the Chair shall have authority to direct the disqualification of the Chair of the NASD Board.

(2) The Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall have authority to direct the disqualification of a member of the Council or a member of a Subcommittee appointed pursuant to Rule 1015, and the Vice Chair of the Council shall have authority to direct the disqualification of the Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council.

(d) Computation of Time

(1) Calendar Day

In the Rule 1010 Series, "day" means calendar day.

(2) Formula

In computing a period of time under the Rule 1010 Series, the day of the act, event, default, or lapse from which the period of time designated begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. Intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays shall be excluded from the computation when the period prescribed is ten days or less.

1013. Application and Membership Interview

(a) Filing of Application

(1) Each Applicant for Association membership shall file its application in two parts. The first part of the application shall be filed with the Membership Department and shall include the following documents:

(A) an original signed and notarized Form BD, with applicable schedules;

(B) an original signed Form U-4 for each Associated Person who is required to be registered under the Rules of the Association;

(D) a new member assessment report;

(E) a new member firm contact questionnaire; and

(F) a check for the appropriate fee.

(2) The second part of the application shall be filed with the Department of Member Regulation at the district office in the district in which the Applicant intends to have its principal place of business and shall include the following information and documents:

(A) a detailed business plan, in a form prescribed by the Association, that describes all material aspects of the business that will be, or are reasonably anticipated to be, performed at and after the initiation of business operations, and includes:

(i) a trial balance, balance sheet, supporting schedules, and computation of net capital, each of which has been prepared as of a date that is within 30 days before the date of application;

(ii) a monthly projection of income and expenses, with a supporting rationale, for the first twelve months of operations;

(iii) an organizational chart;

(iv) a list of the intended locations of all offices, whether or not such offices would be required to be registered under the Rules of the Association, and the names of the persons who will be in charge of each office;

(v) a list of the types of securities to be offered and sold and the types of retail or institutional customers to be solicited;

(vi) a description of the methods and media to be employed to develop a customer base and to offer and sell products and services to customers, including the use of the Internet, telephone solicitations, seminars, or mailings;

(vii) a description of the business facilities and a copy of any proposed or final lease;

(viii) the number of markets to be made, if any, the type and volatility of the products, and the anticipated maximum inventory positions;

(ix) any plan to enter into contractual commitments, such as underwritings or other securities-related activities;

(x) any plan to distribute or maintain securities products in proprietary positions, and the risks, volatility, degree of liquidity, and speculative nature of the products; and

(xi) any other activity that the Applicant may engage in that reasonably could have a material impact on net capital within the first twelve months of business operations;

(B) a copy of the Applicant's most recent Form BD;

(C) a copy of any decision by a federal or state authority or self-regulatory organization taking permanent or temporary adverse action with respect to a registration or licensing determination regarding the Applicant or an Associated Person;

(D) a list of all Associated Persons, the most recent Form U-4 and Form U-5 for each Associated Person, any other document that discloses the disciplinary history of each Associated Person, and a list of any other persons or entities that will exercise control with respect to the Applicant's business;

(E) documentation of any:

(i) regulatory action against or investigation of the Applicant or an Associated Person by the Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a federal, state, or foreign regulatory agency, or a self-regulatory organization that is pending, adjudicated, or settled;

(ii) investment-related civil action for damages or an injunction against the Applicant or an Associated Person that is pending, adjudicated, or settled;

(iii) investment-related customer complaint or arbitration involving sales practice violations, theft, misappropriation, conversion, or breach of fiduciary duty, against the Applicant or an Associated Person that is pending, settled, or has resulted in an award or judgement; and

(iv) criminal action (other than a minor traffic violation) against the Applicant or an Associated Person that is pending, adjudicated, or that has resulted in a guilty or no contest plea;

(F) a copy of any document evidencing a termination for cause or a permitted resignation after investigation of an alleged violation of a federal or state securities law, a rule or regulation thereunder, a self-regulatory organization rule, or an industry standard of conduct;

(G) a description of any remedial action, such as special training or continuing education requirements or heightened supervision, imposed on an Associated Person by a state or federal authority or self-regulatory organization;

(H) a written acknowledgment that heightened supervisory procedures and special educational programs may be required for an Associated Person whose records reflect:

(i) disciplinary actions involving sales practice violations;

(ii) customer complaints; or

(iii) arbitrations that were resolved adversely to the Associated Person;

(I) a copy of final or proposed contracts with banks, clearing entities, or service bureaus, and a general description of any other final or proposed contracts;

(J) a description of the nature and source of Applicant's capital, including a list of all persons or entities that have contributed or plan to contribute financing to the Applicant's business, the terms and conditions of such financing arrangements, the risk to net capital presented by the Applicant's proposed business activities, and any arrangement for additional capital should a business need arise;

(K) a description of the financial controls to be employed by the Applicant;

(L) a description of the Applicant's supervisory system and a copy of its written supervisory procedures, internal operating procedures (including operational and internal controls), internal inspections plan, written approval process, and qualifications investigations required by Rule 3010;

(M) a description of the number, experience, and qualifications of supervisors and principals and the number, experience, and qualifications of persons to be supervised by such personnel, the other responsibilities of the supervisors and principals with the Applicant, their full-time or part-time status, any business activities that the supervisors or principals may engage in outside of their association with the Applicant, the hours per week devoted to such activities, and an explanation of how a part-time supervisor or principal will be able to discharge his or her designated functions on a part-time basis;

(N) a description of Applicant's proposed recordkeeping system;

(O) a copy of the Applicant's written training plan to comply with Firm Element continuing education requirements described in Rule 1120(b), including the name of the Associated Person responsible for implementation; and

(P) a copy of the documents described in paragraph (a)(1).

(3) The Applicant shall file both parts of the application simultaneously by commercial courier. The application shall be deemed received on the date specified in the written confirmation of receipt generated by the commercial courier for the delivery of the second part of the application to the district office.

(4) Within 30 days after the receipt of an application, the Department shall determine whether the application is complete and, if not, shall request additional information or documents. The Department may request additional information or documents at any time during the membership application process.

(5) Unless otherwise agreed by the Department and the Applicant, the Applicant shall file any additional information and documents with the Department within 60 days after the Department's initial request and 30 days after any subsequent request.

(b) Lapse of Application

(1) Absent a showing of good cause, an application for membership shall lapse if an Applicant fails to:

(A) respond fully within 60 days after an initial request for information or documents, within 30 after any subsequent request, or within such other time period agreed to by the Department and the Applicant;

(B) appear at or otherwise participate in a scheduled membership interview pursuant to paragraph (c); or

(2) The lapse of an application shall require an Applicant continuing to seek membership to submit a new application under paragraph (a).

(c) Membership Interview

(1) Requirement for Interview

Before the Department issues a decision on an application for membership in the Association, the Department shall conduct a membership interview with a representative or representatives of the Applicant.

(2) Service of Notice

At least seven days before the membership interview, the Department shall serve on the Applicant a written notice that specifies the date and time of the interview and the representative or representatives of the Applicant who are required to participate in the interview. The Department shall serve the notice by facsimile or commercial courier. The Applicant and the Department may agree to a shorter or longer period for notice or a different method of service under this subparagraph.

(3) Time

Unless the Department directs otherwise for good cause shown, a membership interview shall be scheduled to occur within 90 days after the receipt of an application or within 60 days after the receipt of all additional information or documents requested, whichever is later.

(4) Place

Unless the Department and the Applicant otherwise agree, the membership interview shall be conducted in the district office for the district in which the Applicant has or intends to have its principal place of business.

(5) Review of Standards for Admission

During the membership interview, the Department shall review the application and the standards for admission to membership with the Applicant's representative or representatives.

(6) Information From Other Sources

During the membership interview, the Department shall provide to the Applicant's representative or representatives any information or document that the Department has obtained from the Central Registration Depository or a source other than the Applicant and upon which the Department intends to base its decision under Rule 1014. If the Department receives such information or document after the membership interview or decides to base its decision on such information after the membership interview, the Department shall promptly serve the information or document and an explanation thereof on the Applicant.

1014. Department Decision

(a) Standards for Admission

After considering the application, the membership interview, other information and documents provided by the Applicant, other information and documents obtained by the Department, and the public interest and the protection of investors, the Department shall determine whether the Applicant meets each of the following standards:

(1) The application and all supporting documents are complete and accurate.

(2) The Applicant and its Associated Persons have all licenses and registrations required by state and federal authorities and self-regulatory organizations.

(3) The Applicant and its Associated Persons are capable of complying with the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association, including observing high standards of commercial honor and just and equitable principles of trade. In determining whether this standard is met, the Department may take into consideration whether:

(A) a state or federal authority or self-regulatory organization has taken permanent or temporary adverse action with respect to a registration or licensing determination regarding the Applicant or an Associated Person;

(B) an Applicant's or Associated Person's records reflect: (i) disciplinary actions involving sales practice violations; (ii) customer complaints; or (iii) arbitrations that were resolved adversely to the Applicant or Associated Person;

(C) an Applicant or Associated Person is the subject of a pending, adjudicated, or settled regulatory action or investigation by the Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a federal, state, or foreign regulatory agency, or a self-regulatory organization; a pending, adjudicated, or settled investment-related civil action for damages or an injunction; an investment-related customer complaint or arbitration alleging sales practice violations, theft, misappropriation, conversion, or breach of fiduciary duty that is pending, settled, or has resulted in an award or judgment; or a criminal action (other than a minor traffic violation) that is pending, adjudicated, or that has resulted in a guilty or no contest plea;

(D) an Associated Person was terminated for cause or permitted to resign after an investigation of an alleged violation of a federal or state securities law, a rule or regulation thereunder, a self-regulatory organization rule, or industry standard of conduct;

(E) a state or federal authority or self-regulatory organization has imposed a remedial action, such as special training or continuing education requirements or heightened supervision, on an Associated Person; and

(F) a state or federal authority or self-regulatory organization has provided information indicating that the Applicant or an Associated Person otherwise poses a threat to public investors.

(4) The Applicant has established all contractual or other arrangements and business relationships with banks, clearing corporations, service bureaus, or others necessary to: (i) initiate the operations described in the Applicant's business plan, considering the nature and scope of operations and the number of personnel; and (ii) comply with the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association.

(5) The Applicant has or has adequate plans to obtain facilities that are sufficient to: (i) initiate the operations described in the Applicant's business plan, considering the nature and scope of operations and the number of personnel; and (ii) comply with the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association.

(6) The Applicant is capable of maintaining a level of net capital in excess of the minimum net capital requirements set forth in SEC Rule 15c3-1 adequate to support the Applicant's intended business operations on a continuing basis, based on information that is current within 30 days before the membership interview. The Department may impose a reasonably determined higher net capital requirement for the initiation of operations after considering:

(A) the amount of net capital sufficient to avoid early warning level reporting requirements, such as SEC Rule 17a-11;

(B) the amount of capital necessary to meet expenses net of revenues for at least twelve months, based on reliable projections agreed to by the Applicant and the Department;

(C) any planned market making activities, the number of markets to be made, the type and volatility of products, and the anticipated maximum inventory positions;

(D) any plan to enter into other contractual commitments, such as underwritings or other securities-related activities;

(E) any plan to distribute or maintain securities products in proprietary positions, and the risks, volatility, degree of liquidity, and speculative nature of the products; and

(F) any other activity that the Applicant will engage in that reasonably could have a material impact on net capital within the first twelve months of business operations.

(7) The Applicant has financial controls to ensure compliance with the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association.

(8) The Applicant has compliance, supervisory, operational, and internal control practices and standards that are consistent with practices and standards regularly employed in the investment banking or securities business, taking into account the nature and scope of Applicant's proposed business.

(9) The Applicant has a supervisory system, including written supervisory procedures, internal operating procedures (including operational and internal controls), and compliance procedures designed to prevent and detect, to the extent practicable, violations of the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association. In evaluating the adequacy of a supervisory system, the Department shall consider the overall nature and scope of the Applicant's intended business operations and shall consider whether:

(A) the number, location, experience, and qualifications of supervisory personnel are adequate in light of the number, location, experience, and qualifications of persons to be supervised; the disciplinary history of such persons; any criminal, civil, administrative, or arbitration actions or written customer complaints against such persons; and the number and locations of the offices that the Applicant intends to open;

(B) the Applicant has identified specific Associated Persons to supervise and discharge each of the functions in Applicant's business plan, and to supervise each of the Applicant's intended offices, whether or not such offices are required to be registered under the Rules of the Association;

(C) each Associated Person identified to discharge a supervisory function in the business plan has at least one year of direct experience or two years of related experience in the subject area;

(D) the Applicant will solicit retail or institutional business;

(E) the Applicant will recommend securities to customers;

(F) the location or part-time status of a supervisor or principal will affect such person's ability to be an effective supervisor;

(G) the records of an Associated Person reflect: (i) disciplinary actions involving sales practice violations; (ii) customer complaints; or (iii) arbitrations that were resolved adversely to the Associated Person;

(H) any remedial action, such as special training or continuing education requirements or heightened supervision, has been imposed on an Associated Person by a state or federal authority or self-regulatory organization; and

(I) any other condition that will have a material impact on the Applicant's ability to detect and prevent violations of the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association.

(10) The Applicant has a recordkeeping system that enables Applicant to comply with federal, state, and self-regulatory organization recordkeeping requirements and a staff that is sufficient in qualifications and number to prepare and preserve required records.

(11) The Applicant has completed a training needs assessment and has a written training plan that complies with the continuing education requirements imposed by the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association.

(12) The Association does not possess any information indicating that the Applicant may circumvent, evade, or otherwise avoid compliance with the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, or the Rules of the Association.

(13) The application and all supporting documents otherwise are consistent with the federal securities laws, the rules and regulations thereunder, and the Rules of the Association.

(b) Granting or Denying Application

(1) If the Department determines that the Applicant meets each of the standards in paragraph (a), the Department shall grant the application for membership.

(2) If the Department determines that the Applicant does not meet one or more of the standards in paragraph (a) in whole or in part, the Department may:

(A) grant the application subject to one or more restrictions reasonably designed to address a specific financial, operational, supervisory, disciplinary, investor protection, or other regulatory concern based on the standards for admission in Rule 1014(a); or

(B) deny the application.

(c) Submission of Membership Agreement

If the Department grants an application, with or without restriction, the Applicant's approval for membership shall be contingent upon the Applicant's submission of a written membership agreement, satisfactory to the Department, undertaking to:

(1) engage only in the business set forth in the business plan and the membership agreement;

(2) abide by any restriction specified in the Department's decision;

(3) obtain the Department's prior approval of the removal or modification of such a restriction pursuant to Rule 1017; and

(4) notify and obtain the Department's approval of a change in ownership or control or a material change in business operations pursuant to Rule 1018.

The Applicant shall not waive the right to file a written request for review under Rule 1015 by executing a membership agreement under this paragraph.

(d) Decision

(1) Time

The Department shall issue a written decision on the membership application within 30 days after the conclusion of the membership interview or after the submission of additional information or documents, whichever is later.

(2) Content

If the Department denies the application, the decision shall explain the reason for denial, referencing the applicable standard or standards in paragraph (a). If the Department grants the application subject to restrictions, the decision shall explain the reason for each restriction, referencing the applicable standard or standards in paragraph (a) upon which the restriction is based and identify the specific financial, operational, supervisory, disciplinary, investor protection, or other regulatory concern that the restriction is designed to address and the manner in which the restriction is reasonably designed to address the concern.

(3) Failure to Issue Decision

If the Department fails to issue a decision within 180 days after receipt of an application or such later date as the Department and the Applicant have agreed in writing, the Applicant may file a written request with the NASD Board requesting that the NASD Board direct the Department to issue a decision. Within seven days after receipt of such a request, the NASD Board shall direct the Department to serve its written decision immediately or to show good cause for an extension of time. If the Department shows good cause for an extension of time, the NASD Board may extend the 180 day time limit by not more than 90 days.

(e) Service and Effectiveness of Decision

The Department shall serve its decision and the membership agreement on the Applicant in accordance with Rule 1012. The decision shall become effective upon service and shall remain in effect during the pendency of any review until a decision constituting final action of the Association is issued under Rule 1015 or 1016, unless otherwise directed by the National Adjudicatory Council, the NASD Board, or the Commission.

(f) Effectiveness of Restriction

A restriction imposed under this Rule shall remain in effect and bind the Applicant and all successors to the ownership or control of the Applicant unless:

(1) removed or modified by the Department under Rule 1017;

(2) removed or modified by a decision constituting final action of the Association issued under Rule 1015 or 1016; or

(3) stayed by the National Adjudicatory Council, the NASD Board, or the Commission.

(g) Final Action

Unless the Applicant files a written request for a review under Rule 1015, the Department's decision shall constitute final action by the Association.

1015. Review by National Adjudicatory Council

(a) Initiation of Review

(1) Request by Applicant

Within 25 days after service of a decision under Rule 1014, 1017, or 1018, an Applicant may file a written request for review with the National Adjudicatory Council. A request for review shall state with specificity why the Applicant believes that the Department's decision is inconsistent with the membership standards set forth in Rule 1014, or otherwise should be set aside, and state whether a hearing is requested. The Applicant simultaneously shall send by first-class mail a copy of the request to the district office where the Applicant filed its membership application.

(2) Notice by National Adjudicatory Council

A decision issued under Rule 1014, 1017, or 1018 shall be subject to a call for review by any member of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee defined in Rule 9120 within 30 days after service of the decision. If the National Adjudicatory Council calls a decision for review, a written notice of review shall be served promptly on the Applicant by first-class mail. The written notice of review shall state the specific grounds for the review and whether a hearing is directed. If a decision is called for review by any member of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee, the decision shall be reviewed by the National Adjudicatory Council. The National Adjudicatory Council simultaneously shall send by first-class mail a copy of the notice to the district office where the Applicant filed its membership application.

(b) Transmission of Documents

Within ten days after receipt of a request for or notice of review, the Department shall:

(1) transmit to the National Adjudicatory Council copies of all documents that were considered in connection with the Department's decision and an index to the documents; and

(2) serve on the Applicant a copy of such documents (other than those documents originally submitted by Applicant) and a copy of the index.

(c) Membership Application Docket

The Department shall promptly record in the Association's membership application docket each request for or notice of review filed with the National Adjudicatory Council under this Rule and each material subsequent event, filing, and change in the status of a membership proceeding.

(d) Appointment of Subcommittee

The National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee defined in Rule 9120 shall appoint a Subcommittee to participate in the review. The Subcommittee shall be composed of at least two members. One member shall be a current member of the National Adjudicatory Council. The remaining member or members shall be current or past Directors or past Governors.

(e) Powers of Subcommittee

If a hearing is requested or directed, the Subcommittee shall conduct the hearing. If a hearing is not requested, the Subcommittee may serve a notice directing that a hearing be held. If a hearing is not requested or directed, the Subcommittee shall conduct its review on the basis of the record developed before the Department and any written submissions made by the Applicant or the Department in connection with the request for review.

(f) Hearing

(1) Notice

If a hearing is requested or directed, the hearing shall be held within 45 days after the receipt of the request or service of the notice by the National Adjudicatory Council. The National Adjudicatory Council shall send written notice of the date and time of the hearing to the Applicant by facsimile or commercial courier not later than 14 days before the hearing.

(2) Counsel

The Applicant and the Department may be represented by counsel at a hearing conducted pursuant to this Rule.

(3) Evidence

Formal rules of evidence shall not apply to a hearing under this Rule. Not later than five days before the hearing, the Applicant and the Department shall exchange copies of their proposed hearing exhibits and witness lists and provide copies of the same to the National Adjudicatory Council. If the Applicant or the Department fails to provide copies of its proposed hearing exhibits or witness list within such time, the Subcommittee shall exclude the evidence or witnesses from the proceeding, unless the Subcommittee determines that good cause is shown for failure to comply with the production date set forth in this subparagraph.

(4) Transcript

The hearing shall be recorded and a transcript prepared by a court reporter. A transcript of the hearing shall be available for purchase from the court reporter at prescribed rates. The Applicant, the Department, or a witness may seek to correct the transcript. A proposed correction of the transcript shall be submitted to the Subcommittee within a reasonable period of time prescribed by the Subcommittee. Upon notice to the Applicant and the Department, the Subcommittee may direct the correction to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

(5) Failure to Appear at Hearing

If an Applicant fails to appear at a hearing for which it has notice, the National Adjudicatory Council may dismiss the request for review as abandoned, and the decision of the Department shall become the final action of the Association. Upon a showing of good cause, the National Adjudicatory Council may withdraw a dismissal entered pursuant to this subparagraph.

(g) Additional Information, Briefs

At any time during its consideration, the Subcommittee or the National Adjudicatory Council may direct the Applicant or the Department to submit additional information and to file briefs. Any additional information or brief submitted shall be provided to all parties before the National Adjudicatory Council renders its decision.

(h) Subcommittee Recommendation

The Subcommittee shall present a recommended decision in writing to the National Adjudicatory Council within 60 days after the date of the hearing held pursuant to paragraph (f), and not later than seven days before the meeting of the National Adjudicatory Council at which the membership proceeding shall be considered.

(i) Decision

(1) Proposed Written Decision

After considering all matters presented in the review and the Subcommittee's recommended written decision, the National Adjudicatory Council may affirm, modify, or reverse the Department's decision or remand the membership proceeding with instructions. The National Adjudicatory Council shall prepare a proposed written decision pursuant to subparagraph (2).

(2) Contents

The decision shall include:

(A) a description of the Department's decision, including its rationale;

(B) a description of the principal issues raised in the review;

(D) a statement whether the Department's decision is affirmed, modified, or reversed, and a rationale therefor that references the applicable standards in Rule 1014.

(3) Issuance of Decision After Expiration of Call for Review Periods

The National Adjudicatory Council shall provide its proposed written decision to the NASD Board. The NASD Board may call the membership proceeding for review pursuant to Rule 1016. If the NASD Board does not call the membership proceeding for review, the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council shall become final. The National Adjudicatory Council shall serve the Applicant with a written notice specifying the date on which the call for review period expired and stating that the final written decision will be served within 15 days after such date. The National Adjudicatory Council shall serve its final written decision within 15 days after the date on which the call for review period expired. The decision shall constitute the final action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-3, unless the National Adjudicatory Council remands the membership proceeding.

(4) Failure to Issue Decision

If the National Adjudicatory Council fails to serve its final written decision within the time prescribed in subparagraph (3), the Applicant may file a written request with the NASD Board requesting that the NASD Board direct the National Adjudicatory Council to serve its decision immediately or to show good cause for an extension of time. Within seven days after receipt of such a request, the NASD Board shall direct the National Adjudicatory Council to serve its written decision immediately or to show good cause for an extension of time. If the National Adjudicatory Council shows good cause for an extension of time, the NASD Board may extend the 15 day time limit by not more than 15 days.

1016. Discretionary Review by NASD Board

(a) Call for Review by Governor

A Governor may call a membership proceeding for review by the NASD Board if the call for review is made within the period prescribed in subparagraph (2).

(b) 15 Day Period; Waiver

A Governor shall make his or her call for review at the next meeting of the NASD Board that is at least 15 days after the date on which the NASD Board receives the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council. By unanimous vote of the NASD Board, the NASD Board may shorten the period to less than 15 days. By an affirmative vote of the majority of the NASD Board then in office, the NASD Board may, during the 15 day period, vote to extend the period to more than 15 days.

(c) Review At Next Meeting

If a Governor calls a membership proceeding for review within the time prescribed in paragraph (b), the NASD Board shall review the membership proceeding not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board. The NASD Board may order the Applicant and the Department to file briefs in connection with review proceedings pursuant to this paragraph.

(d) Decision of NASD Board, Including Remand

After review, the NASD Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council. Alternatively, the NASD Board may remand the membership proceeding with instructions. The NASD Board shall prepare a written decision that includes all of the elements described in Rule 1015(i)(2).

(e) Issuance of Decision

The NASD Board shall serve its written decision on the Applicant within 15 days after the meeting at which it conducted its review. The decision shall constitute the final action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-3, unless the NASD Board remands the membership proceeding.

1017. Removal or Modification of Business Restriction

(a) Application

A member of the Association may seek modification or removal of a restriction on its business activities imposed pursuant to the Rule 1010 Series by filing a written application with the Department at the district office for the district in which the member's principal place of business is located. The application shall present facts showing that the circumstances that gave rise to the restriction have changed and state with specificity why the restriction should be modified or removed in light of the standards set forth in Rule 1014 and the articulated rationale for the imposition of the restriction. A copy of the decision and membership agreement pertaining to such restriction shall be appended to the application.

(b) Request for Documents

Within 30 days after the receipt of an application to remove or modify a restriction, the Department shall determine whether the application is complete and, if not, shall request any additional information or documents necessary to render a decision under paragraph (e). The Department may request additional information or documents at any time during the application process. Unless otherwise agreed to by the Department and the Applicant, the Applicant shall file such additional information or documents with the Department within 30 days after the Department's request.

(c) Lapse

(1) Absent a showing of good cause, an application to modify or remove a restriction shall lapse if an Applicant fails to:

(A) respond fully within 30 days after a request for information or documents;

(B) appear at or otherwise participate in a scheduled membership interview pursuant to paragraph (d); or

(2) The lapse of an application shall require the Applicant to submit a new application to modify or remove a restriction under paragraph (a).

(d) Membership Interview

(1) The Department may require the Applicant to participate in a membership interview within 30 days after the receipt of the application, or if the Department requests additional information or documents, within 30 days after the filing of the additional information or documents by the Applicant.

(2) At least seven days before the membership interview, the Department shall serve on the Applicant a written notice that specifies the date and time of the interview and the representative or representatives of the Applicant who are required to participate in the interview. The Department shall serve the notice by facsimile or commercial courier. The Applicant and the Department may agree to a shorter or longer period for notice or a different method of service.

(3) Unless the Department and the Applicant otherwise agree, the membership interview shall be conducted in the district office for the district in which the Applicant has its principal place of business.

(4) During the membership interview, the Department shall review the application and the considerations for the Department's decision set forth in paragraph (e)(1) with the Applicant's representative or representatives. The Department shall provide to the Applicant's representative or representatives any information or document that the Department has obtained from the Central Registration Depository or a source other than the Applicant and upon which the Department intends to base its decision under paragraph (e). If the Department receives such information or document after the membership interview or decides to base its decision on such information after the membership interview, the Department shall promptly serve the information or document and an explanation thereof on the Applicant.

(e) Department Decision

(1) In evaluating an application submitted under paragraph (a), the Department shall consider whether maintenance of the restriction is appropriate in light of:

(A) the standards set forth in Rule 1014;

(B) the circumstances that gave rise to the imposition of the restriction;

(D) a change in ownership or control or supervisors and principals; and

(E) any new evidence submitted in connection with the application.

(2) The Department shall issue a written decision on the application within 30 days after the membership interview or the submission of additional information or documents, whichever is later. If the Department does not require the Applicant to participate in a membership interview or request additional information or documents, the Department shall issue a written decision within 45 days after the receipt of the application under paragraph (a). The decision shall state whether the application to modify or remove the restriction is granted or denied in whole or in part, and shall provide a rationale for the Department's decision, referencing the applicable standard in Rule 1014.

(3) If the Department fails to issue a decision within 180 days after receipt of an application or such later date as the Department and the Applicant have agreed in writing, the Applicant may file a written request with the NASD Board requesting that the NASD Board direct the Department to issue a decision. Within seven days after receipt of such a request, the NASD Board shall direct the Department to issue a written decision immediately or to show good cause for an extension of time. If the Department shows good cause for an extension of time, the NASD Board may extend the time limit for issuing a decision by not more than 30 days.

(4) If the Department modifies or removes a restriction on the Applicant's business activities, the membership agreement submitted under Rule 1014 shall be modified accordingly.

(f) Service and Effectiveness of Decision

The Department shall serve its decision on the Applicant in accordance with Rule 1012. The decision shall become effective upon service and shall remain in effect during the pendency of any review until a decision constituting final action of the Association is issued under Rule 1015 or 1016, unless otherwise directed by the National Adjudicatory Council, the NASD Board, or the Commission.

(g) Request for Review; Final Action

An Applicant may file a written request for review of the Department's decision with the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to Rule 1015. The procedures set forth in Rule 1015 shall apply to such review, and the National Adjudicatory Council's decision shall be subject to discretionary review by the NASD Board pursuant to Rule 1016. If the Applicant does not file a request for a review, the Department's decision shall constitute final action by the Association.

(h) Removal or Modification of Restriction on Department's Initiative

The Department shall modify or remove a restriction on its own initiative if the Department determines such action is appropriate in light of the considerations set forth in paragraph (e)(1). The Department shall notify the member in writing of the Department's determination and inform the member that it may apply for further modification or removal of a restriction by filing an application under paragraph (a).

1018. Change in Ownership, Control, or Operations

(a) Notice

At least 30 days prior to the occurrence of any of the following changes in ownership, control, or operations, a member shall file a written notice and application for continuance in membership with the Department at the district office in the district in which the member's principal place of business is located:

(1) a merger of the member with another member;

(2) an acquisition by the member of another member;

(3) an acquisition of substantially all of the member's assets;

(4) a change in the equity ownership or partnership capital of the member that results in one person or entity owning or controlling 25 percent or more of the equity or partnership capital; or

(5) a material change in the member's business operations.

(b) Review and Imposition of Interim Restrictions

The Department shall review a change in ownership, control, or operations described in paragraph (a) prior to the change taking effect. The Department may maintain existing restrictions on the member's business activities and place new interim restrictions on the member based on the standards in Rule 1014, pending final Department action.

(c) Request for Information

Within 30 days after receipt of the notice and application under paragraph (a), the Department shall request any additional information or documents necessary to render a decision under paragraph (f). Unless otherwise agreed by the Department and the Applicant, the Applicant shall file such additional information or documents with the Department within 30 days after the Department's request. The Department may request additional information and documents at any time during the application process; unless the Applicant and the Department agree otherwise, the Applicant shall file such information or documents within 30 days after the Department's request.

(d) Lapse

(1) Absent a showing of good cause, an application for continuance in membership shall lapse if an Applicant fails to:

(A) respond fully within 30 days after a request for information or documents;

(B) appear at or otherwise participate in a scheduled membership interview pursuant to paragraph (e); or

(2) The lapse of an application shall require the Applicant to submit a new application under paragraph (a).

(e) Membership Interview

(1) The Department may require the Applicant to participate in a membership interview. The membership interview shall be held within 30 days after the receipt of the application, or if the Department requests additional information or documents, within 30 days after the filing of such additional information or documents by the Applicant.

(3) Unless the Department and the Applicant otherwise agree, the membership interview shall be conducted in the district office for the district in which the Applicant has or intends to have its principal place of business.

(4) During the membership interview, the Department shall review the application and the considerations for the Department's decision set forth in paragraph (f). The Department shall provide to the Applicant's representative or representatives any information or document that the Department has obtained from the Central Registration Depository or a source other than the Applicant and upon which the Department intends to base its decision under paragraph (f). If the Department receives such information or document after the membership interview or decides to base its decision on such information after the membership interview, the Department shall promptly serve the information or document and an explanation thereof on the Applicant.

(f) Department Decision

(1) In evaluating an application submitted under paragraph (a), the Department shall consider whether the Applicant continues to meet the standards set forth in Rule 1014 in light of the change in ownership, control, or operations, and whether current restrictions, if any, or new restrictions are necessary for the Applicant to continue to meet such standards.

(2) The Department shall issue a written decision within 30 days after the membership interview or the submission of additional information or documents, whichever is later. If the Department does not require the Applicant to participate in a membership interview or submit additional information or documents, the Department shall issue a written decision within 45 days after receipt of an application under paragraph (a). The decision shall state the terms for continuance in NASD membership, whether current restrictions, if any, are maintained or new restrictions are imposed, and shall provide a rationale for the Department's decision, referencing the applicable standard in Rule 1014.

(g) Submission of Membership Agreement

The Department may condition approval of an application for continuance in membership on the Applicant's submission of a new written membership agreement pursuant to Rule 1014(c).

(h) Service and Effectiveness of Decision

(i) Request for Review; Final Action

An Applicant may file a written request for review of the Department's decision with the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to Rule 1015. The procedures set forth in Rule 1015 shall apply to such a review, and the National Adjudicatory Council's decision shall be subject to discretionary review by the NASD Board pursuant to Rule 1016. If the Applicant does not file a request for review, the Department's action shall constitute the final action of the Association.

1019. Application to Commission for Review

A person aggrieved by final action of the Association under the Rule 1010 Series may apply for review by the Commission pursuant to Section 19(d)(2) of the Act. The filing of an application for review shall not stay the effectiveness of a decision constituting final action of the Association, unless the Commission otherwise orders.

8000. INVESTIGATIONS AND SANCTIONS

8100. GENERAL PROVISIONS

8110. Availability of Manual to Customers

Members shall keep and maintain a current copy of the NASD Manual in a readily accessible place and shall make it available for examination by customers upon request.

8120. Definitions

(a) Unless otherwise provided, terms used in the Rule 8000 Series shall have the meaning as defined in Rule 0120.

(b) The term "Adjudicator" shall have the meaning as defined in Rule 9120.

8200. INVESTIGATIONS

8210. Provision of Information and Testimony and Inspection and Copying of Books

(a) Authority of Adjudicator and Association Staff

For the purpose of an investigation, complaint, examination, or proceeding authorized by the NASD By-Laws or the Rules of the Association, an Adjudicator or Association staff shall have the right to:

(1) require a member, person associated with a member, or person subject to the Association's jurisdiction to provide information orally, in writing, or electronically (if the requested information is, or is required to be, maintained in electronic form) and to testify, under oath or affirmation administered by a court reporter or a notary public if requested, with respect to any matter involved in the investigation, complaint, examination, or proceeding; and

(2) inspect and copy the books, records, and accounts of such member or person with respect to any matter involved in the investigation, complaint, examination, or proceeding.

(b) Other SRO's and Regulators

Association staff also may exercise the authority set forth in paragraph (a) for the purpose of an investigation, complaint, examination, or proceeding conducted by another domestic or foreign self-regulatory organization, association, securities or contract market, or regulator of such markets with which the Association has entered into an agreement providing for the exchange of information and other forms of material assistance solely for market surveillance, investigative, enforcement, or other regulatory purposes.

(c) Requirement to Comply

No member or person shall fail to provide information or testimony or to permit an inspection and copying of books, records, or accounts pursuant to this Rule.

(d) Notice

A notice under this Rule shall be deemed received by the member or person to whom it is directed by mailing or otherwise transmitting the notice to the last known business address of the member or the last known residential address of the person as reflected in the Central Registration Depository. If the Adjudicator or Association staff responsible for mailing or otherwise transmitting the notice to the member or person has actual knowledge that the address in the Central Registration Depository is out of date or inaccurate, then a copy of the notice shall be mailed or otherwise transmitted to: (1) the last known business address of the member or the last known residential address of the person as reflected in the Central Registration Depository, and (2) any other more current address of the member or the person known to the Adjudicator or Association staff who is responsible for mailing or otherwise transmitting the notice.

(e) Electronic Interface

In carrying out its responsibilities under this Rule, the Association may, as appropriate, establish programs for the submission of information to the Association on a regular basis through a direct or indirect electronic interface between the Association and members.

(f) Inspection and Copying

A witness, upon proper identification, may inspect the official transcript of the witness' own testimony. Upon written request, a person who has submitted documentary evidence or testimony in an Association investigation may procure a copy of the person's documentary evidence or the transcript of the person's testimony upon payment of the appropriate fees, except that prior to the issuance of a complaint arising from the investigation, the Association staff may for good cause deny such request.

8211. Automated Submission of Trading Data Requested by the Association

(a) A member shall submit the trade data specified below in automated format as may be prescribed by the Association from time to time. This information shall be supplied with respect to any transaction or transactions that are the subject of a request for information made by the Association.

(b) If the transaction was a proprietary transaction effected or caused to be effected by the member for any account in which such member, or person associated with a member, is directly or indirectly interested, such member shall submit or cause to be submitted the following information:

(1) Clearing house number, or alpha symbol as used by the member submitting the data;

(2) Clearing house number(s), or alpha symbol(s) as may be used from time to time, of the members(s) on the opposite side of the transaction;

(3) Identifying symbol assigned to the security;

(4) Date transaction was executed;

(5) Number of shares, or quantity of bonds or options contracts for each specific transaction and whether each transaction was a purchase, sale, short sale, or, if an options contract, whether open long or short or close long or short;

(6) Transaction price;

(7) Account number; and

(8) Market center where transaction was executed.

(c) If the transaction was effected or caused to be effected by the member for any customer account, such member shall submit or cause to be submitted the following information:

(1) The data described in subparagraphs (b)(1) through (8) above;

(2) The customer name, address(es), branch office number, registered representative number, whether order was solicited or unsolicited, date account opened, employer name, and the tax identification number(s); and

(3) If the transaction was effected for another member, whether the other member was acting as principal or agent.

(d) In addition to the above trade data, a member shall submit such other information in such automated format as may from time to time be required by the Association.

(e) Pursuant to the Rule 9600 Series, the Association may exempt a member from the requirement that the data prescribed in paragraphs (b) through (d) above be submitted to the Association in an automated format for good cause shown.

8212. Automated Submission of Trading Data for the Nasdaq International Service requested by the Association

(a) Every Association member and approved affiliate that participates in the Nasdaq International Service as defined in the Rule 5100 Series ("Nasdaq International") as a Service market maker or an order-entry firm shall submit to the Association the trade data specified below in automated format as may be prescribed by the Association from time to time. This information shall be supplied with respect to any transaction or transactions that are the subject of a request for information made by the Association. In this rule the terms "participating firm" and "firm" include both Association members and approved affiliates that utilize the Service.

(b) If the transaction was a proprietary transaction effected or caused to be effected by the participating firm for any account in which such firm, or person associated with the firm, is directly or indirectly interested, the participating firm shall submit or cause to be submitted the following information:

(1) Clearing house number, or alpha symbol as used by the participating firm submitting the data;

(2) Clearing house number(s), or alpha symbol(s) as may be used from time to time, of the participating firm on the opposite side of the transaction;

(3) Identifying symbol assigned to the security;

(4) Date transaction was executed;

(5) Number of shares, ADRs, units, warrants or rights for each specific transaction and whether each transaction was a purchase, sale or short sale;

(6) Transaction price;

(7) Account number; and

(8) Market center where transaction was executed.

(c) If the transaction was effected or caused to be effected by the participating firm for any customer account, such firm shall submit or cause to be submitted the following information:

(1) The data described in subparagraphs (b)(1) through (8);

(2) Customer name, address(es), branch office number, registered representative number, whether order was solicited or unsolicited, date account opened and employer name, and the tax identification number(s); and

(3) If the transaction was effected for another Association member or participating firm, whether the other party was acting as principal or agent on the transaction or transactions that are the subject of the Association's request.

(d) In addition to the above trade data, a participating firm shall submit such other information in such automated format as may from time to time be required by the Association.

(e) Pursuant to the Rule 9600 Series, the Association may exempt a person from the requirement that the data prescribed in paragraphs (b) through (d) above be submitted to the Association in an automated format for good cause shown.

8213. Automated Submission of Trading Data for Non-Nasdaq Securities Requested by the Association

Each member shall submit trade data specified in Rule 8211 in automated format as may be prescribed by the Association from time to time with respect to any transaction or transactions involving non-Nasdaq securities as defined in the Rule 6700 Series that are the subject of a request for information made by the Association. Pursuant to the Rule 9600 Series, the Association may exempt a member from the requirement that the data prescribed in paragraphs (b) through (d) of Rule 8211 be submitted to the Association in an automated format for good cause shown.

8220. Suspension for Failure to Provide Requested Information

8221. Notice

(a) Notice to Member

If a member fails to provide any information, report, material, data, or testimony requested pursuant to the NASD By-Laws or the Rules of the Association, or fails to keep its membership application or supporting documents current, the National Adjudicatory Council may provide written notice to such member specifying the nature of the failure and stating that the failure to take such action within 20 days after service of the notice constitutes grounds for suspension from membership.

(b) Notice to Person Associated with Member

If a person associated with a member fails to provide any information, report, material, data, or testimony requested pursuant to the NASD By-Laws or the Rules of the Association, the National Adjudicatory Council may provide written notice to such person specifying the nature of the failure and stating that the failure to take such action within 20 days after service of the notice constitutes grounds for suspending the association of the person with the member.

(c) Service of Notice

The National Adjudicatory Council shall serve the member or person associated with a member with such notice via personal service or commercial courier.

8222. Hearing

(a) Request for Hearing

Within five days after the date of service of a notice issued under Rule 8221, a member or person associated with a member served with a notice under Rule 8221(c) may file with the National Adjudicatory Council a written request for an expedited hearing before a subcommittee of the National Adjudicatory Council. The request shall state with specificity why the member or associated person believes that there are insufficient grounds for suspension or any other reason for setting aside the notice issued by the National Adjudicatory Council.

(b) Hearing Procedures

(1) Appointment of Subcommittee

If a hearing is requested, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee described in Rule 9120 shall appoint a subcommittee to conduct the hearing and decide whether the member or person associated with a member should be suspended. The subcommittee shall be composed of a member of the National Adjudicatory Council and one or more former members of the NASD Regulation Board and the NASD Board.

(2) Time of Hearing

The hearing shall be held within 20 days after the date of service of the notice issued under Rule 8221. Not later than seven days before the hearing, the subcommittee shall serve the member or person associated with a member with written notice of the date and time of the hearing via commercial courier or facsimile and notify the appropriate department or office of NASD Regulation of the date and time of the hearing. The appropriate department or office of NASD Regulation (hereinafter "appropriate department or office" in the Rule 8220 Series) shall be the department or office that issued the request for the information, report, material, data, or testimony that the member or associated person failed to provide, or in the case of a member that failed to keep its membership application or supporting documents current, the Department of Member Regulation.

(3) Transmission of Documents

Not later than seven days before the hearing, the subcommittee shall serve the member or person associated with a member via commercial courier with all documents that were considered in connection with the National Adjudicatory Council's decision to issue a notice under Rule 8221.

(4) Counsel

The member or person associated with a member and the appropriate department or office may be represented by counsel at a hearing conducted under this Rule.

(5) Evidence

Formal rules of evidence shall not apply to a hearing under this Rule. Not later than four days before the hearing, the member or person associated with a member and the appropriate department or office shall exchange copies of proposed hearing exhibits and witness lists and provide copies of the same to the subcommittee.

(6) Witnesses

A person who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Association shall testify under oath or affirmation. The oath or affirmation shall be administered by a court reporter or a notary public.

(7) Additional Information

At any time during its consideration, the subcommittee may direct the member or person associated with a member or the appropriate department or office to submit additional information. Any additional information submitted shall be provided to all parties before the subcommittee renders its decision.

(8) Transcript

The hearing shall be recorded and a transcript prepared by a court reporter. The member or person associated with a member may purchase a copy of the transcript from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase a copy of the transcript of his or her own testimony from the court reporter at prescribed rates. Proposed corrections to the transcript may be submitted by affidavit to the subcommittee within a reasonable time determined by the subcommittee. Upon notice to the participants in the hearing, the subcommittee may order corrections to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

(9) Record

The record shall consist of all documents that were considered in connection with the National Adjudicatory Council's decision to issue a notice under Rule 8221, the notice issued under Rule 8221, the request for hearing filed under Rule 8222, the transcript of the hearing, and each document or other item of evidence presented to or considered by the Subcommittee. The Office of the General Counsel of NASD Regulation shall be the custodian of the record.

(10) Failure to Appear at Hearing

If a member or person associated with a member fails to appear at a hearing for which it has notice, the subcommittee may dismiss the request for a hearing as abandoned, and the notice of the National Adjudicatory Council issued under Rule 8221 shall become the final action of the Association. Upon a showing of good cause, the subcommittee may withdraw a dismissal entered pursuant to this subparagraph.

8223. Decision

(a) Subcommittee

(1) Proposed Written Decision

The subcommittee may suspend the membership of a member or suspend the association of a person with a member for failure to take the action required by the notice issued under Rule 8221. The subcommittee shall prepare a proposed written decision, and if the subcommittee determines that a suspension should be imposed, the proposed written decision shall state the grounds for the suspension and the conditions for terminating the suspension. The subcommittee shall provide its proposed written decision to the NASD Board of Governors.

(2) Issuance of Decision After Expiration of Call for Review Period

If no Governor calls the suspension proceeding for review within the time prescribed in paragraph (b)(1), the subcommittee's proposed written decision shall become final, and the subcommittee shall serve the final written decision on the member or associated person via commercial courier or facsimile.

(b) NASD Board of Governors

(1) Call For Review by Governor

A Governor may call the suspension proceeding for review if the call for review is made not later than ten days after the Governor receives the subcommittee's proposed written decision. By a unanimous vote of the NASD Board of Governors, the NASD Board of Governors may shorten the call for review period to less than ten days. By an affirmative vote of the majority of the NASD Board of Governors then in office, the NASD Board of Governors may, during the ten day period, vote to extend the period to more than ten days.

(2) Review and Decision

If a Governor calls the suspension proceeding for review within the time prescribed in subparagraph (1), the NASD Board of Governors shall conduct a review not later than its next meeting. The NASD Board of Governors may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the subcommittee. Not later than seven days after the NASD Board of Governors meeting, the NASD Board of Governors shall serve a final written decision on the member or person associated with a member via commercial courier or facsimile. The decision shall state the disposition of the suspension proceeding, and if a suspension is imposed, state the grounds for the suspension and the conditions for terminating the suspension.

(c) Effective Date.

A final written decision served under this Rule shall become effective upon service and shall constitute final action of the Association.

8224. Notice to Membership

The Association shall provide notice of a suspension under the Rule 8220 Series and the grounds therefor in the next membership supplement.

8225. Termination of Suspension

A suspended member or person associated with a member may file a written request for termination of the suspension on the ground of full compliance with the notice issued under Rule 8221 or, if applicable, the conditions of a decision under Rule 8223, with the head of the appropriate department or office. The head of the appropriate department or office shall respond to the request in writing within five days after receipt of the request. If the head of theappropriate department or office grants the request, he or she shall serve the member or personassociated with a member with written notice of the termination of the suspension via commercialcourier or facsimile. If the head of the department or office denies the request, the suspended member or person associated with a member may file a written request for relief with the National Adjudicatory Council. The National Adjudicatory Council shall respond to the request in writing within ten days after receipt of the request. The National Adjudicatory Council's response shall beserved on the member or person associated with a member via commercial courier or facsimile.

8226. Copies of Notices and Decisions to Member

A copy of a notice or decision under the Rule 8220 Series that is served on a person associated with a member shall be served on such member.

8227. Other Action Not Foreclosed

Action by the Association under the Rule 8220 Series shall not foreclose action by the Association under any other Rule.

8300. SANCTIONS

8310. Sanctions for Violation of the Rules

(a) Imposition of Sanction

After compliance with the Rule 9000 Series, the Association may impose one or more of the following sanctions on a member or person associated with a member for each violation of the federal securities laws, rules or regulations thereunder, the rules of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, or Rules of the Association, or may impose one or more of the following sanctions on a member or person associated with a member for any neglect or refusal to comply with an order, direction, or decision issued under the Rules of the Association:

(1) censure member or person associated with a member;

(2) impose a fine upon a member or person associated with a member;

(3) suspend the membership of a member or suspend the registration of a person associated with a member for a definite period or a period contingent on the performance of a particular act;

(4) expel a member, cancel the membership of a member, or revoke or cancel the registration of a person associated with a member;

(5) suspend or bar a member or person associated with a member from association with all members; or

(6) impose any other fitting sanction.

(b) Assent to Sanction

Each party to a proceeding resulting in a sanction shall be deemed to have assented to the imposition of the sanction unless such party files a written application for appeal, review, or relief pursuant to the Rule 9000 Series.

IM-8310-1. Effect of a Suspension, Revocation, Cancellation, or Bar

If the Association or the Commission issues an order that imposes a suspension, revocation, or cancellation of the registration of a person associated with a member or bars a person from further association with any member, a member shall not allow such person to remain associated with it in any capacity, including a clerical or ministerial capacity. If the Association or the Commission suspends a person associated with a member, the member also shall not pay or credit any salary, or any commission, profit, or other remuneration that results directly or indirectly from any securities transaction, that the person associated with a member might have earned during the period of suspension.

IM-8310-2. Release of Disciplinary Information

(a) The Association shall, in response to a written inquiry or telephonic inquiry via a toll-free telephone listing, release certain information contained in its files regarding the employment and disciplinary history of members and their associated persons, including information regarding past and present employment history with Association members; all final disciplinary actions taken by federal, state, or foreign securities agencies or self-regulatory organizations that relate to securities or commodities transactions; all pending disciplinary actions that have been taken by federal or state securities agencies or self-regulatory organizations that relate to securities and commodities transactions and are required to be reported on Form BD or U-4 and all foreign government or self-regulatory organization disciplinary actions that relate to securities or commodities transactions and are required to be reported on Form BD or U-4; and all criminal indictments, informations or convictions that are required to be reported on Form BD or Form U-4. The Association will also release information concerning civil judgments and arbitration decisions in securities and commodities disputes involving public customers.

(b) The Association shall, in response to a request, release to the requesting party a copy of any identified disciplinary complaint or disciplinary decision issued by the Association or any subsidiary or Committee thereof; provided, however, that each copy of:

(1) a disciplinary complaint shall be accompanied by the following statement: "The issuance of a disciplinary complaint represents the initiation of a formal proceeding by the Association in which findings as to the allegations in the complaint have not been made and does not represent a decision as to any of the allegations contained in the complaint. Because this complaint is unadjudicated, you may wish to contact the respondent before drawing any conclusions regarding the allegations in the complaint."

(2) a disciplinary decision that is released prior to the expiration of the time period provided under the Rule 9000 Series for appeal or call for review within the Association or while such an appeal or call for review is pending, shall be accompanied by a statement that the findings and sanctions imposed in the decision may be increased, decreased, modified, or reversed by the Association;

(3) a final decision of the Association that is released prior to the time period provided under the Act for appeal to the Commission or while such an appeal is pending, shall be accompanied by a statement that the findings and sanctions of the Association are subject to review and modification by the Commission; and

(4) a final decision of the Association that is released after the decision is appealed to the Commission shall be accompanied by a statement as to whether the effectiveness of the sanctions has been stayed pending the outcome of proceedings before the Commission.

(c)

(1) The Association shall release to the public information with respect to any disciplinary complaint initiated by the Department of Enforcement of NASD Regulation, Inc., the NASD Regulation, Inc. Board of Directors, or the NASD Board of Governors containing an allegation of a violation of a designated statute, rule or regulation of the Commission, NASD, or Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board, as determined by the NASD Regulation, Inc. Board of Directors (a "Designated Rule"); and may also release such information with respect to any disciplinary complaint or group of disciplinary complaints that involve a significant policy or enforcement determination where the release of information is deemed by the President of NASD Regulation, Inc. to be in the public interest.

(2) Information released to the public pursuant to subparagraph (c)(1) shall be accompanied by the statement required under subparagraph (b)(1).

(d)

(1) The Association shall release to the public information with respect to any disciplinary decision issued pursuant to the Rule 9000 Series imposing a suspension, cancellation or expulsion of a member; or suspension or revocation of the registration of a person associated with a member; or suspension or barring of a member or person associated with a member from association with all members; or imposition of monetary sanctions of $10,000 or more upon a member or person associated with a member; or containing an allegation of a violation of a Designated Rule; and may also release such information with respect to any disciplinary decision or group of decisions that involve a significant policy or enforcement determination where the release of information is deemed by the President of NASD Regulation, Inc. to be in the public interest. The National Adjudicatory Council may, in its discretion, determine to waive the requirement to release information with respect to a disciplinary decision under thoseextraordinary circumstances where the release of such information would violate fundamental notions of fairness or work an injustice.

(2) Information released to the public pursuant to subparagraph (d)(1) shall be accompanied by a statement to the extent required for that type of information under subparagraphs (b)(2)-(4).

(e) If a decision issued pursuant to the Rule 9000 Series other than by the National Adjudicatory Council is not appealed to or called for review by the National Adjudicatory Council, the decision shall become effective on a date set by the Association but not before the expiration of 45 days after the date of decision.

(f) Notwithstanding paragraph (e), expulsions and bars imposed pursuant to the provisions of Rules 9216 and 9270 shall become effective upon approval or acceptance by the National Adjudicatory Council, and information regarding any sanctions imposed pursuant to those Rules may be released to the public pursuant to paragraph (d) immediately upon such approval or acceptance.

(g) If a decision issued pursuant to the Rule 9000 Series is called for review by the NASD Board of Governors, the decision shall be stayed pending a final determination and decision by the Board.

(h) If a final decision of the Association is not appealed to the Commission, the sanctions specified in the decision (other than bars and expulsions) shall become effective on a date established by the Association but not before the expiration of 30 days after the date of the decision. Bars and expulsions, however, shall become effective upon issuance of the decision, unless the decision specifies otherwise.

(i) If a decision of the Association imposing monetary sanctions of $10,000 or more or a penalty of expulsion, revocation, suspension and/or barring of a member from being associated with all members is appealed to the Commission, notice thereof shall be given to the membership and to the press as soon as possible after receipt by the Association of notice from the Commission of such appeal and the Association's notice shall state whether the effectiveness of the Board's decision has been stayed pending the outcome of proceedings before the Commission.

(j) In the event an appeal to the courts is filed from a decision by the Commission in a case previously appealed to it from a decision of the Association, involving the imposition of monetary sanctions of $10,000 or more or a penalty of expulsion, revocation, suspension and/or barring of a member from being associated with all members, notice thereof shall be given to the membership as soon as possible after receipt by the Association of a formal notice of appeal. Such notice shall include a statement whether the order of the Commission has been stayed.

(k) Any order issued by the Commission of revocation or suspension of a member's broker/dealer registration with the Commission; or the suspension or expulsion of a member from the Association; or the suspension or barring of a member or person associated with a member from association with all broker/dealers or membership; or the imposition of monetary sanctions of $10,000 or more shall be released to the public through a notice containing the effective date thereof sent as soon as possible after receipt by the Association of the order of the Commission.

(l) Cancellations of membership or registration pursuant to the Association's By-Laws, Rules and Interpretative Material shall be released to the public as soon after the effective date of the cancellation as possible.

(m) Releases to the public referred to in paragraphs (c) and (d) above shall identify the Rules and By-Laws of the Association or the SEC Rules violated, and shall describe the conduct constituting such violation. Releases may also identify the member with which an individual was associated at the time the violations occurred if such identification is determined by the Association to be in the public interest.

8320. Payment of Fines, Other Monetary Sanctions, or Costs; Summary Action for Failure to Pay

(a) Payment to Treasurer

All fines and other monetary sanctions shall be paid to the Treasurer of the Association and shall be used for the general corporate purposes.

(b) Summary Suspension or Expulsion

After seven days notice in writing, the Association may summarily suspend or expel from membership a member that fails to:

(1) pay promptly a fine or other monetary sanction imposed pursuant to Rule 8310 or cost imposed pursuant to Rule 8330 when such fine, monetary sanction, or cost becomes finally due and payable; or

(2) terminate immediately the association of a person who fails to pay promptly a fine or other monetary sanction imposed pursuant to Rule 8310 or a cost imposed pursuant to Rule 8330 when such fine, monetary sanction, or cost becomes finally due and payable.

(c) Summary Revocation of Registration

After seven days notice in writing, the Association may summarily revoke the registration of a person associated with a member if such person fails to pay promptly a fine or other monetary sanction imposed pursuant to Rule 8310 or a cost imposed pursuant to Rule 8330 when such fine, monetary sanction, or cost becomes finally due and payable.

8330. Costs of Proceedings

A member or person associated with a member disciplined pursuant to Rule 8310 shall bear such costs of the proceeding as the Adjudicator deems fair and appropriate under the circumstances.

Note: The Rule 9700 Series, although not published here, remains in effect as published in the Manual.

9000. CODE OF PROCEDURE

9100. Application and Purpose

9110. Application

(a) Proceedings

The Rule 9000 Series is the Code of Procedure and includes proceedings for disciplining a member or person associated with a member; proceedings for regulating the activities of a member experiencing financial or operational difficulties; proceedings for summary or non-summary suspensions, cancellations, bars, prohibitions, or limitations; and proceedings for obtaining relief from the eligibility requirements of the NASD By-Laws and the Rules of the Association. The Rule 9100 Series is of general applicability to all proceedings set forth in Rule 9000 Series, except the proceedings set forth in the Rule 9700 Series, unless a Rule specifically provides otherwise.

(b) Rights, Duties, and Obligations of Members and Associated Persons

Unless otherwise specified, a person associated with a member shall have the same rights as a member and shall be subject to the same duties and obligations under the Code of Procedure.

(c) Incorporation of Defined Terms and Cross References

Unless otherwise provided, terms used in the Rule 9000 Series shall have the meaning as defined in Rule 0120 and Rule 9120. References within the Rule 9000 Series to Association offices or departments refer to offices so designated by the NASD, NASD Regulation or Nasdaq.

9120. Definitions

(a) "Adjudicator"

The term "Adjudicator" means: (1) a body, board, committee, group, or natural person that presides over a proceeding and renders a decision; (2) a body, board, committee, group, or natural person that presides over a proceeding and renders a recommended or proposed decision which is acted upon by an Adjudicator described in (1); or (3) a natural person who serves on a body, board, committee, or group described in (1) or (2). The term includes a Review Subcommittee as defined in paragraph (z), a Subcommittee as defined in paragraph (bb), an Extended Proceeding Committee as defined in paragraph (l), and a Statutory Disqualification Committee as defined in paragraph (aa).

(b) "Chief Hearing Officer"

The term "Chief Hearing Officer" means the Hearing Officer designated by the President of NASD Regulation to manage the Office of Hearing Officers, or his or her delegatee.

(c) "Code"

The term "Code" refers to the Code of Procedure.

(d) "Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council "

The term "Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council" means an attorney of the Office of the General Counsel of NASD Regulation who is responsible for advising the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee, or an Extended Proceeding Committee regarding a disciplinary proceeding on appeal or review before the National Adjudicatory Council.

(e) "Department of Enforcement"

The term "Department of Enforcement" means the Department of Enforcement or its delegatee, the Department of Market Regulation, except that the term excludes the Department of Market Regulation with respect to the actions of: (1) authorizing a complaint under Rule 9211; (2) determining the terms of a letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent or the terms of a minor rule violation plan letter under Rule 9216; (3) determining whether to contest an offer of settlement under Rule 9270; and (4) authorizing the filing of an appeal under Rule 9311.

(f) "Director"

The term "Director" means a member of the Board of Directors of NASD Regulation.

(g) "District Committee"

The term "District Committee" means a district committee elected pursuant to the NASD Regulation By-Laws or a resolution of the NASD Regulation Board.

(h) "Document"

The term "Document" means a writing, drawing, graph, chart, photograph, recording, or any other data compilation, including data stored by computer, from which information can be obtained.

(i) "Extended Hearing"

The term "Extended Hearing" means a disciplinary proceeding described in Rule 9231(c).

(j) "Extended Hearing Panel"

The term "Extended Hearing Panel" means an Adjudicator that is constituted under Rule 9231(c) to conduct a disciplinary proceeding that is classified as an "Extended Hearing" and is governed by the Rule 9200 Series.

(k) "Extended Proceeding"

The term "Extended Proceeding" means a disciplinary proceeding described in Rule 9331(a)(2).

(l) "Extended Proceeding Committee"

The term "Extended Proceeding Committee" means an appellate Adjudicator that is constituted under Rule 9331 to participate in the National Adjudicatory Council's consideration of a disciplinary proceeding that is classified as an "Extended Proceeding" and governed by the Rule 9300 Series.

(m) "General Counsel"

The term "General Counsel" means the General Counsel of NASD Regulation, or his or her delegatee, who shall be a person who reports to the General Counsel of NASD Regulation and is an Associate General Counsel, an Assistant General Counsel, or a person who has substantially the same or equivalent duties and responsibilities as an Associate General Counsel or an Assistant General Counsel.

(n) "Governor"

The term "Governor" means a member of the Board of Governors of the NASD.

(o) "Head of Enforcement"

The term "Head of Enforcement" means the individual designated by the President of NASD Regulation to manage the Department of Enforcement, or his or her delegatee in the Department of Enforcement.

(p) "Hearing Officer"

The term "Hearing Officer" means an employee of NASD Regulation who is an attorney and who is appointed by the Chief Hearing Officer to act in an adjudicative role and fulfill various adjudicative responsibilities and duties described in the Rule 9200 Series regarding disciplinary proceedings brought against members and associated persons.

(q) "Hearing Panel"

The term "Hearing Panel" means an Adjudicator that is constituted under Rule 9231 to conduct a disciplinary proceeding governed by the Rule 9200 Series or that is constituted under the Rule 9500 Series to conduct a proceeding.

(r) "Interested Association Staff"

The term "Interested Association Staff" means, in the context of:

(1) a disciplinary proceeding under the Rule 9200 Series and the Rule 9300 Series:

(A) the Head of Enforcement;

(B) an employee of the Department of Enforcement who reports, directly or indirectly, to the Head of Enforcement;

(D) an Association employee who directly participated in an examination, investigation, prosecution, or litigation related to a specific disciplinary proceeding, and a district director or department head to whom such employee reports;

(2) a proceeding under the Rule 9410 Series:

(A) the head of the Department of Member Regulation;

(B) a Department of Member Regulation employee who reports, directly or indirectly, to the head of the Department of Member Regulation;

(C) an Association employee who directly participated in the authorization of or the initial decision in the proceeding; or

(D) an Association employee who directly participated in an examination, investigation, prosecution, or litigation related to a specific proceeding, and a district director or department head to whom such employee reports; or

(3) a proceeding under the Rule 9510 or 9520 Series:

(A) the head of the department or office that issues the notice or is designated as a Party;

(B) an Association employee who reports, directly or indirectly, to such person;

(4) a proceeding under the Rule 9600 Series:

(A) the head of the department or office that issues the decision granting or denying an exemption or is designated as a Party;

(B) an Association employee who reports, directly or indirectly, to such person;

(D) an Association employee who directly participated in an examination, investigation, prosecution, or litigation related to a specific exemption proceeding, and a district director or department head to whom such employee reports.

(s) "Market Regulation Committee"

The term "Market Regulation Committee" means the committee of NASD Regulation designated to consider the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations adopted thereunder and various Rules of the Association and policies relating to:

(1) the quotations of securities;

(2) the execution of transactions;

(3) the reporting of transactions; and

(4) trading practices, including rules prohibiting manipulation and insider trading, and those Rules designated as Trading Rules (Rule 3300 Series), the Nasdaq Stock Market Rules (Rule 4000 Series), other Nasdaq and NASD Market Rules (Rule 5000 Series), NASD Systems and Programs Rules (Rule 6000 Series), and Charges for Services and Equipment Rules (Rule 7000 Series).

(t) "NASD Board"

The term "NASD Board" means the Board of Governors of the NASD.

(u) "NASD Regulation Board"

The term "NASD Regulation Board" means the Board of Directors of NASD Regulation.

(v) "Panelist"

The term "Panelist," as used in the Rule 9200 Series, means a member of a Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel who is not a Hearing Officer. As used in the Rule 9300 Series, the term means a current or former Director or a former Governor who is appointed to serve on a Subcommittee or an Extended Proceeding Committee.

(w) "Party"

With respect to a particular proceeding, the term "Party" means:

(1) in the Rule 9200 Series and the Rule 9300 Series, the Department of Enforcement or a Respondent;

(2) in the Rule 9410 Series and the Rule 9520 Series, the Department of Member Regulation or

(A) a member that is the subject of a notice under Rule 9412;

(B) a member that is the subject of a notice or files an application under Rule 9522;

(3) in the Rule 9510 Series, the department or office designated under Rule 9514(b) or a member or person that is the subject of a notice under Rule 9512 or Rule 9513; or

(4) in the Rule 9600 Series, the department or office designated under Rule 9620 to issue the decision granting or denying an exemption or a member that seeks the exemption under Rule 9610.

(x) "Primary District Committee"

The term "Primary District Committee" means, in a disciplinary proceeding under the Rule 9200 Series, the District Committee designated by the Chief Hearing Officer pursuant to Rule 9232 to provide one or more of the Panelists to a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, to an Extended Hearing Panel, for such disciplinary proceeding.

(y) "Respondent"

The term "Respondent" means, in a disciplinary proceeding governed by the Rule 9200 Series and in an appeal or review governed by the Rule 9300 Series, an NASD member or associated person against whom a complaint is issued.

(z) "Review Subcommittee"

The term "Review Subcommittee" means a body appointed by the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to Article V of the NASD Regulation By-Laws.

(aa) "Statutory Disqualification Committee"

The term "Statutory Disqualification Committee" means a Subcommittee of the National Adjudicatory Council that makes a recommended decision to grant or deny an application for relief from the eligibility requirements of the Association to the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to the Rule 9520 Series.

(bb) "Subcommittee"

The term "Subcommittee" means an Adjudicator that is:

(1) constituted under Rule 9331(a) to participate in the National Adjudicatory Council's consideration of an appeal or a review of a disciplinary proceeding pursuant to the Rule 9300 Series;

(2) constituted under the Rule 9410 Series or Rule 9630 to conduct a review proceeding.

9130. Service; Filing of Papers

9131. Service of Complaint and Document Initiating a Proceeding

(a) Service on Each Party

A complaint shall be served on each Party by the Department of Enforcement. A document initiating a proceeding shall be served on each Party by the Party or person initiating such proceeding or his or her counsel or representative.

(b) How Served

A complaint or document initiating a proceeding shall be served pursuant to Rule 9134.

(c) Filing Requirement

A complaint that is served upon a Respondent and each document initiating a proceeding that is served upon a Party, along with the certificate of service executed in connection with the service upon such Respondent or Party, shall be filed with the Association pursuant to Rule 9135.

9132. Service of Orders, Notices, and Decisions by Adjudicator

(a) Service on Each Party

An order, notice, or decision issued by a Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel under the Rule 9200 Series shall be served on each Party, or each Party's counsel, or other person the Party designates to represent him or her in a proceeding by the Office of Hearing Officers. An order, notice, or decision issued by any other Adjudicator shall be served by that Adjudicator.

(b) How Served

An order, notice, or decision shall be served pursuant to Rule 9134.

(c) Service Upon Counsel or Other Person Acting In Representative Capacity

Whenever service is required to be made upon a person represented by counsel or a representative who has filed a notice of appearance pursuant to Rule 9141, service shall be made upon counsel or the representative. The Adjudicator, at its discretion, may also order that service be made upon the person.

9133. Service of Papers Other Than Complaints, Orders, Notices, or Decisions

(a) Service on Each Party

Other than a complaint, order, notice, or decision, any paper, including an answer and a motion, shall be served on each Party by the Party on whose behalf such paper was prepared or by his or her counsel or representative.

(b) How Served

The paper shall be served pursuant to Rule 9134.

(c) Filing Requirement

The paper that is served upon a Party, along with the certificate of service executed in connection with the service upon such Party, shall be filed with the Association pursuant to Rule 9135.

(d) Service upon Counsel or Other Person Acting in Representative Capacity

9134. Methods of, Procedures for Service

(a) Methods

The following methods of service are permitted:

(1) Personal Service

Personal service may be accomplished by handing a copy of the papers to the person required to be served; leaving a copy at the person's office with an employee or other person in charge thereof; or leaving a copy at the person's dwelling or usual place of abode with a person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein;

(2) Service by Mail by U.S. Postal Service

Service by mail may be accomplished by mailing the papers through the U.S. Postal Service by using first class mail, first class certified mail, first class registered mail, or Express Mail, except that a complaint shall be served upon a Respondent by U.S. Postal Service first class certified mail or Express Mail; or

(3) Service by Commercial Courier

Service by commercial courier may be accomplished by sending the papers through a commercial courier service that generates a written confirmation of receipt or of attempts at delivery.

(b) Procedures

(1) Service on Natural Persons

Papers served on a natural person may be served at the natural person's residential address, as reflected in the Central Registration Depository, if applicable. When a Party or other person responsible for serving such person has actual knowledge that the natural person's Central Registration Depository address is out of date, duplicate copies shall be served on the natural person at the natural person's last known residential address and the business address in the Central Registration Depository of the entity with which the natural person is employed or affiliated. Papers may also be served at the business address of the entity with which the natural person is employed or affiliated, as reflected in the Central Registration Depository, or at a business address, such as a branch office, at which the natural person is employed, or at which the natural person is physically present during a normal business day. If a natural person is represented by counsel or a representative, papers served on the natural person, excluding a complaint or a document initiating a proceeding, shall be served on the counsel or representative.

(2) Service on Entities

Papers served on an entity shall be made by service on an officer, partner of a partnership, managing or general agent, a contact employee as set forth on Form BD, or any other agent authorized by appointment or by law to accept service. Such papers shall be served at the entity's business address as reflected in the Central Registration Depository, if applicable; provided, however, that when the Party or other person responsible for serving such entity has actual knowledge that an entity's Central Registration Depository address is out of date, duplicate copies shall be served at the entity's last known address. If an entity is represented by counsel or a representative, papers served on such entity, excluding a complaint or document initiating a proceeding, shall be served on such counsel or representative.

(3) When Service Is Complete

Personal service and service by commercial courier or express delivery are complete upon delivery. Service by mail is complete upon mailing.

9135. Filing of Papers with Adjudicator: Procedure

(a) When to File

Papers that are required to be filed with an Adjudicator within a time limit specified by the Adjudicator or within a time limit set forth in the Rules shall be deemed timely if received within the time limit, unless otherwise ordered by an Adjudicator. Other papers that are required to be filed shall be deemed timely if, on the same day such papers are served, they are also hand-delivered, mailed via U.S. Postal service first class mail, or sent by courier to the Association.

(b) Where to File

All papers required to be filed pursuant to the Rule 9200 Series and any notice of appeal or review required to be filed pursuant to the Rule 9300 Series shall be filed with the Office of Hearing Officers. All other papers required to be filed pursuant to the Rule 9000 Series shall be filed where specified in the Rule, or if not specified in the Rule, with the Adjudicator, unless the Adjudicator orders otherwise.

(c) Certificate of Service

Papers filed with an Adjudicator or the Office of Hearing Officers shall be accompanied by a certificate of service stating the name of the person or persons served, the date on which service is made, the method of service and, if service is not made in person, the address to which service is made. Such certificate shall be executed by the person who made the service. If the method of service on a Party is different from the method of service on any other Party, the certificate shall state why such different method was used.

9136. Filing of Papers: Form

(a) Specifications

Papers filed in connection with any proceeding under the Rule 9200 Series and the Rule 9300 Series shall:

(1) be on unglazed white paper measuring 8 x 11 inches, but to the extent that the reduction of a larger document would render it illegible, such document may be filed on larger paper;

(2) be typewritten or printed in either 10 or 12 point typeface or otherwise reproduced by a process that produces a permanent and plainly legible copy;

(3) include at the head of the paper, or on a title page, the title of the proceeding, the names of the Parties, the subject of the particular paper or pleading, and the number assigned to the proceeding;

(4) be paginated at the bottom of the page and with all margins at least one inch wide;

(5) be double-spaced, with double-spaced footnotes and single-spaced indented quotations; and

(6) be stapled, clipped, or otherwise fastened in the upper left corner, but not bound.

(b) Signature Required

All papers shall be signed and dated pursuant to Rule 9137.

(c) Number of Copies

A signed original and three copies of all papers shall be filed with the Adjudicator.

(d) Form of Briefs

A brief containing more than ten pages shall include a table of contents, and an alphabetized table of cases, statutes, and other authorities cited, with references to the pages of the brief wherein they are cited.

(e) Scandalous or Impertinent Matter

Any scandalous or impertinent matter contained in any brief, pleading, or other filing, or in connection with any oral presentation in a proceeding may be stricken on order of an Adjudicator. Any matter stricken by an Adjudicator by this Rule shall be marked "Stricken" and preserved. Matters stricken in a proceeding governed by the Rule 9200 Series shall be preserved under Rule 9267(b).

9137. Filing of Papers: Signature Requirement and Effect

(a) General Requirements

Following the issuance of a complaint in a disciplinary proceeding, or the initiation of another proceeding, every filing of a Party represented by counsel or a representative shall be signed by at least one counsel or representative of record in his or her name and shall state the business address and telephone number of such counsel or representative. A Party who appears on his or her own behalf shall sign his or her individual name and state his or her address and telephone number on every filing.

(b) Effect of Signature

(1) The signature of a counsel, representative, or Party shall constitute a certification that:

(A) the person signing the filing has read the filing;

(B) to the best of his or her knowledge, information, and belief, formed after reasonable inquiry, the filing is well grounded in fact and is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law; and

(C) the filing is not made for any improper purpose, such as to harass, cause unnecessary delay, or needlessly to increase the cost of adjudication.

(2) If a filing is not signed, an Adjudicator may strike the filing, unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the person making the filing.

9138. Computation of Time

(a) Calendar Day

In the Rule 9000 Series, "day" means calendar day.

(b) Formula

In computing any period of time, the day of the act, event, or default from which the period of time designated in the Code begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day that is not a Saturday, Sunday, or Federal holiday. Intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays shall be excluded from the computation when the period prescribed is ten days or less, not including any additional time for service by mail allowed by paragraph (c).

(c) Additional Time For Service by Mail

If service is made by U.S. Postal Service first class, certified, or registered mail, three days shall be added to the prescribed period for response.

9140. Proceedings

9141. Appearance and Practice; Notice of Appearance

(a) Representing Oneself

In any proceeding, a person may appear on his or her own behalf. When a person first makes any filing or otherwise appears on his or her own behalf before an Adjudicator in a proceeding, he or she shall file with the Adjudicator, or otherwise state on the record, and keep current, an address at which any notice or other written communication required to be served upon or furnished to him or her may be sent and a telephone number where he or she may be reached during business hours.

(b) Representing Others

A person shall not be represented before an Adjudicator, except as provided in this paragraph. Subject to the prohibitions of Rules 9150 and 9280, a person may be represented in any proceeding by an attorney at law admitted to practice before the highest court of any state of the United States, the District of Columbia, or any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States. A member of a partnership may represent the partnership; and a bona fide officer of a corporation, trust, or association may represent the corporation, trust, or association. When a person first makes any filing or otherwise appears in a representative capacity before an Adjudicator in a proceeding, that person shall file with the Adjudicator, and keep current a Notice of Appearance. The Notice of Appearance is a written notice stating the name of the proceeding; the representative's name, business address, and telephone number; and the name and address of the person or persons represented. Any individual appearing or practicing in a representative capacity before an Adjudicator may be required to file a power of attorney with the Adjudicator showing his or her authority to act in such capacity.

9142. Withdrawal by Attorney or Representative

An attorney for a Party or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141 may withdraw by giving notice to the Adjudicator. The notice shall be in writing, set forth the good cause for withdrawal, and, unless circumstances do not permit, be given at least 30 days prior to withdrawal.

9143. Ex Parte Communications

(a) Prohibited Communications

Unless on notice and opportunity for all Parties to participate, or to the extent required for the disposition of ex parte matters as authorized by the Rule 9000 Series:

(1) No Party, or counsel to or representative of a Party, or Interested Association Staff shall make or knowingly cause to be made an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of a proceeding to an Adjudicator who is participating in a decision with respect to that proceeding, or to an Association employee who is participating or advising in the decision of an Adjudicator with respect to that proceeding; and

(2) No Adjudicator who is participating in a decision with respect to a proceeding, or no Association employee who is participating or advising in the decision of an Adjudicator with respect to a proceeding shall make or knowingly cause to be made to a Party, a counsel or representative to a Party, or Interested Association Staff an ex parte communication relevant to the merits of that proceeding.

(b) Disclosure of Prohibited Communication

An Adjudicator who is participating in a decision with respect to a proceeding, or an Association employee who is participating or advising in the decision of an Adjudicator, who receives, makes, or knowingly causes to be made a communication prohibited by this Rule shall place in the record of the proceeding:

(1) all such written communications;

(2) memoranda stating the substance of all such oral communications; and

(3) all written responses and memoranda stating the substance of all oral responses to all such communications.

(c) Remedies

Upon receipt of a communication made or knowingly caused to be made by any Party, any counsel or representative to a Party, or any Interested Association Staff in violation of subparagraph (a)(1), the Association or an Adjudicator may, to the extent consistent with the interests of justice, the policies underlying the Act, and the Association's Rules, order the Party responsible for the communication, or the Party who may benefit from the ex parte communication made, to show cause why the Party's claim or interest in the proceeding should not be dismissed, denied, disregarded, or otherwise adversely affected by reason of such ex parte communication. All participants to a proceeding may respond to any allegations or contentions contained in a prohibited ex parte communication placed in the record. Such responses shall be placed in the record.

(d) Timing

In a disciplinary proceeding governed by the Rule 9200 Series and the Rule 9300 Series, the prohibitions of this Rule shall apply beginning with the authorization of a complaint as provided in Rule 9211, unless the person responsible for the communication has knowledge that the complaint shall be authorized, in which case the prohibitions shall apply beginning at the time of his or her acquisition of such knowledge.

(e) Waiver of Ex Parte Prohibition

(1) Offer of Settlement

If a Respondent submits an offer of settlement under Rule 9270, the submission constitutes a waiver by such Respondent of any claim that the prohibitions against ex parte communications were violated by a person or body in connection with such person's or body's participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the offer of settlement and the order of acceptance, or other consideration of the offer of settlement and order of acceptance, including acceptance or rejection of such offer of settlement and order of acceptance.

(2) Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent

If a member or a person associated with a member submits an executed letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent under Rule 9216(a), the submission constitutes a waiver by such member or person associated with a member of any claim that the prohibitions against ex parte communications were violated by a person or body in connection with such person's or body's participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, or other consideration of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, including acceptance or rejection of such letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent.

(3) Minor Rule Violation Plan Letter

If a member or a person associated with a member submits an executed minor rule violation plan letter under Rule 9216(b), the submission constitutes a waiver by such member or person associated with a member of any claim that the prohibitions against ex parte communications by a person or body in connection with such person's or body's participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the minor rule violation plan letter, or other consideration of the minor rule violation plan letter, including acceptance or rejection of such minor rule plan violation letter.

9144. Separation of Functions

(a) Interested Association Staff

Except as counsel or a witness in a proceeding or as provided in the Rule 9400 Series, Interested Association Staff is prohibited from advising an Adjudicator regarding a decision or otherwise participating in a decision of an Adjudicator. An Adjudicator is prohibited from advising Interested Association Staff regarding a decision or otherwise participating in a decision of Interested Association Staff, including the decision to issue a complaint and a decision whether to appeal or cross-appeal a disciplinary proceeding to the National Adjudicatory Council.

(b) Separation of Adjudicators

A Hearing Officer, including the Chief Hearing Officer, or a Panelist of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel, is prohibited from participating in: a decision whether to issue a complaint pursuant to Rule 9211; a decision whether to appeal or cross-appeal a disciplinary proceeding to the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to Rule 9311; and a discussion or decision relating to a call for review, a review, or an appeal pursuant to the Rule 9300 Series. Except for the Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council, a Governor is prohibited from participating in a discussion or a decision relating to the above referenced acts with the Review Subcommittee or the Adjudicators referenced above.

(c) Waiver of Prohibitions of Separation of Functions

(1) Offer of Settlement

If a Respondent submits an offer of settlement under Rule 9270, the submission constitutes a waiver by such Respondent of any claim of violation of paragraph (a) or (b) by a person or body in connection with such person's or body's participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the offer of settlement and the order of acceptance, or other consideration of the offer of settlement and order of acceptance, including acceptance or rejection of such offer of settlement and order of acceptance.

(2) Letter of Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent

If a member or a person associated with a member submits an executed letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent under Rule 9216(a), the submission constitutes a waiver by such member or person associated with a member of any claim of violation of paragraph (a) or (b) by a person or body in connection with such person's or body's participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, or other consideration of the proposed letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, including acceptance or rejection of such letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent.

(3) Minor Rule Violation Plan Letter

(b) by a person or body in connection with such person's or body's participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the minor rule violation plan letter or other consideration of the minor rule violation plan letter, including acceptance or rejection of such minor rule violation plan letter.

9145. Rules of Evidence; Official Notice

(a) Rules of Evidence

The formal rules of evidence shall not apply in a proceeding brought under the Rule 9000 Series.

(b) Official Notice

In a proceeding governed by the Rule 9000 Series, an Adjudicator may take official notice of such matters as might be judicially noticed by a court, or of other matters within the specialized knowledge of the Association as an expert body. Before an Adjudicator proposes to take official notice of a matter, it shall permit a Party the opportunity to oppose or otherwise comment upon the proposal to take official notice.

9146. Motions

(a) General Requirement for Motions

A Party may make a written or oral motion, subject to limitations set forth below. A Party or other person may make a motion under Rule 9146(k), subject to limitations set forth below.

(b) Adjudicator May Require a Written Motion

If a Party makes an oral motion, an Adjudicator may order that such motion be set forth in writing, after considering the facts and circumstances, including whether:

(1) the hearing or conference in which the Party makes such motion is being recorded; and

(2) the opposing Parties shall be fully informed and shall have adequate notice and opportunity to respond to such motion.

(c) Specificity

All motions shall state the specific relief requested and the basis therefor.

(d) Time For Filing Opposition or Other Response to Motion

Unless otherwise ordered by an Adjudicator, any Party may file an opposition or other response to a written motion and the opposition or response shall be filed within 14 days after service of the motion. If no response is filed within the response period, the Party failing torespond shall be deemed to have waived any objection to the granting of the motion. A Party shall be afforded an opportunity to respond to an oral motion at the time the oral motion is made, unless the Adjudicator orders that the Party shall be granted additional time to respond.

(e) Oral Argument

An Adjudicator may allow oral argument on motions. Oral argument may take place in person or by telephone.

(f) Frivolous Motions

An Adjudicator may deny dilatory, repetitive, or frivolous motions without awaiting a response.

(g) No Stay

Unless otherwise ordered by an Adjudicator, the filing of a motion does not stay a proceeding.

(h) Reply

The moving Party shall have no right to reply to the opposition or other response of the other Parties unless an Adjudicator permits a reply to be filed. Unless otherwise ordered by an Adjudicator, a movant's reply submission shall be filed within five days after the Adjudicator serves the order granting the motion to file a reply or a Party serves the opposition or other response to which the Adjudicator previously ordered that a reply could be filed.

(i) Page Limit, Format Requirements

Unless otherwise ordered by an Adjudicator, submissions in support of or in opposition to motions shall not exceed ten double-spaced pages, including double-spaced footnotes, exclusive of pages containing any table of contents, table of authorities, or addenda.

(j) Disposition of Procedural Motions; Disposition of Motions for Summary Disposition

(1) In the Rule 9200 Series, a motion on a procedural matter may be decided by a Hearing Officer. A motion for summary disposition of a cause of action set forth in a complaint shall be decided by a majority vote of the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel.

(2) In the Rule 9300 Series, a motion on a procedural matter may be decided by Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council. A motion for disposition of a cause of action shall be decided by the National Adjudicatory Council, except that a motion to dismiss a case for abandonment made under Rule 9344 may be decided by the Review Subcommittee.

(3) In the Rule 9400 Series and the Rule 9500 Series, a motion shall be decided by an Adjudicator.

(k) Motion For Protective Order

(1) A Party, a person who is the owner, subject, or creator of a Document subject to production under Rule 8210 or any other Rule which may be introduced as evidence in a disciplinary proceeding, or a witness who testifies at a hearing in a disciplinary proceeding may file a motion requesting a protective order to limit disclosure or prohibit from disclosure to other Parties, witnesses or other persons, except the Department of Enforcement and other Association staff, Documents or testimony that contain confidential information. The motion shall include a general summary or extract of the Documents or testimony without revealing confidential details. If the movant seeks a protective order against disclosure to other Parties, copies of the Documents shall not be served on the other Parties. Unless the Documents are unavailable, the movant shall file for in camera inspection a sealed copy of the Documents for which the order is sought. If the movant is not a Party, the motion shall be served on each Party by the movant using a method in Rule 9134(a) and filed with the Adjudicator. A motion for a protective order shall be granted only upon a finding that disclosure of the Document or testimony would have a demonstrated adverse business effect on the movant or would involve an unreasonable breach of the movant's personal privacy.

(2) If a protective order is granted, the order shall set forth the restrictions on use and disclosure of such Document or testimony. An Adjudicator does not have the authority to issue a protective order that would limit in any manner the use by the staff of the Association of such Documents or testimony in the Association staff's performance of their regulatory and self-regulatory responsibilities and functions, including the transmittal, without restriction to the recipient, of such Documents or testimony to state, federal, or foreign regulatory authorities or other self-regulatory organizations. An Adjudicator does not have the authority to issue a protective order that purports to protect from production such Documents or testimony in the event that the Association is subject to a subpoena requiring that the Documents or testimony be produced.

(l) General

All motions, oppositions or responses, replies, and any other filings made in a proceeding shall comply with Rules 9133, 9134, 9135, 9136 and 9137.

9147. Rulings On Procedural Matters

The NASD Board, the National Adjudicatory Council, a Hearing Officer, or any other Adjudicator shall have full authority, except as otherwise provided by the Code, to rule on a procedural motion and any other procedural or administrative matter arising during the course of a proceeding conducted pursuant to the Code, subject to the rights of review or appeal provided by the Code.

9148. Interlocutory Review

Except as provided in Rule 9280, there shall be no interlocutory review of a ruling or order issued by any Adjudicator in a proceeding governed by the Code. If an Adjudicator grants interlocutory review of a ruling or order, such review shall not stay a proceeding, except under Rule 9280 or as otherwise ordered by the Adjudicator.

9150. Exclusion From Rule 9000 Series Proceeding

(a) Exclusion

An Adjudicator may exclude an attorney for a Party or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141 from acting as counsel, acting in any representative capacity, or otherwise appearing in a particular Rule 9000 Series proceeding for contemptuous conduct under Rule 9280 or unethical or improper professional conduct in that proceeding. If an attorney for a Party, or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141, is excluded from a disciplinary hearing or conference, or any portion thereof, such attorney or person may seek review by the National Adjudicatory Council of such exclusion under Rule 9280(c).

(b) Other Proceedings Not Precluded

Prohibiting an attorney or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141 from practicing or appearing in an Association proceeding shall not preclude the Association from initiating other proceedings against such person.

9160. Recusal or Disqualification

No person shall participate as an Adjudicator in a matter governed by the Code as to which he or she has a conflict of interest or bias, or circumstances otherwise exist where his or her fairness might reasonably be questioned. In any such case the person shall recuse himself or herself, or shall be disqualified as follows:

(a) NASD Board

The Chair of the NASD Board shall have authority to order the disqualification of a Governor, and a majority of the NASD Board excluding the Chair of the NASD Board, shall have authority to order the disqualification of the Chair;

(b) National Adjudicatory Council, Review Subcommittee, or Certain Subcommittees

The Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall have authority to order the disqualification of a member of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee, a member of a Subcommittee appointed pursuant to the Rule 9410 Series or the Rule 9600 Series, a Hearing Panel appointed pursuant to the Rule 9520 Series, and the Statutory Disqualification Committee; and the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall have authority to order the disqualification of the Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council;

(c) Rule 9331 Subcommittee or Extended Proceeding Committee

Disqualification of a Panelist of a Subcommittee or Extended Proceeding Committee appointed under the Rule 9300 Series shall be governed by Rule 9332;

(d) Rule 9514 Hearing Panel

The NASD Regulation Board or Nasdaq Board shall have authority to order the disqualification of a member of a Hearing Panel appointed by such Board under Rule 9514(b);

(e) Panelist of Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel

Disqualification of a Panelist of a Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel appointed under the Rule 9200 Series shall be governed by Rule 9234;

(f) Hearing Officer

Disqualification of a Hearing Officer of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel shall be governed by Rule 9233; and

(g) NASD Regulation Staff As Adjudicator

The President of NASD Regulation shall have authority to order the disqualification of a member of the staff of the Department of Member Regulation participating in a Rule 9410 Series decision.

9200. DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDINGS

9210. Complaint and Answer

9211. Authorization of Complaint

(a) Complaint

(1) If the Department of Enforcement believes that any NASD member or associated person is violating or has violated any rule, regulation, or statutory provision, including the federal securities laws and the regulations thereunder, which the Association has jurisdiction to enforce, the Department of Enforcement may authorize a complaint.

(2) The NASD Regulation Board and the NASD Board each shall have the authority to direct the Department of Enforcement to authorize and issue a complaint when, on the basis of information and belief, either of such boards is of the opinion that any NASD member or associated person is violating or has violated any rule, regulation, or statutory provision, including the federal securities laws and the regulations thereunder, which the Association has jurisdiction to enforce.

(b) Commencement of Disciplinary Proceeding

A disciplinary proceeding shall begin when the complaint is served and filed.

9212. Complaint Issuance -- Requirements, Service, Amendment, Withdrawal, and Docketing

(a) Form, Content, Notice, Docketing, and Service

(1) If a complaint is authorized, the Department of Enforcement shall issue the complaint. Each complaint shall be in writing and signed by the Department of Enforcement. The complaint shall specify in reasonable detail the conduct alleged to constitute the violative activity and the rule, regulation, or statutory provision the Respondent is alleged to be violating or to have violated. If the complaint consists of several causes of action, each cause shall be stated separately. Complaints shall be served by the Department of Enforcement on each Party pursuant to Rules 9131 and 9134, and filed at the time of service with the Office of Hearing Officers pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137.

(2) At the time of issuance of a complaint, the Department of Enforcement may propose:

(A) an appropriate location for the hearing; and

(B) if the complaint alleges at least one cause of action involving a violation of a statute or a rule described in Rule 9120 (s), that the Chief Hearing Officer select a Market Regulation Committee Panelist for the Hearing Panel, or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel as described in Rule 9231.

(b) Amendments to Complaint

Upon motion by the Department of Enforcement, the Hearing Officer may, at any time after considering good cause shown by the Department of Enforcement and any unfair prejudice to any Respondent, permit the Department of Enforcement to amend a complaint to include new matters of fact or law.

(c) Withdrawal of Complaint

With prior leave of the Hearing Officer, the Department of Enforcement may withdraw a complaint. If the Department of Enforcement withdraws the complaint before the earlier of (1) the Hearing Panel's or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel's, issuance of a ruling on a motion for summary disposition, or (2) the start of the hearing on the merits, the withdrawal of the complaint by the Department of Enforcement shall be without prejudice and the Department of Enforcement shall be permitted to refile a case based on allegations concerning the same facts and circumstances that are set forth in the withdrawn complaint. If the Department of Enforcement requests to withdraw such complaint after the occurrence of either of the two events set forth in (1) and (2) in this paragraph, the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, after considering the facts and circumstances of the request, shall determine whether the withdrawal shall be granted with prejudice.

(d) Disciplinary Proceeding Docket

The Office of Hearing Officers shall promptly record each complaint filed with it in the Association's disciplinary proceeding docket, and record in the disciplinary proceeding docket each event, filing, and change in the status of a disciplinary proceeding.

9213. Assignment of Hearing Officer and Appointment of Panelists to Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel

(a) Assignment of Hearing Officer

As soon as practicable after the Department of Enforcement has filed a complaint with the Office of Hearing Officers, the Chief Hearing Officer shall assign a Hearing Officer to preside over the disciplinary proceeding and shall serve the Parties with notice of the Hearing Officer's assignment pursuant to Rule 9132.

(b) Appointment of Panelists

As soon as practicable after assigning a Hearing Officer to preside over a disciplinary proceeding, the Chief Hearing Officer shall appoint Panelists pursuant to Rules 9231 and 9232 to a Hearing Panel or, if the Chief Hearing Officer determines that an Extended Hearing Panel should be appointed, to an Extended Hearing Panel.

9214. Consolidation of Disciplinary Proceedings

(a) Initiated by Chief Hearing Officer

The Chief Hearing Officer may order the consolidation of two or more disciplinary proceedings, upon his or her own motion, under circumstances where such consolidation would further the efficiency of the disciplinary process, and where the subject complaints involve common questions of law or fact, or one or more of the same Respondents. In determining whether to order the consolidation of such disciplinary proceedings, the Chief Hearing Officer shall consider: (1) whether the same or similar evidence reasonably would be expected to be offered at each of the hearings; (2) whether the proposed consolidation would conserve the time and resources of the Parties; and (3) whether any unfair prejudice would be suffered by one or more Parties as a result of the consolidation. If the Chief Hearing Officer proposes to consolidate two or more disciplinary proceedings, the Chief Hearing Officer shall serve upon the Parties notice of the proposed consolidation of disciplinary proceedings, together with a copy of each relevant complaint and any answer that has been filed thereto, pursuant to Rule 9132. The Parties shall have 14 days after service to file a response, stating any arguments in favor of or opposition to consolidation.

(b) Initiated by a Party

A Party may file a motion to consolidate two or more disciplinary proceedings if such consolidation would further the efficiency of the disciplinary process, if the subject complaints involve common questions of law or fact or one or more of the same Respondents, or if one or more of the factors favoring consolidation set forth in paragraph (a) appear to be present. If a Party moves to consolidate two or more disciplinary proceedings, the Party shall file such motion, together with a copy of each relevant complaint and any answer thereto that has been filed, with the Office of Hearing Officers, and, pursuant to Rule 9133, shall serve the same upon the Parties in each of the cases proposed to be consolidated. The Parties shall have 14 days after service to file a response, stating any arguments in favor of or opposition to consolidation, and shall serve the response upon the Parties in each of the cases proposed to be consolidated. The Chief Hearing Officer shall issue an order approving or denying the request for consolidation.

(c) Impact on Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel

If the Chief Hearing Officer issues an order to consolidate two or more disciplinary proceedings for which Hearing Panels or, if applicable, Extended Hearing Panels, have been appointed, the Chief Hearing Officer's order shall specify which Hearing Panel or, if applicable, Extended Hearing Panel, shall preside over the consolidated disciplinary proceeding, or shall appoint a new Hearing Panel or, if applicable, Extended Hearing Panel, to preside, based on the criteria set forth in Rules 9231 and 9232.

9215. Answer to Complaint

(a) Form, Service, Notice

Pursuant to Rule 9133, each Respondent named in a complaint shall serve an answer to the complaint on all other Parties within 25 days after service of the complaint on such Respondent, and at the time of service shall file such answer with the Office of Hearing Officers pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136 and 9137. The Hearing Officer assigned to a disciplinary proceeding pursuant to Rule 9213 may extend such period for good cause. Upon the receipt of a Respondent's answer, the Office of Hearing Officers shall promptly send written notice of the receipt of such answer to all Parties.

(b) Content, Affirmative Defenses

Unless otherwise ordered by the Hearing Officer, an answer shall specifically admit, deny, or state that the Respondent does not have and is unable to obtain sufficient information to admit or deny, each allegation in the complaint. When a Respondent intends to deny only part of an allegation, the Respondent shall specify so much of it as is admitted and deny only the remainder. A statement of lack of information shall be deemed a denial. Any allegation not denied in whole or in part shall be deemed admitted. Any affirmative defense shall be asserted in the answer.

(c) Motion for More Definite Statement

A Respondent may file with an answer a motion for a more definite statement of specified matters of fact or law to be considered or determined. Such motion shall state why each such matter of fact or law should be required to be made more definite. If the motion is granted, the order granting such motion shall set the periods for filing such a statement and any answer thereto.

(d) Amendments to Answer

Upon motion by a Respondent, the Hearing Officer may, after considering good cause shown by the Respondent and any unfair prejudice which may result to any other Party, permit an answer to be amended.

(e) Extension of Time to Answer Amended Complaint

If a complaint is amended pursuant to Rule 9212(b), the time for filing an answer or amended answer shall be extended to 14 days after service of the amended complaint. If any Respondent has already filed an answer, such Respondent shall have 14 days after service of the amended complaint, unless otherwise ordered by the Hearing Officer, within which to file an amended answer.

(f) Failure to Answer, Default

If a Respondent does not file an answer or make any other filing or request related to the complaint with the Office of Hearing Officers within the time required, the Department of Enforcement shall send a second notice to such Respondent requiring an answer within 14 days after service of the second notice. The second notice shall state that failure of the Respondent to reply within the period specified shall allow the Hearing Officer, in the exercise of his or her discretion, to: (1) treat as admitted by the Respondent the allegations in the complaint; and (2) enter a default decision against the Respondent pursuant to Rule 9269. If no answer is filed with the Office of Hearing Officers within the time required, the allegations of the complaint may be considered admitted by such Respondent and a default decision may be issued by the Hearing Officer. A Respondent may, for good cause shown, move the National Adjudicatory Council to set aside a default.

9216. Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent; Plan Pursuant to SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(2)

(a) Acceptance, Waiver, and Consent Procedures

(1) Notwithstanding Rule 9211, if the Department of Enforcement has reason to believe a violation has occurred and the member or associated person does not dispute the violation, the Department of Enforcement may prepare and request that the member or associated person execute a letter accepting a finding of violation, consenting to the imposition of sanctions, and agreeing to waive such members or associated person's right to a hearing before a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, and any right of appeal to the National Adjudicatory Council, the Commission, and the courts, or to otherwise challenge the validity of the letter, if the letter is accepted. The letter shall describe the act or practice engaged in or omitted, the rule, regulation, or statutory provision violated, and the sanction or sanctions to be imposed.

(2)

(A) If a member or person associated with a member submits an executed letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, by the submission such member or person associated with a member also waives:

(i) any right of such member or person associated with a member to claim bias or prejudgment of the General Counsel, the National Adjudicatory Council, or any member of the National Adjudicatory Council, in connection with such person=s or body=s participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, or other consideration of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, including acceptance or rejection of such letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent; and

(ii) any right of such member or person associated with a member to claim that a person violated the ex parte prohibitions of Rule 9143 or the separation of functions prohibitions of Rule 9144, in connection with such person=s or body=s participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, or other consideration of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, including acceptance or rejection of such letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent.

(B) If a letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent is rejected, the member or associated person shall be bound by the waivers made under subparagraphs

(a)(1) and (a)(2)(A) for conduct by persons or bodies occurring during the period beginning on the date the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent was executed and submitted and ending upon the rejection of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent.

(3) If the member or associated person executes the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent, it shall be submitted to the National Adjudicatory Council. The Review Subcommittee or the General Counsel may accept such letter or refer it to the National Adjudicatory Council for acceptance or rejection by the National Adjudicatory Council. The Review Subcommittee may reject such letter or refer it to the National Adjudicatory Council for acceptance or rejection by the National Adjudicatory Council.

(4) If the letter is accepted by the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, or the General Counsel, it shall be deemed final and shall constitute the complaint, answer, and decision in the matter. If the letter is rejected by the Review Subcommittee or the National Adjudicatory Council, NASD Regulation may take any other appropriate disciplinary action with respect to the alleged violation or violations. If the letter is rejected, the member or associated person shall not be prejudiced by the execution of the letter of acceptance, waiver, and consent under subparagraph (a)(1) and the letter may not be introduced into evidence in connection with the determination of the issues set forth in any complaint or in any other proceeding.

(b) Procedure for Violation Under Plan Pursuant to SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(2)

(1) Notwithstanding Rule 9211, NASD Regulation or the National Adjudicatory Council may, subject to the requirements set forth in subparagraphs (b)(2) through (b)(4) and in SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(2), impose a fine (not to exceed $2,500) and/or a censure on any member or associated person with respect to any rule listed in IM-9216. If the Department of Enforcement has reason to believe a violation has occurred and if the member or associated person does not dispute the violation, the Department of Enforcement may prepare and request that the member or associated person execute a minor rule violation plan letter accepting a finding of violation, consenting to the imposition of sanctions, and agreeing to waive such member=s or associated person's right to a hearing before a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, and any right of appeal to the National Adjudicatory Council, the Commission, and the courts, or to otherwise challenge the validity of the letter, if the letter is accepted. The letter shall describe the act or practice engaged in or omitted, the rule, regulation, or statutory provision violated, and the sanction or sanctions to be imposed.

(2)

(A) If a member or person associated with a member submits an executed minor rule violation plan letter, by the submission such member or person associated with a member also waives:

(i) any right of such member or person associated with a member to claim bias or prejudgment of the General Counsel, the National Adjudicatory Council, or any member of the National Adjudicatory Council, in connection with such person=s or body=s participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the minor rule violation plan letter or other consideration of the minor rule violation plan letter, including acceptance or rejection of such minor rule violation plan letter; and

(ii) any right of such member or person associated with a member to claim that a person violated the ex parte prohibitions of Rule 9143 or the separation of functions prohibitions of Rule 9144, in connection with such person=s or body=s participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the minor rule violation plan letter or other consideration of the minor rule violation plan letter, including acceptance or rejection of such minor rule violation plan letter.

(B) If a minor rule violation plan letter is rejected, the member or person associated with a member shall be bound by the waivers made under subparagraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2)(A) for conduct by persons or bodies occurring during the period beginning on the date the minor rule violation plan letter was executed and submitted and ending upon the rejection of the minor rule violation plan letter.

(3) If the member or associated person executes the minor rule violation plan letter, it shall be submitted to the National Adjudicatory Council. The Review Subcommittee or the General Counsel may accept such letter or refer it to the National Adjudicatory Council for acceptance or rejection by the National Adjudicatory Council. The Review Subcommittee may reject such letter or refer it to the National Adjudicatory Council for acceptance or rejection by the National Adjudicatory Council.

(4) If the letter is accepted by the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, or the General Counsel, it shall be deemed final and the Association shall report the violation to the Commission as required by the Commission pursuant to a plan approved under SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(2). If the letter is rejected by the Review Subcommittee or the National Adjudicatory Council, NASD Regulation may take any other appropriate disciplinary action with respect to the alleged violation or violations. If the letter is rejected, the member or associated person shall not be prejudiced by the execution of the minor rule violation plan letter under subparagraph (b)(1) and the letter may not be introduced into evidence in connection with the determination of the issues set forth in any complaint or in any other proceeding.

IM-9216. Violations Appropriate for Disposition Under Plan Pursuant to SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(2)

Rule 2210(b) and (c) and Rule 2220(b) and (c) -- Failure to have advertisements and sales literature approved by a principal prior to use; failure to maintain separate files of advertisements and sales literature containing required information; and failure to file advertisements with the Association within the required time limits.
Rule 3360 -- Failure to timely file reports of short positions on Form NS-1.
Rule 3110 -- Failure to keep and preserve books, accounts, records, memoranda, and correspondence in conformance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and statements of policy promulgated thereunder, and with the Rules of the Association.
Rule 8211, Rule 8212, and Rule 8213--Failure to submit trading data as requested.

9220. Request for Hearing; Extensions of Time, Postponements, Adjournments

9221. Request for Hearing

(a) Respondent Request for Hearing.

With the filing of any Respondent's answer, such Respondent may: (1) request a hearing; (2) propose an appropriate location for the hearing; and (3) propose, if the complaint alleges at least one cause of action involving a violation of a statute or rule described in Rule 9120(s), that the Chief Hearing Officer select a Market Regulation Committee Panelist for a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel as described in Rule 9231. If a Respondent requests a hearing, a hearing shall be granted. A Respondent who fails to request a hearing with the filing of his or her answer waives the right to a hearing unless a Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel, or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, grants, for good cause shown, a later filed motion by such Respondent requesting a hearing.

(b) Hearing Officer Order Requiring Hearing

In the absence of a request for a hearing from any Respondent, the Hearing Officer may order any complaint set down for hearing.

(c) Authority of Hearing Panel, Extended Hearing Panel to Order Hearing

If all Respondents waive a hearing, and the Hearing Officer does not order a hearing on his or her own motion, the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, may order a hearing or may consider the matter on the record, as defined in Rule 9267. If fewer than all Respondents waive a hearing, the Hearing Officer, the Hearing Panel, or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, may, in the exercise of its discretion, order that a hearing be held as to all Respondents. Alternatively, the Hearing Officer, the Hearing Panel, or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, may conduct a hearing as to only those Respondents who requested a hearing and consider the matter on the record as to those Respondents who waived a hearing.

(d) Notice of Hearing

The Hearing Officer shall issue a notice stating the date, time, and place of the hearing, and whether the hearing shall be held before a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel, and shall serve such notice on the Parties at least 28 days before the hearing, unless (1) in the discretion of the Hearing Officer, he or she determines that extraordinary circumstances require a shorter notice period, or (2) the Parties waive the notice period.

9222. Extensions of Time, Postponements, and Adjournments

(a) Availability

At any time prior to the issuance of the decision of the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, the Hearing Officer may, for good cause shown, extend or shorten any time limits prescribed by the Code for the filing of any papers and may, consistent with paragraph (b), postpone or adjourn any hearing.

(b) Limitations on Postponements, Adjournments, and Extensions

A hearing shall begin at the time and place ordered, unless the Hearing Officer, for good cause shown, changes the place of the hearing, postpones the commencement of the hearing, or adjourns a convened hearing for a reasonable period of time, subject to the limitations in subparagraph (b)(2).

(1) Additional Considerations

In considering a motion for the postponement of the start of a hearing or, adjournment once a hearing has begun, the Hearing Officer shall consider:

(A) the length of the proceeding to date;

(B) the number of postponements, adjournments, or extensions already granted;

(D) potential harm to the investing public if an extension of time, adjournment, or postponement is granted; and

(E) such other matters as justice may require.

(2) Time Limit

Postponements, adjournments, or extensions of time for filing papers shall not exceed 28 days unless the Hearing Officer states on the record or provides by written order the reasons a longer period is necessary.

9230. Appointment of Hearing Panel, Extended Hearing Panel

9231. Appointment by the Chief Hearing Officer of Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel

(a) Appointment

The Chief Hearing Officer shall appoint a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel to conduct the disciplinary proceeding and issue a decision

(b) Hearing Panel

The Hearing Panel shall be composed of a Hearing Officer and two Panelists, except as provided in Rule 9234 (a), (c), (d), or (e). The Hearing Officer shall serve as the chair of the Hearing Panel. Each Panelist shall be associated with a member of the Association or retired there from.

(1) Except as provided in (2), the Chief Hearing Officer shall select as a Panelist a person who:

(A) currently serves or previously served on a District Committee;

(B) previously served on the National Adjudicatory Council;

(C) previously served on a disciplinary subcommittee of the National Adjudicatory Council or the National Business Conduct Committee, including a Subcommittee, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or their predecessor subcommittees; or,

(D) previously served as a Director, a director of the Nasdaq Board of Directors, or a Governor, but does not serve currently in any of these positions.

(2) If the complaint alleges at least one cause of action involving a violation of a statute or a rule described in Rule 9120(s), the Chief Hearing Officer may select as a Panelist a person who currently serves on the Market Regulation Committee or who previously served on the Market Regulation Committee not earlier than four years before the date the complaint was served upon the Respondent who was the first served Respondent in the disciplinary proceeding for which the Hearing Panel or the Extended Hearing Panel is being appointed.

(c) Extended Hearing Panel

Upon consideration of the complexity of the issues involved, the probable length of the hearing, or other factors that the Chief Hearing Officer deems material, the Chief Hearing Officer may determine that a matter shall be designated an Extended Hearing, and that such matter shall be considered by an Extended Hearing Panel. The Extended Hearing Panel shall be composed of a Hearing Officer and two Panelists, except as provided in Rule 9234(a), (c), (d), or (e). The Hearing Officer will serve as the chair of the Extended Hearing Panel. The Panelists shall be associated with a member of the Association, or retired therefrom. The Chief Hearing Officer shall have discretion to compensate any or all Panelists of an Extended Hearing Panel at the rate then in effect for arbitrators appointed under the Rule 10000 Series.

(1) Except as provided in (2), the Chief Hearing Officer shall select as a Panelist a person who meets the criteria set forth in paragraph (b)(1).

(d) Observer

A person who is qualified to serve as a Panelist may be designated by the Chief Hearing Officer to serve as an observer to a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel. If the Chief Hearing Officer designates more than two people to serve as observers to a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel, the Chief Hearing Officer shall obtain the consent of the Parties. An observer may attend any hearing of a disciplinary proceeding and observe the proceeding, but may not vote or participate in any other manner in the hearing or the deliberations of the Hearing Panel or the Extended Hearing Panel, or participate in the administration of the disciplinary proceeding.

9232. Criteria for Selection of Panelists and Replacement Panelists

(a) Chief Hearing Officer Selection Alternatives

Following a determination of whether a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel should be appointed, the Chief Hearing Officer shall determine:

(1) which District Committee shall be the Primary District Committee from which Panelists may be selected; and

(2) whether one of the Panelists may be selected from the Market Regulation Committee.

(b) Criteria for Selection of Panelist from Market Regulation Committee

The Chief Hearing Officer may select one but not more than one Panelist from the Market Regulation Committee, as provided in Rule 9231, to serve in a disciplinary proceeding if the complaint alleges at least one cause of action involving a violation of a statute or a rule described in Rule 9120(s).

(c) Criteria for Designation of Primary District Committee

The Chief Hearing Officer shall designate a District Committee as the Primary District Committee based upon relevant facts and circumstances of the case, including but not limited to:

(1) the location of a Respondent's principal office if the Respondent is or was a member firm;

(2) the location of a Respondent's office at the time of the alleged misconduct if the Respondent is or was an associated person;

(3) the location of the office of a member or an associated person, or a former member or associated person, where the alleged misconduct occurred;

(4) the location of witnesses at the time of the filing of the complaint, especially the location of witnesses who are or were customers of a Respondent;

(5) the location, at the time of the alleged misconduct, of the main, branch, or other office in which supervisory personnel, who are or were responsible for the supervision of a Respondent, were employed; and

(6) the location, at the time of the alleged misconduct, of the main, branch, or other office in which supervisory personnel, who are or were responsible for the supervision of the office, division, function, or segment of the member where the alleged misconduct occurred, were employed.

(d) Criteria for Appointment of a Panelist

After the Chief Hearing Officer designates the Primary District Committee, the Chief Hearing Officer shall select Panelists from the current members of the Primary District Committee, the other categories of persons eligible to serve as Panelists as set forth in Rule 9231(b)(1)(A) through (D) or, if applicable, in Rule 9231(c), who are located in the same geographic area as the Primary District Committee, and, if applicable, from the current or former members of the Market Regulation Committee, based upon the following criteria:

(1) expertise;

(2) the absence of any conflict of interest or bias, and any appearance there of;

(3) availability; and,

(4) the frequency with which a person has served as a Panelist on a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel during the past two years, favoring the selection of a person as a Panelist who has never served or served infrequently as a Panelist during the period.

(e) Appointment of Panelists from Other than Primary District Committee

Designation of the Primary District Committee does not preclude the Chief Hearing Officer from selecting one or more Panelists from other categories of eligible Panelists if the Chief Hearing Officer determines that one or more persons from other categories of eligible Panelists more clearly meet the criteria of paragraph (d)(1) through (4) and the public interest or the administration of NASD Regulation's regulatory and enforcement program would be enhanced by the selection of such Panelists.

9233. Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel: Recusal and Disqualification of Hearing Officers

(a) Recusal, Withdrawal of Hearing Officer

If at any time a Hearing Officer determines that he or she has a conflict of interest or bias or circumstances otherwise exist where his or her fairness might reasonably be questioned, the Hearing Officer shall notify the Chief Hearing Officer and the Chief Hearing Officer shall issue and serve on the Parties a notice stating that the Hearing Officer has withdrawn from the matter. In the event that a Hearing Officer withdraws, is incapacitated, or otherwise is unable to continue service after being appointed, the Chief Hearing Officer shall appoint a replacement Hearing Officer.

(b) Motion for Disqualification

A Party may move for the disqualification of a Hearing Officer. A motion shall be based upon a reasonable, good faith belief that a conflict of interest or bias exists or circumstances otherwise exist where the Hearing Officer's fairness might reasonably be questioned, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting forth in detail the facts alleged to constitute grounds for disqualification, and the dates on which the Party learned of those facts. Such motions shall be filed not later than 15 days after the later of:

(1) when the Party learned of the facts believed to constitute the disqualification;

or

(2) when the Party was notified of the assignment of the Hearing Officer.

(c) Disposition of Disqualification Motion

A motion for disqualification of a Hearing Officer shall be decided by the Chief Hearing Officer who shall promptly investigate whether disqualification is required and issue a written ruling on the motion. In the event of a disqualification of the Hearing Officer, the Chief Hearing Officer shall appoint a replacement Hearing Officer.

9234. Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel: Recusal and Disqualification of Panelists

(a) Recusal, Withdrawal of Panelist

If at any time a Panelist of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel determines that he or she has a conflict of interest or bias or circumstances otherwise exist where his or her fairness might reasonably be questioned, the Panelist shall notify the Hearing Officer and the Hearing Officer shall issue and serve on the Parties a notice stating that the Panelist has withdrawn from the matter. In the event that a Panelist withdraws, is incapacitated, or otherwise is unable to continue service after being appointed, the Chief Hearing Officer may, in the exercise of discretion, determine whether to appoint a replacement Panelist. In the event that both Panelists withdraw, are incapacitated, or otherwise are unable to continue service after being appointed, the Chief Hearing Officer shall appoint two replacement Panelists.

(b) Disqualification: Motion of Party; Order of Chief Hearing Officer

(1) A Party may file a motion to disqualify a Panelist of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel. A motion shall be based upon a reasonable, good faith belief that a conflict of interest or bias exists or circumstances otherwise exist where the Panelist's fairness might reasonably be questioned, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting forth in detail the facts alleged to constitute grounds for disqualification, and (2) the dates on which the Party learned of those facts.

(2) Such motions shall be filed not later than 15 days after the later of:

(A) when the Party learned of the facts believed to constitute the disqualification; or

(B) when the Party was notified of the appointment of the Panelist.

(3) The Chief Hearing Officer may order the disqualification of a Panelist of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel if the Chief Hearing Officer determines that a conflict of interest or bias exists or circumstances otherwise exist where the Panelist's fairness might reasonably be questioned, and shall state the facts constituting the grounds for disqualification.

(c) Disposition of Disqualification Motion: Challenge to Single Member of Hearing Panel

If a Party files a motion to disqualify a Panelist of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel, the Hearing Officer shall promptly investigate whether disqualification is required and shall issue a written ruling on the motion. In the event a Panelist is disqualified, the Chief Hearing Officer may, in the exercise of discretion, appoint a replacement Panelist.

(d) Disposition of Disqualification Motion: Challenge to Both Panelists of Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel

If a Party files a motion to disqualify both Panelists of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel, the Hearing Officer shall promptly investigate whether disqualification is required and shall issue a written ruling on the motion. In the event one Panelist is disqualified, the Chief Hearing Officer may, in the exercise of discretion, appoint a replacement Panelist. In the event both Panelists are disqualified, the Chief Hearing Officer shall promptly appoint two persons as replacement Panelists.

(e) Disposition of Disqualification Motion: Challenge to Both Panelists of Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel and Hearing Officer

If a Party files a motion to disqualify both Panelists of a Hearing Panel or an Extended Hearing Panel, and the Hearing Officer, the Chief Hearing Officer shall promptly investigate whether disqualification is required and shall issue a written ruling on the motion. In the event a Panelist is disqualified, the Chief Hearing Officer may, in the exercise of discretion, appoint a replacement Panelist. In the event both Panelists are disqualified, the Chief Hearing Officer shall promptly appoint two persons as replacement Panelists. In the event a Hearing Officer and a Panelist are disqualified, the Chief Hearing Officer shall promptly appoint a replacement Hearing Officer. In the event both Panelists and the Hearing Officer are disqualified, the Chief Hearing Officer shall promptly appoint a replacement Hearing Officer and two persons as replacement Panelists.

(f) Criteria for Replacement Panelist

If the Chief Hearing Officer appoints a replacement Panelist by operation of this Rule, the Chief Hearing Officer shall do so using the criteria set forth in Rule 9232.

9235. Hearing Officer Authority

(a) Hearing Officer Authority

The Hearing Officer shall be selected by the Chief Hearing Officer and shall have authority to do all things necessary and appropriate to discharge his or her duties. In addition to the powers exercised by all members of the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, the powers of the Hearing Officer include, but are not limited to:

(1) holding pre-hearing and other conferences and requiring the attendance at any such conference of at least one representative of each Party who has authority to negotiate the resolution of issues in controversy;

(2) regulating the course of the hearing;

(3) ordering the Parties to present oral arguments at any stage of the disciplinary proceeding;

(4) resolving any and all procedural and evidentiary matters, discovery requests, and other non-dispositive motions, subject to any limitations set forth elsewhere in the Code;

(5) reopening any hearing, upon notice to all Parties, prior to the issuance of the decision of the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel;

(6) creating and maintaining the official record of the disciplinary proceeding; and

(7) drafting a decision that represents the views of the majority of the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel.

(b) Authority in the Absence of Hearing Officer

If the Hearing Officer appointed to a case is temporarily unavailable or unable for any reason to discharge his or her duties in a particular proceeding under conditions not requiring the appointment of a replacement Hearing Officer, the Chief Hearing Officer or the Deputy Chief Hearing Officer in his or her discretion may exercise the necessary authority in the same manner as if he or she had been appointed Hearing Officer in the particular proceeding.

9240. Pre-hearing Conference and Submission

9241. Pre-hearing Conference

(a) Purposes

The purposes of a pre-hearing conference include, but are not limited to:

(1) expediting the disposition of the proceeding;

(2) establishing procedures to manage the proceeding efficiently; and

(3) improving the quality of the hearing through more thorough preparation.

(b) Procedure

On his or her own motion or at the request of a Party, the Hearing Officer may, in his or her discretion, order counsel or any Party to meet for a pre-hearing conference. Such conferences also may be held with one or more persons participating by telephone or other remote means.

(c) Subjects to be Discussed

At a pre-hearing conference, the Hearing Officer may consider and take action with respect to any or all of the following:

(1) simplification and clarification of the issues;

(2) exchange of witness and exhibit lists and copies of exhibits;

(3) stipulations, admissions of fact, and stipulations concerning the contents, authenticity, or admissibility into evidence of documents;

(4) matters of which official notice may be taken;

(5) the schedule for exchanging pre-hearing motions or briefs, if any;

(6) the method of service and filing of papers by the Parties;

(7) determination of hearing dates;

(8) amendments to the complaint or answers thereto;

(9) production of documents as set forth in Rule 9251; and

(10) such other matters as may aid in the orderly and expeditious disposition of the proceeding.

(d) Scheduling

An initial pre-hearing conference, unless determined by the Hearing Officer to be unnecessary or premature, shall be held within 21 days after filing of an answer, or after the expiration of the second period provided for filing an answer as set forth in Rule 9215(f). When a complaint names multiple Respondents, the 21-day period shall commence from the later of (i) the date on which the last timely answer was filed, or (ii) if one or more Respondents have failed to answer, from the expiration of the second period provided for filing an answer under Rule 9215(f).

(e) Pre-hearing Order

At or following the conclusion of any conference held pursuant to this Rule, the Hearing Officer shall enter a written ruling or order that recites any agreements reached and any procedural determinations made by the Hearing Officer.

(f) Failure to Appear: Default

A Party who fails to appear, in person or through counsel or a representative, at a pre-hearing conference of which he or she has been duly notified, may be deemed in default pursuant to Rule 9269. A Party may, for good cause shown, file a motion to set aside the default.

9242. Pre-hearing Submission

(a) Requirement to Furnish Information

Prior to a hearing before a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, the Hearing Officer, in the exercise of his or her discretion, may order a Party to furnish to all other Parties and the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, such information as deemed appropriate, including any or all of the following:

(1) an outline or narrative summary of a Party's case or defense;

(2) the legal theories upon which a Party shall rely;

(3) a list and copies of documents that a Party intends to introduce at the hearing;

(4) a list of witnesses who shall testify on a Party's behalf, including the witnesses' names, occupations, addresses, and a brief summary of their expected testimony; and,

(5) if a witness shall be called to testify as an expert, a statement of the expert's qualifications, a listing of other proceedings in which the expert has given expert testimony, a list of the expert's publications, and copies of those publications that are not readily available to the other Parties and the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel.

9250. Discovery

9251. Inspection and Copying of Documents in Possession of Staff

(a) Documents to be Available for Inspection and Copying

(1) Unless otherwise provided by this Rule, or by order of the Hearing Officer, the Department of Enforcement shall make available for inspection and copying by any Respondent, Documents prepared or obtained by Interested Association Staff in connection with the investigation that led to the institution of proceedings. Such Documents include but are not limited to:

(A) requests for information issued pursuant to Rule 8210;

(B) every other written request directed to persons not employed by the Association to provide Documents or to be interviewed;

(D) all transcripts and transcript exhibits; and

(E) all other Documents obtained from persons not employed by the Association.

(2) The Department of Enforcement shall promptly inform the Hearing Officer and each other Party if, after the issuance of a complaint, requests for information under Rule 8210 are issued under the same investigative file number under which the investigation leading to the institution of disciplinary proceedings was conducted. If Interested Association Staff receives Documents pursuant to a request for information under Rule 8210 after Documents have been made available to a Respondent for inspection and copying as set forth in paragraph (a), and if such Documents are material and relevant to the disciplinary proceeding in which such Respondent is a Party, the additional Documents shall be made available to the Respondent not later than 14 days after the Interested Association Staff receives such Documents. If a hearing on the merits is scheduled to begin, Interested Association Staff shall make the additional Documents available to the Respondent not less than ten days before the hearing. If Interested Association Staff receives such Documents ten or fewer days before a hearing on the merits is scheduled to begin or after such hearing begins, Interested Association Staff shall make the additional Documents available immediately to the Respondent.

(3) Nothing in subparagraph (a)(1) shall limit the discretion of the Department of Enforcement to make available any other Document or the authority of the Hearing Officer to order the production of any other Document.

(b) Documents That May Be Withheld

(1) The Department of Enforcement may withhold a Document if:

(A) the Document is privileged or constitutes attorney work product;

(B) the Document is an examination or inspection report, an internal memorandum, or other note or writing prepared by an Association employee that shall not be offered in evidence;

(C) the Document would disclose (i) an examination, investigatory or enforcement technique or guideline of the Association, a federal, state, or foreign regulatory authority, or a self-regulatory organization; (ii) the identity of a source, including a federal, state, or foreign regulatory authority or a self-regulatory organization that furnished information or was furnished information on a confidential basis regarding an investigation, an examination, an enforcement proceeding, or any other type of civil or criminal enforcement action; or (iii) an examination, an investigation, an enforcement proceeding, or any other type of civil or criminal enforcement action under consideration by, or initiated by, the Association, a federal, state, or foreign regulatory authority, or a self-regulatory organization; or

(D) the Hearing Officer grants leave to withhold a Document or category of Documents as not relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding, or for other good cause shown.

(2) Nothing in subparagraph (b)(1) authorizes the Department of Enforcement to withhold a Document, or a part thereof, that contains material exculpatory evidence.

(c) Withheld Document List

The Hearing Officer may require the Department of Enforcement to submit to the Hearing Officer a list of Documents withheld pursuant to subparagraphs (b)(1)(A) through (D) or to submit to the Hearing Officer any Document withheld. Upon review, the Hearing Officer mayorder the Department of Enforcement to make the list or any Document withheld available to the other Parties for inspection and copying. A motion to require the Department of Enforcement to produce a list of Documents withheld pursuant to paragraph (b) shall be based upon some reason to believe that a Document is being withheld in violation of the Code.

(d) Timing of Inspection and Copying

The Hearing Officer shall determine the schedule of production of documents pursuant to this Rule. Unless otherwise ordered by the Hearing Officer, the Department of Enforcement shall commence making Documents available to a Respondent for inspection and copying pursuant to this Rule not later than 21 days after service of the Respondent's answer or, if there are multiple Respondents, not later than 21 days after the last timely answer is filed. If a Respondent in a multi-Respondent case fails to answer, the Department of Enforcement shall make Documents available to all other Respondents not later than the later of:

(1) 21 days after the filing date of the last timely answer, or

(2) the expiration of the second period provided for filing an answer as set forth in Rule 9215(f).

(e) Place and Time of Inspection and Copying

Documents subject to inspection and copying pursuant to this Rule shall be made available to the Respondent for inspection and copying at the Association office where they are ordinarily maintained, or at such other Association office as the Hearing Officer, in his or her discretion, shall designate, or as the Parties otherwise agree. A Respondent shall be given access to the Documents at the Association's offices during normal business hours. A Respondent shall not be given custody of the Documents or be permitted to remove the Documents from the Association's offices.

(f) Copying Costs

A Respondent may obtain a photocopy of all Documents made available for inspection. A Respondent shall be responsible for the cost of photocopying. Unless otherwise ordered, charges for copies made at the request of a Respondent shall be at a rate to be established by the NASD Regulation Board.

(g) Failure to Make Documents Available -- Harmless Error

In the event that a Document required to be made available to a Respondent pursuant to this Rule is not made available by the Department of Enforcement, no rehearing or amended decision of a proceeding already heard or decided shall be required unless the Respondent establishes that the failure to make the Document available was not harmless error. The Hearing Officer, or, upon appeal or review, a Subcommittee, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council, shall determine whether the failure to make the document available was not harmless error, applying applicable Association, Commission, and federal judicial precedent.

9252. Requests for Information

(a) Content and Timing of Requests

A Respondent who requests that the Association invoke Rule 8210 to compel the production of Documents or testimony at the hearing shall do so in writing and serve copies on all Parties. Such request shall: be submitted to the Hearing Officer no later than 21 days before the scheduled hearing date; describe with specificity the Documents, the category or type of Documents, or the testimony sought; state why the Documents, the category or type o Documents, or the testimony are material; describe the requesting Party's previous efforts to obtain the Documents, the category or type of Documents, or the testimony through other means; and state whether the custsodian of each Document, or the custodian of the category or type of Documents, or each proposed witness is subject to the Association's jurisdiction.

(b) Standards for Issuance

A request that the Association compel the production of Documents or testimony shall be granted only upon a showing that: the information sought is relevant, material, and non-cumulative; the requesting Party has previously attempted in good faith to obtain the desired Documents and testimony through other means but has been unsuccessful in such efforts; and each of the persons from whom the Documents and testimony are sought is subject to the Association's jurisdiction. In addition, the Hearing Officer shall consider whether the request is unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, and whether the request should be denied, limited, or modified.

(c) Limitations on Requests

If, after consideration of all the circumstances, the Hearing Officer determines that a request submitted pursuant to this Rule is unreasonable, oppressive, excessive in scope, or unduly burdensome, he or she shall deny the request, or grant it only upon such conditions as fairness requires. In making the foregoing determination, the Hearing Officer may inquire of the other Parties whether they shall stipulate to the facts sought to be proved by the Documents or testimony sought. If the Hearing Officer grants the request, the Hearing Officer shall order that requested Documents be produced to all Parties not less than ten days before the hearing, and order that witnesses whose testimony was requested appear and testify at the hearing. If the Hearing Officer grants the request ten or fewer days before a hearing on the merits is scheduled to begin or after such hearing begins, the Documents or testimony shall be produced immediately to all Parties.

9253. Production of Witness Statements

(a) Availability

A Respondent in a disciplinary proceeding may file a motion requesting that the Department of Enforcement produce for inspection and copying any statement of any person called or to be called as a witness by the Department of Enforcement that pertains, or is expected to pertain, to his or her direct testimony and that would be required to be produced pursuant to the Jencks Act, 18 U.S.C. ' 3500. The production shall be made at a time and place fixed by the Hearing Officer and shall be made available to all Parties. Such production shall be made under conditions intended to preserve the items to be inspected or copied.

(b) Failure to Produce -- Harmless Error

In the event that a statement required to be made available for inspection and copying by a Respondent is not provided by the Department of Enforcement, there shall be no rehearing of a proceeding already heard, or issuance of an amended decision in a proceeding already decided, unless the Respondent establishes that the failure to provide the statement was not harmless error. The Hearing Officer, or upon appeal or review, a Subcommittee, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council, shall determine whether the failure to provide any statement was not harmless error, applying applicable Association, Commission, and federal judicial precedent.

9260. Hearing and Decision

9261. Evidence and Procedure in Hearing

(a) Submission of Documentary Evidence and List of Witnesses Before Hearing

No later than ten days before the hearing, or at such earlier date as may be specified by the Hearing Officer, each Party shall submit to all other Parties and to the Hearing Officer copies of documentary evidence and the names of the witnesses each Party intends to present at the hearing.

(b) Party's Right to Be Heard

If a hearing is held, a Party shall be entitled to be heard in person, by counsel, or by the Party's representative.

(c) Request to Submit Additional Evidence

Notwithstanding paragraph (a), a Party, for good cause shown, may seek to submit any additional evidence at the hearing as the Hearing Officer, in his or her discretion, determines may be relevant and necessary for a complete record.

9262. Testimony

A person who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Association shall testify under oath or affirmation. The oath or affirmation shall be administered by a court reporter or a notary public.

9263. Evidence: Admissibility

(a) Criteria for Receiving and Excluding Evidence

The Hearing Officer shall receive relevant evidence, and may exclude all evidence that is irrelevant, immaterial, unduly repetitious, or unduly prejudicial.

(b) Objections

Objections to the admission or exclusion of evidence shall be made on the record and shall succinctly state the grounds relied upon. Excluded material shall be deemed a supplemental document, which shall be attached to the record and retained under Rule 9267.

9264. Motion for Summary Disposition

(a) Pre-hearing

After a Respondent's answer has been filed and Documents have been made available to that Respondent for inspection and copying pursuant to Rule 9251, the Respondent or the Department of Enforcement, without leave of the Hearing Officer, may make a motion for summary disposition of any or all the causes of action in the complaint with respect to that Respondent. All pre-hearing motions for summary disposition and supporting papers shall be filed at least 21 days before the time set for the hearing, or at such earlier time as ordered by the Hearing Officer. Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 9146(d), any opposition or response to a pre-hearing motion for summary disposition shall be filed at least seven days before the time set for the hearing.

(b) After Commencement of Hearing on Merits

After a hearing on the merits has commenced, a Respondent may make a motion for summary disposition of any or all of the causes of action in the complaint with respect to that Respondent only with leave of the Hearing Officer.

(c) Form of Papers

A motion for summary disposition pursuant to paragraph (a) shall be accompanied by the following: a statement of undisputed facts; a supporting memorandum of points and authorities; and affidavits or declarations that set forth such facts as would be admissible at the hearing and show affirmatively that the affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. A memorandum of points and authorities in support or opposition shall not exceed 35 pages.

(d) Rulings on Motion

The Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, shall promptly grant or deny the motion for summary disposition or shall defer decision on the motion. The Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, may grant the motion for summary disposition if there is no genuine issue with regard to any material fact and the Party that files the motion is entitled to summary disposition as a matter of law. If a Party files a motion under paragraph (a), the facts alleged in the pleadings of the Party against whom the motion is made shall be taken as true, except as modified by stipulations or admissions made by the non-moving Party, by uncontested affidavits or declarations, or by facts officially noticed pursuant to Rule 9145. If a Party opposing a motion for summary disposition made under paragraph (a) cannot present, by affidavit prior to the hearing, facts essential to justify the Party's opposition to the motion, the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, may deny the motion for summary disposition or defer the decision on the motion.

9265. Record of Hearing

(a) Recordation

A hearing shall be recorded by a court reporter and a transcript shall be prepared. Unless otherwise ordered by a Hearing Officer, a pre-hearing conference shall be recorded by a court reporter and a transcript shall be prepared.

(b) Availability of a Transcript

A transcript of a pre-hearing conference and a transcript of a hearing shall be available to a Party for purchase from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase from the court reporter a transcript of his or her own testimony

(c) Transcript Correction

Prior to the filing of post-hearing briefs or proposed findings and conclusions, or within such earlier time as ordered by the Hearing Officer, a Party or witness may seek to correct his or her transcript. A proposed correction of the transcript shall be submitted to the Hearing Officer by affidavit. Upon notice to all Parties to the disciplinary proceeding, the Hearing Officer may order the correction to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

9266. Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Post-Hearing Briefs

(a) Discretion of Hearing Officer to Require Proposed Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, and Post-Hearing Briefs

At the discretion of the Hearing Officer, the Parties may be ordered to file proposed findings of facts and conclusions of law, or post-hearing briefs, or both. The Hearing Officer may order that such proposed findings and conclusions be filed together with, or as part of, post-hearing briefs.

(b) Reference to Record Required

Proposed findings of fact or other statements of fact in briefs shall be supported by specific references to the record.

(c) Period for Filing

In any case in which the Hearing Officer ordered the filing of proposed findings or conclusions of law, or post-hearing briefs, the Hearing Officer shall, after consultation with the Parties, prescribe the period within which proposed findings and conclusions of law and post-hearing briefs are to be filed. Such period shall be reasonable under all the circumstances but the total period allowed for the filing of post-hearing submissions shall not exceed 60 days after the conclusion of the hearing unless the Hearing Officer, for good cause shown, permits a different period and sets forth in an order the reasons why a longer period is necessary.

(d) Form, Length of Papers

Unless the Hearing Officer orders otherwise, each post-hearing submission shall not exceed 25 pages, exclusive of cover sheets, tables of contents, and tables of authorities.

9267. Record; Supplemental Documents Attached to Record; Retention

(a) Contents of the Record, Retention

The record shall consist of:

(1) the complaint, answers, each notice of hearing, pre-hearing order, and any amendments thereto;

(2) each application, motion, submission, and other paper, and any amendments, motions, objections, and exceptions to or regarding them;

(3) each transcript of a pre-hearing conference and of a hearing, and each stipulation, transcript of testimony, Document, and other item admitted into evidence;

(4) each written communication accepted at the discretion of the Hearing Officer;

(5) with respect to a motion to disqualify a Hearing Officer under Rule 9233 or a Panelist under Rule 9234, each affidavit or transcript of testimony taken and the ruling made in connection with the request;

(6) all proposed findings and conclusions;

(7) each written ruling, order, and decision issued by the Chief Hearing Officer, Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel or, if applicable, Extended Hearing Panel; and,

(8) any other Document or item accepted into the record by the Hearing Officer, the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel.

(b) Supplemental Documents Attached To Record; Retention

(1) A supplemental Document attached to the record is any Document submitted to the Hearing Officer that did not become part of the record, including:

(A) a Document not admitted by the Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel;

(B) any matter stricken from any filing or stricken during an oral presentation, including any matter stricken from any filing or stricken during any oral presentation because the Adjudicator determined it was scandalous or impertinent as provided in Rule 9136(e); and

(C) a list of Documents, if any, that a Respondent unsuccessfully sought by motion to inspect and copy under Rule 9251(c).

(2) A supplemental Document attached to the record shall not constitute part of the record, but shall be retained until the date upon which the Association's decision becomes final disciplinary action or, if applicable, upon the conclusion of any review by the Commission or the federal courts.

(c) Substitution of Copies

Parties may submit to the Hearing Officer for substitution a true copy of a Document in the record.

9268. Decision of Hearing Panel or Extended Hearing Panel

(a) Majority Decision

Within 60 days after the final date allowed for filing proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and post-hearing briefs, or by a date established at the discretion of the Chief Hearing Officer, the Hearing Officer shall prepare a written decision that reflects the views of the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, as determined by majority vote.

(b) Contents of Decision

The decision shall include:

(1) a statement describing the investigative or other origin of the disciplinary proceeding;

(2) the specific statutory or rule provisions that were alleged to have been violated;

(3) a statement setting forth the findings of fact with respect to any act or practice the Respondent was alleged to have committed or omitted;

(4) the conclusions of the Hearing Panel, or Extended Hearing Panel, as to whether the Respondent violated any provision alleged in the complaint;

(5) a statement of the Hearing Panel, or the Extended Hearing Panel, in support of the disposition of the principal issues raised in the proceeding; and

(6) a statement describing any sanction imposed, the reasons therefor, and the date upon which such sanction shall become effective.

(c) Dissenting Opinion

Within 65 days after the final date allowed for filing proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, and post-hearings briefs, or by a date established at the discretion of the Chief Hearing Officer, the Hearing Officer or any Panelist may prepare a written dissenting opinion.

(d) Service, Notice, And Dissemination Requirements

The Office of Hearing Officers shall promptly serve the decision of the Hearing Panel, or the Extended Hearing Panel, and any dissenting opinion on the Parties; publish notice of the decision and any dissenting opinion in the Central Registration Depository; and provide a copy of the decision and any dissenting opinion to each member of the Association with which a Respondent is associated.

(e) Appeal or Review

If not timely appealed pursuant to Rule 9311 or timely called for review pursuant to Rule 9312, the majority decision shall constitute final disciplinary action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(1).

9269. Failure to Appear at Hearing; Default

(a) Failure to Appear May Result in Default Decision

A Party who fails to appear at a hearing of which he or she has been duly notified may be deemed to be in default. As a consequence of the default, the allegations against a non-appearing Respondent may be deemed admitted and a default decision entered by the Hearing Officer. If the non-appearing Party is the Department of Enforcement, the Hearing Officer may order that the complaint be dismissed with prejudice. In addition, the Hearing Officer may order that the nonappearing Party pay the costs incurred by other Parties in connection with their appearance at the hearing.

(b) Request to Set Aside Default

A Party may, for good cause shown, file a motion to set aside a default, dismissal, and the imposition of costs.

9270. Settlement Procedure

(a) When Offer Allowed; No Stay of Proceeding

A Respondent who is notified that a proceeding has been instituted against him or her may propose in writing an offer of settlement at any time. If a Respondent proposes an offer of settlement before the hearing on the merits has begun, the making of an offer of settlement shall not stay the proceeding, unless otherwise decided by the Hearing Officer. If a Respondent proposes an offer of settlement after the hearing on the merits has begun, the making of an offer of settlement shall not stay the proceeding, unless otherwise decided by the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel.

(b) Settlement Offer Shall Conform to Rule

A Respondent who makes an offer of settlement shall do so in conformity with the provisions of this Rule and shall not make such an offer of settlement frivolously or propose a sanction inconsistent with the seriousness of the violations to be found.

(c) Content and Signature Requirements

An offer of settlement shall be in writing and signed by the person making the offer, and, if the person is represented by counsel or a representative, signed also by the counsel or representative. The offer of settlement shall contain in reasonable detail:

(1) a statement describing the investigative or other origin of the disciplinary action;

(2) the specific statutory or rule provisions that the member or associated person is alleged to have violated;

(3) a statement containing the acts or practices which the member or associated person is alleged to have engaged in or omitted;

(4) a statement consenting to findings of fact and violations consistent with the statements contained in the offer of settlement required by subparagraphs (c)(2) and (c)(3); and,

(5) a proposed sanction to be imposed that is consistent with the Association's then current sanction guidelines or, if inconsistent with the sanction guidelines, a detailed statement supporting the proposed sanction.

(d) Waiver

(1) If a Respondent submits an offer of settlement, by the submission such Respondent waives:

(A) any right of such Respondent to a hearing before a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, and any right of appeal to the National Adjudicatory Council, the Commission, and the courts, or any right otherwise to challenge or contest the validity of the order issued, if the offer of settlement and order of acceptance are accepted;

(B) any right of such Respondent to claim bias or prejudgment of the Chief Hearing Officer, Hearing Officer, a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, a Panelist on a Hearing Panel, or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, the General Counsel, the National Adjudicatory Council, or any member of the National Adjudicatory Council, in connection with such person=s or body=s participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the offer of settlement and the order of acceptance, or other consideration of the offer of settlement and order of acceptance, including acceptance, or rejection of such offer of settlement and order of acceptance; and

(C) any right of such Respondent to claim that a person or body violated the ex parte prohibitions of Rule 9143 or the separation of functions prohibitions of Rule 9144, in connection with such person=s or body=s participation in discussions regarding the terms and conditions of the offer of settlement and the order of acceptance, or other consideration of the offer of settlement and order of settlement, including acceptance or rejection of such offer of settlement and order of acceptance.

(2) If an offer of settlement and an order of acceptance are rejected, the Respondent shall be bound by the waivers made in this paragraph (d) for conduct by persons or bodies occurring during the period beginning from the date the offer of settlement was submitted and ending upon the rejection of the offer of settlement and order of acceptance.

(e) Uncontested Offers of Settlement

If a Respondent makes an offer of settlement and the Department of Enforcement does not oppose it, the offer of settlement is uncontested. If an offer of settlement is determined to be uncontested by the Department of Enforcement before a hearing on the merits has begun, the Department of Enforcement shall transmit the uncontested offer of settlement and a proposed order of acceptance to the National Adjudicatory Council with its recommendation. If an offer of settlement is determined to be uncontested by the Department of Enforcement after a hearing on the merits has begun, the Department of Enforcement shall transmit the offer of settlement and a proposed order of acceptance to the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel for acceptance or rejection. If accepted by the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, Extended Hearing Panel, the offer of settlement and the order of acceptance shall be forwarded to the National Adjudicatory Council to accept or reject.

(1) A proposed order of acceptance shall make findings of fact, including a statement of the rule, regulation, or statutory provision violated, and impose sanctions consistent with the terms of the offer of settlement.

(2) Before an offer of settlement and an order of acceptance shall become effective, they shall be submitted to and accepted by the National Adjudicatory Council. The Review Subcommittee or the General Counsel may accept such offer of settlement and order of acceptance or refer them to the National Adjudicatory Council for acceptance or rejection by the National Adjudicatory Council. The Review Subcommittee may reject such offer of settlement and order of acceptance or refer them to the National Adjudicatory Council for acceptance or rejection by the National Adjudicatory Council.

(3) If the offer of settlement and order of acceptance are accepted by the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, or the General Counsel, they shall become final and the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee or the General Counsel shall communicate the acceptance to the Hearing Officer who shall thereafter issue the order.

(f) Contested Offers of Settlement

If a Respondent makes an offer of settlement and the Department of Enforcement opposes it, the offer of settlement is contested. When the Department of Enforcement opposes an offer of settlement, the Respondent's written offer and the Department of Enforcement's written opposition shall be submitted to a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel. The Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, may order the Department of Enforcement and the Respondent to attend a settlement conference.

(1) If a contested offer of settlement is approved by the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, Extended Hearing Panel, the Hearing Officer shall draft an order of acceptance of the offer of settlement. The order of acceptance shall make findings of fact, including a statement of the rule, regulation, or statutory provision violated, and impose sanctions consistent with the terms of the offer of settlement. The offer of settlement, any written opposition thereto, and the order of acceptance shall be forwarded to the National Adjudicatory Council to accept or reject.

(2) Before an offer of settlement and order of acceptance shall become effective, they shall be submitted to, and accepted by, the National Adjudicatory Council. The Review Subcommittee may accept or reject such offer of settlement and order of acceptance or refer them to the National Adjudicatory Council for acceptance or rejection by the National Adjudicatory Council.

(3) If the offer of settlement and order of acceptance are accepted by the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee shall communicate the acceptance to the Hearing Officer who shall thereafter issue the order.

(g) Final Disciplinary Action of Association

The proceeding shall conclude as of the date the order of acceptance is issued. The order of acceptance shall constitute final disciplinary action of the Association. The sanction shall take effect as set forth in the order.

(h) Rejection of Offer of Settlement

If an uncontested offer of settlement or an order of acceptance is rejected by the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, the Review Subcommittee, or the National Adjudicatory Council, the Respondent shall be notified in writing and the offer of settlement and proposed order of acceptance shall be deemed withdrawn. If a contested offer of settlement or an order of acceptance is rejected by the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, the Review Subcommittee, or the National Adjudicatory Council, the Respondent shall be notified in writing and the offer of settlement and proposed order of acceptance shall be deemed withdrawn. The rejected offer and proposed order of acceptance shall not constitute a part of the record in any proceeding against the Respondent making the offer.

(i) Disciplinary Proceeding With Multiple Respondents

When a disciplinary proceeding names multiple Respondents, settlement offers may be accepted or rejected as to any one or all of the Respondents submitting offers. The proceedings shall thereafter be terminated as to those Respondents whose offers of settlement are accepted, but such Respondents may be required to participate in any hearing conducted as to those Respondents that did not submit offers of settlement or whose offers of settlement were rejected.

(j) No Prejudice from Rejected Offer of Settlement

If an offer of settlement is rejected by a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, the Review Subcommittee, or the National Adjudicatory Council, the Respondent shall not be prejudiced by the offer, which may not be introduced into evidence in connection with the determination of the issues involved in the pending complaint or in any other proceeding.

9280. Contemptuous Conduct

(a) Persons Subject to Sanctions

If a Party, attorney for a Party, or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141, engages in conduct in violation of an order of a Hearing Officer, a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, or other contemptuous conduct during a proceeding, a Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, may:

(1) subject the Party, attorney for a Party, or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141, to the sanctions set forth in paragraph (b); and

(2) exclude an attorney for a Party, or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141, under Rule 9150.

(b) Sanctions Other Than Exclusion

A Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, may make such orders as are just in regard to a Party, an attorney for a Party, or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141.

(1) Such orders may include:

(A) an order providing that the matters on which the order is made or any other designated facts shall be taken to be established for the purposes of the disciplinary proceeding in accordance with the claim of the Party obtaining the order;

(B) an order providing that the disobedient Party may not support or oppose designated claims or defenses, or may not introduce designated matters in evidence;

(C) an order providing that pleadings or a specified part of the pleading shall be stricken, or an order providing that the proceeding shall be stayed until the Party subject to the order obeys it;

(D) in lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition thereto, an order providing that contemptuous conduct includes the failure to obey any order; and

(E) an order as provided in subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C) where a Party has failed to comply with an order to produce a person for examination, unless the Party failing to comply shows that such Party is unable to produce such person for examination.

(2) A Party that without substantial justification fails to disclose information required by the Rule 9240 Series and the Rule 9250 Series or otherwise required by order of the Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, shall not, unless such failure is harmless, be permitted to use as evidence at a hearing, in a motion or in any other filing of papers, or in oral argument, any witness or information not so disclosed. In addition to, or in lieu of this sanction, the Hearing Officer, Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, on motion and after affording an opportunity to be heard, may impose other appropriate sanctions. These sanctions may include any of the sanctions provided for in subparagraphs (b)(1)(A) through (C).

(c) National Adjudicatory Council Review of Exclusions

If an attorney for a Party, or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141, is excluded from a disciplinary hearing or conference, or any portion thereof, such attorney or other person may seek review of the exclusion by filing a motion to vacate with the National Adjudicatory Council. Such motion to vacate shall be filed and served on all Parties within five days after service of the exclusion order. Any response shall be filed with the National Adjudicatory Council and served on all Parties within five days after the service of the motion to vacate. The National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee shall consider such motion on an expedited basis and promptly issue a written order. The filing of a motion to vacate shall stay all aspects of the disciplinary proceeding until at least seven days after service of the order of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee. The review proceedings shall be conducted on the basis of the written record without oral argument.

(d) Adjournment

The hearing, conferences, or other activities relating to the disciplinary proceeding shall be stayed pending the review by the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee of an exclusion order in paragraph (c). In the event that the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee upholds an exclusion of an attorney or other person authorized to represent others by Rule 9141, the Hearing Officer may, upon motion by a Party represented by an attorney or other person subject to an order of exclusion, grant an adjournment to allow the retention of new counsel or selection of a new representative. In determining whether to grant an adjournment or the length of an adjournment, the Hearing Officer shall consider whether there are other counsel or representatives of record on behalf of the Party, the availability of other counsel or other members of an excluded attorney's firm, or the availability of other representatives for the Party, and any other relevant factors.

9300. REVIEW OF DISCIPLINARY PROCEEDING BY NATIONAL ADJUDICATORY COUNCIL AND NASD BOARD; APPLICATION FOR COMMISSION REVIEW

9310. Appeal to or Review by National Adjudicatory Council

9311. Appeal by Any Party; Cross-Appeal

(a) Time to File Notice of Appeal

A Respondent or the Department of Enforcement may file a written notice of appeal within 25 days after service of a decision issued pursuant to Rule 9268 or Rule 9269.

(b) Effect

An appeal to the National Adjudicatory Council from a decision issued pursuant to Rule 9268 or Rule 9269 shall operate as a stay of that decision until the National Adjudicatory Council issues a decision pursuant to Rule 9349 or, in cases called for discretionary review by the NASD Board, until a decision is issued pursuant to Rule 9351.

(c) Notice of Appeal Content and Signature Requirements

A Party appealing pursuant to this Rule shall file a written notice of appeal with the Office of Hearing Officers and serve the notice on the Parties. The notice of appeal shall be signed by the appealing Party, or his or her counsel or representative, and shall contain:

(1) the name of the disciplinary proceeding;

(2) the disciplinary proceeding docket number;

(3) the name of the Party on whose behalf the appeal is made;

(4) a statement on whether oral argument before the National Adjudicatory Council is requested; and

(5) a brief statement of the findings, conclusions, or sanctions as to which exceptions are taken.

(d) Notice of Cross-Appeal

A Party who is served with a notice of appeal may file a written notice of cross-appeal and serve the notice of cross-appeal on the Parties. The notice of cross-appeal shall be filed within five days after service of the notice of appeal. The notice of cross-appeal shall be signed by the Party cross-appealing, or his or her counsel, and shall contain the information set forth in subparagraphs (c)(1), (c)(2), (c)(4), and (c)(5), and the name of the Party on whose behalf the cross-appeal is made.

(e) Waiver of Issues Not Raised

The National Adjudicatory Council may, in its discretion, deem waived any issue not raised in the notice of appeal or cross-appeal. The National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or, for a disciplinary proceeding decided under Rule 9269, the General Counsel, shall provide the Parties with notice of, and an opportunity to submit briefs on, any issue that shall be considered by the National Adjudicatory Council if such issue was not previously set forth in the notice of appeal.

(f) Withdrawal of Notice of Appeal or Cross-Appeal

A Party may withdraw a notice of appeal or a notice of cross-appeal filed by him or her at any time by filing a written notice of withdrawal of appeal or cross-appeal with the Office of Hearing Officers and serving notice thereof on the Parties. The notice of withdrawal of appeal or cross-appeal shall contain: the name of the disciplinary proceeding; the disciplinary proceeding docket number; and the name of the Party on whose behalf the notice of appeal or cross-appeal was filed previously. The notice of withdrawal of appeal or cross-appeal shall be signed by the Party, or his or her counsel or representative. Upon the withdrawal of a notice of appeal, any outstanding cross-appeal shall be treated as an appeal unless it is withdrawn.

9312. Review Proceeding Initiated By National Adjudicatory Council

(a) Call for Review

(1) Rule 9268 Decision

A decision issued pursuant to Rule 9268 may be subject to a call for review by any member of the National Adjudicatory Council or, pursuant to authority delegated from the National Adjudicatory Council, by any member of the Review Subcommittee. A decision issued pursuant to Rule 9268 shall be subject to a call for review within 45 days after the date of service of the decision. If called for review, such decision shall be reviewed by the National Adjudicatory Council.

(2) Rule 9269 Decision

A default decision issued pursuant to Rule 9269 shall be subject to a call for review by the General Counsel, on his or her own motion within 45 days after the date of service of the decision. If called for review, such decision shall be reviewed by the National Adjudicatory Council.

(b) Effect

Institution of review by a member of the National Adjudicatory Council on his or her own motion, a member of the Review Subcommittee on his or her own motion, or the General Counsel, on his or her own motion, shall operate as a stay of a final decision issued pursuant to Rule 9268 or Rule 9269 as to all Parties subject to the notice of review, until the National Adjudicatory Council issues a decision pursuant to Rule 9349, or, in cases called for discretionary review by the NASD Board, until a decision is issued pursuant to Rule 9351.

(c) Requirements

(1) If a member of the National Adjudicatory Council, a member of the Review Subcommittee, or, for a disciplinary proceeding decided under Rule 9269, the General Counsel determines to call a case for review, a written notice of review shall be served promptly on each Party to the proceeding and filed with the Office of Hearing Officers. Such notice of review shall contain:

(A) the name of the disciplinary proceeding;

(B) the disciplinary proceeding docket number; and

(C) a brief statement of the findings, conclusions, or sanctions with respect to which the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, or the General Counsel determined that a call for review was necessary.

(2) The statement contained in the notice of review shall not limit the scope of the National Adjudicatory Council's authority under Rule 9346 to review any issues raised in the record. The National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or, for a disciplinary proceeding decided under Rule 9269, the General Counsel shall provide the Parties with notice of, and an opportunity to submit briefs on, any issue that shall be considered by the National Adjudicatory Council if such issue was not previously set forth in the notice of review.

(d) Effect of Withdrawal of Notice of Appeal, Cross-Appeal

If the review of a disciplinary proceeding by the National Adjudicatory Council is terminated before the National Adjudicatory Council issues a decision on the merits because all appealing Parties file a notice of withdrawal of appeal and no Party previously filed a notice of cross-appeal, or all Parties who previously filed a notice of cross-appeal file a notice of withdrawal of cross-appeal:

(1) a member of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee shall have the right to call for review a decision issued pursuant to Rule 9268 in accordance with Rule 9312(a)(1), except that the 45 day period during which a call for review may be made shall begin on the day the Association receives the last filed notice of withdrawal of appeal or, if applicable, the last filed notice of withdrawal of cross-appeal; and,

(2) the General Counsel shall have the right to call for review a decision issued pursuant to Rule 9269 in accordance with Rule 9312(a)(2), except that the 45 day period during which a call for review may be made shall begin on the day the Association receives the last filed notice of withdrawal of appeal or, if applicable, the last filed notice of withdrawal of cross-appeal.

9313. Counsel to National Adjudicatory Council

(a) Authority

A Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council shall be appointed by the General Counsel for each disciplinary case on appeal or review. A Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council shall have authority to take ministerial and administrative actions to further the efficient administration of a proceeding, including the authority to:

(1) direct the Office of Hearing Officers to complete and transmit a record of a disciplinary proceeding to the National Adjudicatory Council in accordance with Rule 9267;

(2) establish or amend a briefing schedule under Rule 9347(b) but not shorten a briefing schedule except with the consent of the Parties;

(3) permit a brief or any other document required to be filed to vary from the requirements of the Rule 9130 Series as provided in Rule 9347(a);

(4) establish the date, time, and location of an oral argument and provide for notice of the hearing under Rule 9341;

(5) for other than a Party and counsel or a person acting in a representative capacity, determine who may attend a hearing;

(6) rule on a motion by a Party to request to lengthen or shorten a period of time prescribed by the Code for the filing of any papers, or request that a hearing be postponed or adjourned under Rule 9322, except that a period may not be shortened and a hearing may not be postponed or adjourned without the consent of the Parties; and

(7) create and maintain the official record of the disciplinary proceeding on appeal or review.

(b) Review

A Party seeking the review of a decision of a Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may make a motion to the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee.

9320. Transmission of Record; Extensions of Time, Postponements, Adjournments

9321. Transmission of Record

Within 21 days after the filing of a notice of appeal or notice of review, or at such later time as the National Adjudicatory Council may designate, the Office of Hearing Officers shall assemble and prepare an index to the record, transmit the record and the index to the National Adjudicatory Council, and serve copies of the index upon all Parties. The Hearing Officer who participated in the disciplinary proceeding, or the Chief Hearing Officer, shall certify that the record transmitted to the National Adjudicatory Council is complete.

9322. Extensions of Time, Postponements, Adjournments

(a) Availability

At any time prior to the issuance of a decision pursuant to Rule 9349, the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council, for good cause shown, may extend or shorten a period prescribed by the Code for the filing of any papers, except that Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may shorten a period so prescribed only with the consent of the Parties. The National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council, for good cause shown, may postpone or adjourn a hearing consistent with paragraph (b), except that Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may postpone or adjourn a hearing only with the consent of the Parties.

(b) Limitations on Postponements, Adjournments, and Changes in Location

Oral argument shall begin at the time and place ordered, unless the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council, for good cause shown, postpones, adjourns, or changes the location of the oral argument, except that Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may postpone or adjourn the oral argument only with the consent of the Parties. In considering a motion for the postponement or adjournment of an oral argument, the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council shall consider, in addition to any other relevant factors:

(1) the length of time the disciplinary proceeding has been pending to date, and the timeliness of the request for a postponement, an adjournment, or an extension;

(2) the number of postponements, adjournments, or extensions already granted;

(3) the stage of the proceedings at the time of the request;

(4) the prejudice to the other Parties;

(5) the potential harm to the investing public if an extension of time, an adjournment, or a postponement is granted; and

(6) any other matter that justice may require.

9330. Appointment of Subcommittee or Extended Proceeding Committee; Disqualification and Recusal

9331. Appointment of Subcommittee or Extended Proceeding Committee

(a) Appointment by National Adjudicatory Council

Following the filing of a notice of appeal pursuant to Rule 9311 or a notice of review pursuant to Rule 9312, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee shall appoint a Subcommittee or an Extended Proceeding Committee to participate, subject to Rule 9345, in a disciplinary proceeding appealed or called for review.

(1) Subcommittee

Except as provided in subparagraph (2), for each disciplinary proceeding appealed or called for review, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee shall appoint a Subcommittee to participate, subject to Rule 9345, in the appeal or review. A Subcommittee shall be composed of two or more persons who shall be former Directors or Governors.

(2) Extended Proceeding Committee

Upon consideration of the volume and complexity of the certified record, or other factors the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee deems material, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee may determine that a disciplinary proceeding appealed or called for review shall be designated an Extended Proceeding and shall appoint an Extended Proceeding Committee to participate, subject to Rule 9345, in the appeal or review. The Extended Proceeding Committee shall be composed of two or more persons who shall be former Directors or former Governors. The Review Subcommittee shall have discretion to compensate any or all Panelists of an Extended Proceeding Committee at the rate then in effect for arbitrators appointed under the Rule 10000 Series.

(b) Function

If a hearing is held, the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, shall hear oral arguments and consider, if allowed under Rule 9346(b), any new evidence. Based on the hearing and the record on appeal or review, the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Committee, shall make a recommendation to the National Adjudicatory Council regarding the disposition of all matters on appeal, cross-appeal, or review. The recommendation shall be in the form of a written recommended decision.

9332. Disqualification and Recusal

(a) Recusal, Withdrawal of Member or Panelist

If at any time a member of the National Adjudicatory Council, including a member of the Review Subcommittee, a Panelist of a Subcommittee or an Extended Proceeding Committee, or a Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council determines that the member, the Panelist, or the Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council has a conflict of interest or bias or circumstances otherwise exist where the fairness of the member, the Panelist, or the Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council might reasonably be questioned, the member, the Panelist, or the Counsel to National Adjudicatory Council shall notify the Chair or the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council, and the Chair or the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall issue and serve on the Parties a notice stating that the member, the Panelist, or the Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council has withdrawn from the matter. In the event that a Panelist withdraws, is incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to continue service after a hearing has been convened, the Chair or Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall appoint a replacement Panelist. In the event that a member of the Review Subcommittee withdraws, is incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to continue service after assignment, the Chair or Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall appoint another member of the National Adjudicatory Council to serve on the Review Subcommittee for the limited purpose of considering the issues raised in the disciplinary proceeding in which the withdrawal action was taken. The replacement member of the Review Subcommittee must have the same classification (Industry or Non- Industry) as the member who withdrew. In the event that a Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council withdraws, is incapacitated, or is otherwise unable to continue service after assignment, the General Counsel shall assign a replacement Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council.

(b) Motion for Disqualification

A Party may move for the disqualification of a member of the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, a Panelist of a Subcommittee or an Extended Proceeding Committee, or a Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council. All such motions shall be based upon a reasonable, good faith belief that a conflict of interest or bias exists or circumstances otherwise exist where the fairness of the member, the Panelist, or the Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council might reasonably be questioned, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit setting forth in detail the facts alleged to constitute grounds for disqualification, and the dates on which the Party learned of those facts. Such motions shall be filed not later than 15 days after the later of:

(1) when the Party learned of the facts believed to constitute the disqualification; or

(2) when the Party was notified of the composition of the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee or the assignment to the disciplinary proceeding of the Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council

(c) Disposition of Disqualification Motions: Challenges to Single Member of

National Adjudicatory Council or Review Subcommittee, Single Panelist of Subcommittee or Extended Hearing Committee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council Motions for disqualification of a member of the National Adjudicatory Council, including a member of the Review Subcommittee, a Panelist of a Subcommittee or an Extended Proceeding Committee, or a Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council shall be decided by the Chair or Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council, who shall promptly determine whether disqualification is required and issue a written ruling on the motion. If a member of the Review Subcommittee is disqualified, the Chair or Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall appoint another member of the National Adjudicatory Council to serve on the Review Subcommittee for the limited purpose of considering the issues raised in the disciplinary proceeding in which the motion was made. The replacement member of the Review Subcommittee must have the same classification (Industry or Non-Industry) as the member being replaced. If a Panelist is disqualified, the Chair or the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall appoint a replacement Panelist. If a Counsel is disqualified, the General Counsel shall assign a replacement Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council.

(d) Disposition of Disqualification Motions: Challenges to Multiple Members or Panelists

(1) National Adjudicatory Council

If a Party files a motion to disqualify more than one member of the National Adjudicatory Council, the Chair or the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall promptly determine whether disqualification is required, and shall issue a written ruling on the matter. In the event of such disqualification, the remaining members of the National Adjudicatory Council shall consider the review or appeal of the disciplinary matter.

(2) Review Subcommittee

If a Party files a motion to disqualify more than one member of the Review Subcommittee, the Chair or the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall promptly determine whether disqualification is required, and shall issue a written ruling on the matter. If members of the Review Subcommittee are disqualified, the Chair or Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall appoint other members of the National Adjudicatory Council to serve on the Review Subcommittee for the limited purpose of considering the issues raised in the disciplinary proceeding in which the motion was made. The replacement members of the Review Subcommittee must have the same classification (Industry or Non-Industry) as the members being replaced.

(3) Subcommittee; Extended Proceeding Committee

If a Party files a motion to disqualify more than one Panelist of a Subcommittee or an Extended Proceeding Committee, the Chair or the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall promptly determine whether disqualification is required, and shall issue a written ruling on the motion. If multiple Panelists are disqualified, the Chair or the Vice Chair of the National Adjudicatory Council shall appoint replacement Panelists.

9340. Proceedings

9341. Oral Argument

(a) Request for Oral Argument

A Party may request oral argument before the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee. Oral argument shall be requested in writing either in the Party's notice of appeal or cross-appeal or within 15 days after service of the National Adjudicatory Council's notice of review. Subject to the limitations of Rules 9342 and 9344, oral argument shall be granted if timely requested. The right to oral argument set forth in this Rule is unaffected by a Party's waiver of, or failure to request, a hearing pursuant to the Rule 9200 Series.

(b) Discretion to Proceed With or Without Oral Argument

In the absence of a request for oral argument, the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, in its discretion, may order that a matter be set down for oral argument or may consider the matter on the basis of the record.

(c) Notice Regarding Oral Argument

If oral argument is held, a notice stating the date, time, and location of the oral argument shall be served on the Parties at least 21 days before the hearing. The Parties may agree in writing to waive the notice period or, in extraordinary circumstances, the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may provide for a shorter notice period, except that Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may provide for a shorter notice period only with the consent of the Parties.

(d) Attendance Required

The Parties shall make oral arguments before the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee. Unless otherwise agreed to by all of the Parties, all Panelists comprising the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, shall be present for the oral argument.

(e) Time Limits

Unless the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, orders otherwise for good cause shown, each Party's oral argument before the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, shall be limited to a total of 30 minutes.

(f) Recordation; Transcript Correction

(1) Oral arguments shall be recorded by a court reporter and a transcript shall be prepared.

(2) A transcript of a hearing shall be available to a Party for purchase from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase a transcript of his or her own testimony from the court reporter.

(3) Prior to the filing of post-hearing briefs or within such earlier time as reasonably ordered by the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, a Party or witness may seek to correct his or her transcript. A proposed correction of the transcript shall be submitted by affidavit to the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee. Upon notice to all Parties to the disciplinary proceeding, the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee may order the correction to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

9342. Failure to Appear at Oral Argument

A Party who requests oral argument but fails to appear after being duly notified shall be deemed to have waived any opportunity for oral argument provided under the Rule 9300 Series. The Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, shall permit argument to go forward as to those Parties who appear. The Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, in the exercise of its discretion, may consider the matter on the basis of the record without oral argument as to those Parties who failed to appear.

9343. Disposition Without Oral Argument

If an oral argument is not held, the matter shall be considered by a Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, on the basis of the record, as defined in Rule 9267, and supplemented by any written materials submitted to or issued by the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council in connection with the appeal, cross-appeal, or call for review

9344. Failure to Participate Below; Abandonment of Appeal

(a) Failure to Participate Below

When an appealing Party did not participate in the disciplinary proceeding before a Hearing Officer, a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, but shows good cause for the failure to participate, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee may dismiss the appeal and remand the matter for further proceedings, or may order that the appeal proceed. If the appealing Party did not participate in the disciplinary proceeding before a Hearing Officer, a Hearing Panel or, if applicable, an Extended Hearing Panel, and fails to show good cause for the failure to participate, the matter shall be considered by the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, and the National Adjudicatory Council on the basis of the record and other documents, as provided in Rules 9346 and 9347. For purposes of this paragraph, failure to participate shall include failure to file an answer or otherwise respond to a complaint, or failure to appear at a scheduled hearing, but shall not include failure to request a hearing pursuant to Rule 9221.

(b) Abandonment of Appeal

If an appealing Party fails to advise the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee of the basis for seeking review or otherwise fails to provide information or submit a written brief in response to a request pursuant to Rules 9346 and 9347, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee may dismiss the appeal as abandoned, and the decision of the Hearing Officer, the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, the Extended Hearing Panel, shall become the final disciplinary action of the Association. If a cross-appealing Party fails to advise the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee of the basis for seeking review or otherwise fails to provide information or submit a written brief in response to a request pursuant to Rules 9346 and 9347, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee may dismiss the cross-appeal as abandoned. Upon a showing of good cause, the National Adjudicatory Council may withdraw any dismissal entered pursuant to this Rule.

9345. Subcommittee or Extended Proceeding Committee Recommended Decision to National Adjudicatory Council

A Subcommittee or, if applicable, an Extended Proceeding Committee, shall present a recommended decision in writing to the National Adjudicatory Council before the meeting of the National Adjudicatory Council at which the disciplinary proceeding shall be considered.

9346. Evidence in National Adjudicatory Council Proceedings

(a) Scope of Review

Except as otherwise set forth in this paragraph, the National Adjudicatory Council's review shall be limited to consideration of: (i) the record, as defined in Rule 9267, supplemented by briefs and other papers submitted to the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, and the National Adjudicatory Council; and (ii) any oral argument permitted under this Code. A Party may introduce additional evidence only with prior approval of the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council, upon a showing that extraordinary circumstances exist under paragraph (b). If an appealing Party shows good cause for failure to participate in the disciplinary proceeding below, the National Adjudicatory Council may hear evidence and consider the disciplinary proceeding pursuant to Rule 9344(a).

(b) Leave to Introduce Additional Evidence

A Party may apply to the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council for leave to introduce additional evidence by motion filed not later than 30 days after service of such Party=s notice of appeal or cross-appeal or not later than 35 days after service upon the Party by the National Adjudicatory Council of a notice of review. The motion shall describe each item of proposed new evidence, demonstrate that there was good cause for failing to introduce it below, demonstrate why the evidence is material to the proceeding, and be filed and served. The Party may attach the documentary evidence as an exhibit to the motion. By a motion filed in accordance with Rule 9146, a Party may request an extension of the period during which a Party may file a motion for leave to introduce additional evidence. A Party shall demonstrate that there was good cause for failing to file the motion for leave to introduce additional evidence during the period prescribed.

(c) Motion In Opposition; Motion to Introduce Rebuttal Evidence

A Party may file an opposition to a motion, as provided in Rule 9146(d), for leave to introduce new evidence, and may move for leave to introduce rebuttal evidence in response to the proposed new evidence. A Party who moves to introduce rebuttal evidence in response to the proposed new evidence of another Party shall describe each item of proposed rebuttal evidence and explain why the evidence is material to the proceeding, and shall file and serve such motion.

(d) Discretion Regarding Review of Additional Evidence

Upon consideration of any motion to introduce additional evidence and any opposition thereto, the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council may permit the evidence to be introduced into the record on review, or the National Adjudicatory Council may remand the disciplinary proceeding for further proceedings consistent with its ruling or for further fact finding.

(e) Requirements for Submitting Additional Documentary Evidence

A Party that is permitted to introduce additional documentary evidence before the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to paragraph (d) shall make copies of the evidence available to the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council, and to all Parties at such time as the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, the National Adjudicatory Council, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may specify.

(f) Subcommittee or Extended Proceeding Committee Order Requiring Additional Evidence

On its own motion, the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council may order that the record be supplemented with such additional evidence as it may deem relevant. Among other things, the Subcommittee, or if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council may order a Respondent who asserts his or her inability to pay a monetary sanction to file a sworn financial statement and to keep such statement current as ordered by the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, or the National Adjudicatory Council.

(g) Rules of Evidence Not Applicable

The formal rules of evidence shall not apply.

(h) Testimony

A person who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Association shall testify under oath or affirmation. The oath or affirmation shall be administered by a court reporter or a notary public.

9347. Filing of Papers in National Adjudicatory Council Proceedings

(a) Briefs; Reply Briefs; Requirements

Parties may file briefs in connection with proceedings governed by the Rule 9300 Series. Briefs shall be confined to the particular matters at issue. An exception to findings, conclusions, or sanctions shall be supported by citation to the relevant portions of the record, including references to specific pages relied upon, and by concise argument, including citation of such statutes, decisions, and other authorities as may be relevant. If an exception relates to the admission or exclusion of evidence, the substance of the evidence admitted or excluded shall be set forth in the brief, an appendix thereto, or by citation to the record. Parties may file reply briefs. If a Party files a reply brief, such brief shall be limited to matters in reply. All briefs shall conform to the requirements of the Rule 9130 Series, and, except with advance leave of the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council, exclusive of pages containing tables of contents or tables of authorities, a brief other than a reply brief shall not exceed 25 double-spaced pages, and a reply brief shall not exceed 12 double-spaced pages.

(b) Timely Filing of Briefs

Briefs shall be due upon dates established by the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council in a scheduling order. Unless the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, the National Adjudicatory Council, the Review Subcommittee, or Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council specifies otherwise, opening briefs shall be submitted not less than 21 days from the date of the scheduling order, and answering briefs shall be submitted 21 days thereafter. When reply briefs are submitted, such briefs shall be filed not later than ten days after service of the answering brief. Counsel to the National Adjudicatory Council may not shorten a period previously established for the filing of briefs except with the consent of the Parties.

9348. Powers of the National Adjudicatory Council on Review

In any appeal or review proceeding pursuant to the Rule 9300 Series, the National Adjudicatory Council may affirm, dismiss, modify, or reverse with respect to each finding, or remand the disciplinary proceeding with instructions. The National Adjudicatory Council may affirm, modify, reverse, increase, or reduce any sanction, or impose any other fitting sanction.

9349. National Adjudicatory Council Formal Consideration; Decision

(a) Decision of National Adjudicatory Council, Including Remand

In an appeal or review of a disciplinary proceeding governed by the Rule 9300 Series that is not withdrawn or dismissed prior to a decision on the merits, the National Adjudicatory Council, after considering all matters presented in the appeal or review and the written recommended decision of the Subcommittee or, if applicable, the Extended Proceeding Committee, may affirm, dismiss, modify or reverse the decision of the Hearing Panel or, if applicable, Extended Hearing Panel, with respect to each Respondent who has appealed or crossappealed or is subject to a call for review. The National Adjudicatory Council may affirm, modify, reverse, increase, or reduce any sanction, or impose any other fitting sanction. Alternatively, the National Adjudicatory Council may remand the disciplinary proceeding with instructions. The National Adjudicatory Council shall prepare a proposed written decision pursuant to paragraph (b).

(b) Contents of Decision

The decision shall include:

(1) a statement describing the investigative or other origin of the disciplinary proceeding;

(2) the specific statutory or rule provisions that were alleged to have been violated;

(3) a statement setting forth the findings of fact with respect to any act or practice the Respondent was alleged to have committed or omitted;

(4) the conclusions as to whether the Respondent violated any provision alleged in the complaint;

(5) a statement in support of the disposition of the principal issues raised in the proceeding; and

(6) a statement describing any sanction imposed, the reasons therefor, and, pursuant to Rule 9360, the date upon which such sanction shall become effective.

(c) Issuance of Decision After Expiration of Call for Review Period

The National Adjudicatory Council shall provide its proposed written decision to the NASD Board. The NASD Board may call the disciplinary proceeding for review pursuant to Rule 9351. If the NASD Board does not call the disciplinary proceeding for review, the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council shall become final, and the National Adjudicatory Council shall serve its written decision on the Parties and provide a copy to each member of the Association with which a Respondent is associated. The decision shall constitute the final disciplinary action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(1), unless the National Adjudicatory Council remands the proceeding.

9350. Discretionary Review by NASD Board

9351. Discretionary Review by NASD Board

(a) Call for Review by Governor

A Governor may call a disciplinary proceeding for review by the NASD Board if the call for review is made within the period prescribed in paragraph (b).

(b) 15 Day Period; Waiver

(1) A Governor shall make his or her call for review not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board that is at least 15 days after the date on which the NASD Board receives the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council.

(2) Waiver

By a unanimous vote of the NASD Board, the NASD Board may shorten the period in subparagraph (1) to less than 15 days. By an affirmative vote of the majority of the NASD Board then in office, the NASD Board may, during the 15 day period in subparagraph (1), vote to extend the period in subparagraph (1) to more than 15 days.

(c) Review at Next Meeting

If a Governor calls a disciplinary proceeding for review within the period prescribed in paragraph (b), the NASD Board shall review the disciplinary proceeding not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board. The NASD Board may order the Parties (excluding any Respondent who did not appeal or cross-appeal, or as to whom the issues appealed or called for review do not apply) to file briefs in connection with the review proceedings pursuant to this Rule.

(d) Decision of NASD Board, Including Remand

After review, the NASD Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council. The NASD Board may affirm, modify, reverse, increase, or reduce any sanction, or impose any other fitting sanction. Alternatively, the NASD Board may remand the disciplinary proceeding with instructions. The NASD Board shall prepare a written decision that includes all of the elements described in Rule 9349(b)(1) through (6).

(e) Issuance of Decision After Expiration of Call for Review Period

The NASD Board shall issue and serve its written decision on the Parties and provide a copy to each member of the Association with which a Respondent is associated. The decision shall constitute the final disciplinary action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(1), unless the NASD Board remands the proceeding.

9360. Effectiveness of Sanctions

A sanction (other than a bar or an expulsion) specified in a decision constituting final disciplinary action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(1) shall become effective on a date established by the Chief Hearing Officer, which shall not be earlier than 30 days after the date of service of the decision constituting final disciplinary action. A bar or an expulsion shall become effective upon service of the decision constituting final disciplinary action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(1), unless otherwise specified therein. The Association shall take reasonable steps to obtain personal service of a Respondent when the sanction is a bar or an expulsion.

9370. Application to Commission for Review

(a) Appeal to Commission; Effect

A Respondent aggrieved by final disciplinary action pursuant to the Rule 9200 Series or the Rule 9300 Series may apply for review by the Commission pursuant to Section 19(d)(2) of the Act. The filing with the Commission of an application for review by the Commission shall stay the effectiveness of any sanction, other than a bar or an expulsion, imposed in a decision constituting final disciplinary action of the Association for purposes of SEC Rule 19d-1(c)(1).

(b) Association Notification to Member

The Association shall promptly notify any Association member with which a Respondent is associated if the Respondent files an application for review to the Commission.

9400. LIMITATION PROCEDURES UNDER RULES 3130 AND 3131

9410. Procedures for Regulating Activities of a Member Experiencing Financial or Operational Difficulties

9411. Purpose

The Rule 9410 Series sets forth procedures for regulating the activities of a member that is experiencing the financial or operational difficulties specified in Rule 3130 or 3131.

9412. Notice of Limitations

The Department of Member Regulation may issue a notice directing a member to limit its business activities if the Department of Member Regulation has reason to believe that any condition specified in Rule 3130 or 3131 exists. The notice shall specify the grounds on which such action is being taken, the nature of the limitations to be imposed, the effective date of the limitations, a fitting sanction that will be imposed if the member fails to comply with the limitations set forth in the notice, and the conditions for terminating such limitations. The effective date of the limitations shall be at least seven days after the date of service of the notice. The notice also shall inform the member that it may request a hearing before the Department of Member Regulation under Rule 9413. The Department of Member Regulation shall serve the notice by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

9413. Department of Member Regulation Consideration

(a) Request for Hearing

A member aggrieved by a notice issued under Rule 9412 may file a written request for a hearing before the Department of Member Regulation. The request shall state the specific grounds for withdrawing or modifying the limitations specified in the notice. The request shall be filed pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137 within five days after service of the notice under Rule 9412.

(b) Stay

A request for hearing shall stay the notice of limitations served under Rule 9412 unless the National Adjudicatory Council orders otherwise.

(c) Time of Hearing

If a member requests a hearing under paragraph (a), the Department of Member Regulation shall conduct a hearing within 14 days after service of the notice under Rule 9412. Not less than five business days before the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation shall provide written notice to the member of the location, date, and time of the hearing by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

(d) Transmission of Documents

(1) Not less than five business days before the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation shall provide to the member by facsimile or overnight commercial courier all documents that were considered in imposing the limitations on business activities set forth in the notice served under Rule 9412, unless a document meets the criteria of Rule 9251(b)(1)(A), (B), or (C). A document that meets such criteria shall not constitute part of the record, but shall be retained by the Association until the date upon which the Association serves a final decision or, if applicable, upon conclusion of any review by the Commission or the federal courts.

(2) Not less than five business days before the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation and the member shall exchange proposed exhibit and witness lists. The exhibit and witness lists shall be served by facsimile or by overnight commercial courier.

(e) Hearing and Rights of Member

The member shall be entitled to be heard in person, to be represented by an attorney, and to submit any relevant evidence. The hearing shall be recorded and a transcript prepared by a court reporter. The member may purchase a copy of the transcript from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase a copy of the transcript of his or her own testimony from the court reporter at prescribed rates. Proposed corrections to the transcript may be submitted by affidavit to the Department of Member Regulation within a reasonable time determined by the Department of Member Regulation. Upon notice to the participants in the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation may order corrections to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

(f) Record

The record shall consist of:

(1) the notice issued pursuant to Rule 9412;

(2) all documents transmitted to the member under Rule 9413(d);

(3) the request for hearing filed pursuant to Rule 9413(a);

(4) any other submissions by the member and the Department of Member Regulation at the hearing;

(5) any evidence considered at the hearing; and

(6) the transcript of the hearing and any corrections thereto.

(g) Custodian of the Record

The custodian of the record shall be the Department of Member Regulation.

(h) Evidence Not Admitted

Evidence that is proffered but not admitted during the hearing shall not be part of the record, but shall be retained by the custodian of the record until the date when the Association's decision becomes final or, if applicable, upon the conclusion of any review by the Commission or the federal courts.

(i) Decision

Within seven days after the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation shall issue a written decision approving, modifying, or withdrawing the limitations specified in the notice. If the decision imposes limitations, the decision shall state the grounds for the limitations, the conditions for terminating such limitations, and provide for a fitting sanction to be imposed under Rule 9416 if the member fails to comply with the limitations. The Department of Member Regulation shall promptly serve the decision by facsimile or overnight commercial courier. The limitations imposed shall become effective upon service of the decision.

(j) Failure to Request Hearing

If a member does not request a hearing under paragraph (a), the limitations specified in the notice shall become effective on the date specified in the notice. Unless the National Adjudicatory Council calls the notice for review under Rule 9414(a)(2), the limitations specified in the notice shall remain in effect until the Department of Member Regulation reduces or removes the limitations pursuant to Rule 9417(b).

9414. National Adjudicatory Council Review

(a) Initiation of a Review

(1) Application by Member

A member aggrieved by a decision issued under Rule 9413 may file a written application for review by the National Adjudicatory Council. The application shall state the specific grounds for the review and whether oral argument is requested. The application shall be filed pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137 within seven days after service of the decision. The member may withdraw its application for review at any time by filing a written notice with the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137.

(2) Motion of National Adjudicatory Council

A decision issued under Rule 9413 shall be subject to a call for review by any member of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee within 30 days after service of the decision. If a member that receives a notice under Rule 9412 does not request a hearing under Rule 9413, the notice shall be subject to a call for review by any member of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee within 30 days after the effective date of the notice. If the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee calls a decision or notice for review, a written notice of review shall be served promptly on the member pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The notice of review shall state the specific grounds for the review and whether an oral argument is ordered. If a decision is called for review by a member of the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee, the National Adjudicatory Council shall review the decision.

(3) Stay

Unless otherwise ordered by the National Adjudicatory Council, the initiation of a review under this paragraph shall stay the decision of the Department of Member Regulation or an uncontested notice until a decision constituting final action of the Association is issued.

(4) Transmission of the Record

If a review is initiated under this paragraph, the Department of Member Regulation shall assemble and prepare an index of the record, transmit the record and index to the National Adjudicatory Council, certify to the National Adjudicatory Council that the record is complete, and serve a copy of the record and index on the member.

(5) Ex Parte Communications

The prohibitions against ex parte communications in Rule 9143 shall become effective under the Rule 9410 Series when Association staff has knowledge that a member intends to file a written application for review or that the National Adjudicatory Council intends to review a decision on its own motion under this Rule.

(b) Subcommittee Consideration

(1) Appointment of Subcommittee

The National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee shall appoint a Subcommittee to participate in the review. The Subcommittee shall be composed of two or more members. One member shall be a member of the National Adjudicatory Council, and the remaining member or members shall be current or former members of the National Adjudicatory Council or a former Director or Governor.

(2) Oral Argument

If oral argument is timely requested by the member, oral argument shall be held before the Subcommittee within 14 days after service of the decision under Rule 9413. If oral argument is ordered by the Subcommittee, oral argument shall be held before the Subcommittee within 14 days after service of the order under paragraph (a)(2). The member shall be entitled to be represented by an attorney. The oral argument shall be recorded and a transcript prepared by a court reporter. The member may purchase a copy of the transcript from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase a copy of the transcript of his or her own testimony from the court reporter at prescribed rates. Proposed corrections to the transcript may be submitted by affidavit to the Subcommittee within a reasonable time determined by the Subcommittee. Upon notice to the participants in the hearing, the Subcommittee may order corrections to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

(3) Review on Record

The Subcommittee shall conduct its review on the basis of the record, any written submissions by the member and the Department of Member Regulation, and the decision issued pursuant to Rule 9413(i). If oral argument is requested or ordered, the Subcommittee also may consider any submissions or additional arguments by the member and the Department of Member Regulation.

(4) Additional Evidence

The Subcommittee may consider any additional relevant and material evidence if the member shows good cause for not previously submitting such evidence. If additional evidence is accepted by the Subcommittee, the evidence shall be included in the record. Proffered evidence that is not accepted into the record by the Subcommittee shall be retained until the date when the Association's decision becomes final or, if applicable, upon the conclusion of any review by the Commission or the federal courts.

(5) Recommendation

The Subcommittee shall present a recommended decision in writing to the National Adjudicatory Council not later than seven days before the meeting of the National Adjudicatory Council at which the proceeding shall be considered.

(c) Decision

(1) Decision of National Adjudicatory Council, Including Remand

After considering all matters presented in the review and the written recommended decision of the Subcommittee, the National Adjudicatory Council may affirm, modify, or reverse the Department of Member Regulation=s decision or remand the proceeding with instructions. The National Adjudicatory Council shall prepare a proposed written decision pursuant to subparagraph (2).

(2) Contents of Decision

The decision shall include:

(A) a description of the Department of Member Regulation's decision, including its rationale;

(B) a description of the principal issues regarding the imposition of limitations raised in the review and a statement supporting the disposition of such issues;

(D) a statement of whether the Department of Member Regulation's decision is affirmed, modified, or reversed, and a rationale therefor; and

(E) if any limitations are imposed: (i) a description of the limitations and a statement describing a fitting sanction that will be imposed under Rule 9416 if the member fails to comply with any of the limitations; and (ii) the conditions for terminating the limitations.

(3) Issuance of Decision After Expiration of Call for Review Period

The National Adjudicatory Council shall provide its proposed written decision to the NASD Board. The NASD Board may call the proceeding for review pursuant to Rule 9415. If the NASD Board does not call the proceeding for review, the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council shall become final, and the National Adjudicatory Council shall serve its written decision on the member and the Department of Member Regulation pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall be effective upon service. The decision shall constitute the final action of the Association, unless the National Adjudicatory Council remands the proceeding.

9415. Discretionary Review by the NASD Board

(a) Call for Review by Governor

A Governor may call a proceeding for review by the NASD Board if the call for review is made within the period prescribed in paragraph (b).

(b) 15 Day Period; Waiver

A Governor shall make his or her call for review not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board that is at least 15 days after the date on which the NASD Board receives the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council. By a unanimous vote of the NASD Board, the NASD Board may shorten the period to less than 15 days. By an affirmative vote of the majority of the NASD Board then in office, the NASD Board may, during the 15 day period, vote to extend the period to more than 15 days.

(c) Review at Next Meeting

If a Governor calls a proceeding for review within the period prescribed in paragraph (b), the NASD Board shall review the proceeding not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board. The NASD Board may order the filing of briefs in connection with its review proceedings pursuant to this Rule.

(d) Decision of NASD Board, Including Remand

After review, the NASD Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council. Alternatively, the NASD Board may remand the proceeding with instructions. The NASD Board shall prepare a written decision that includes all of the elements described in Rule 9414(c)(2).

(e) Issuance of Decision

The NASD Board shall issue and serve its written decision on the member and the Department of Member Regulation pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall be effective upon service. The decision shall constitute the final action of the Association, unless the NASD Board remands the proceeding.

9416. Enforcement of Sanctions

(a) Order

If the Department of Member Regulation determines that a member has failed to comply with any limitations imposed by a decision or an effective notice under the Rule 9410 Series that has not been stayed, the Department of Member Regulation shall issue an order imposing the sanctions set forth in the decision or notice and specifying the effective date and time of such sanctions. The Department of Member Regulation shall serve the order on the member by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

(b) Hearing

(1) A member aggrieved by an order issued under paragraph (a) may file a written request for a hearing before the Department of Member Regulation. The request shall be filed pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137 within seven days (including intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and Federal holidays) after service of the order. The hearing shall be held within ten days after service of the order under paragraph (a).

(2) The member shall be entitled to be heard in person, to be represented by an attorney, and to submit any relevant evidence.

(3) The hearing shall be recorded and a transcript prepared by a court reporter. The member may purchase a copy of the transcript from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase a copy of the transcript of his or her own testimony from the court reporter at prescribed rates. Proposed corrections to the transcript may be submitted by affidavit to the Department of Member Regulation within a reasonable time determined by the Department of Member Regulation. Upon notice to the participants in the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation may order corrections to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

(c) No Stay of Sanctions

Unless otherwise ordered by the National Adjudicatory Council, a request for a hearing pursuant to this Rule shall not stay the effectiveness of the order issued under paragraph (a).

(d) Decision

Within four days after the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation shall affirm, modify, or reverse the order issued under paragraph (a). The Department of Member Regulation shall serve the decision on the member pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall become effective upon service and shall constitute final action of the Association.

9417. Additional Limitations; Reduction or Removal of Limitations

(a) Additional Limitations

If a member continues to experience financial or operational difficulty specified in Rule 3130 or 3131, notwithstanding an effective notice or decision under the Rule 9410 Series, the Department of Member Regulation may impose additional limitations by issuing a notice under Rule 9412. The notice shall state that the member may apply for relief from the additional limitations by filing a written application for a hearing under Rule 9413 and that the procedures in Rules 9413 through 9416 shall be applicable. An application for a hearing also shall include a detailed statement of the member=s objections to the additional limitations.

(b) Reduction or Removal of Limitations

If the Department of Member Regulation determines that any limitations previously imposed under the Rule 9410 Series should be reduced or removed, the Department of Member Regulation shall serve a written notice on the member pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134.

9418. Application to Commission for Review

The right to have any action taken by the Association pursuant to this Rule Series reviewed by the Commission is governed by Section 19 of the Act. The filing of an application for review shall not stay the effectiveness of the action taken by the Association, unless the Commission otherwise orders.

9419. Other Action Not Foreclosed

Action by the Association under the Rule 9410 Series shall not foreclose action by the Association under any other Rule.

9500. SUSPENSION, CANCELLATION, BAR, DENIAL OF ACCESS, AND ELIGIBILITY PROCEDURES

9510. Procedures for Summary and Non-Summary Suspension, Cancellation, Bar, Limitation, or Prohibition

9511. Purpose and Computation of Time

(a) Purpose

(1) The purpose of the Rule 9510 Series is to set forth procedures for certain suspensions, cancellations, bars, and limitations and prohibitions on access to the Association's services authorized by the Act and the NASD By-Laws. Pursuant to Section 15A(h)(3) of the Act, the Association may summarily:

(A) suspend a member or associated person who has been and is expelled or suspended from any self-regulatory organization or barred or suspended from being associated with a member of any self-regulatory organization;

(B) suspend a member who is in such financial or operating difficulty that the Association determines and so notifies the Commission that the member cannot be permitted to continue to do business as a member with safety to investors, creditors, other members, or the Association; or

(C) limit or prohibit any person with respect to access to services offered by the Association if subparagraph (A) or (B) applies to such person, or in the case of a person who is not a member, if the Association determines that such person does not meet the qualification requirements or other prerequisites for such access and such person cannot be permitted to continue to have such access with safety to investors, creditors, members, or the Association.

(2) The Association also may take the following actions, after notice and opportunity for hearing:

(A) cancel the membership of a member that becomes ineligible for continuance in membership, or that continues to be associated with an ineligible person, or suspend or bar a person from continuing to be associated with a member because such person is or becomes ineligible for association under Article III, Section 3 of the NASD By-Laws;

(B) suspend or cancel the membership of a member or the registration of a person for failure to pay fees, dues, assessments, or other charges; failure to submit a required report or information related to such payment; or failure to comply with an arbitration award or a settlement agreement related to an arbitration or mediation under Article VI, Section 3 of the NASD By-Laws;

(C) cancel the membership of a member for failure to file or submit on request any report, document, or other information required to be filed with or requested by the Association under Article VII, Section 2 of the NASD By-Laws; and

(D) limit or prohibit any member, associated person, or other person with respect to access to services offered by the Association or a member thereof if the Association determines that such person does not meet the qualification requirements or other prerequisites for such access or such person cannot be permitted to continue to have such access with safety to investors, creditors, members, or the Association.

(3) Other procedures for suspending the membership of a member, suspending the registration of an associated person, or suspending a person from association with any member are found in the Rule 8220 Series and Rule 8320. Procedures for listing qualification matters are found in the Rule 9700 Series; the Rule 9510 Series does not apply to listing qualification matters.

(b) Computation of Time

For purposes of the 9510 Rule Series, time shall be computed as set forth in Rule 9138, except that intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be included in the computation.

9512. Initiation of Proceedings for Summary Suspension, Limitation, or Prohibition

(a) Authorization

(1) The NASD Board may authorize the President of NASD Regulation to issue on a case-by-case basis a written notice that:

(A) summarily suspends a member or associated person who has been and is expelled or suspended from any self-regulatory organization or barred or suspended from being associated with a member of any self-regulatory organization; or

(B) summarily suspends a member who is in such financial or operating difficulty that the Association determines and so notifies the Commission that the member cannot be permitted to continue to do business as a member with safety to investors, creditors, other members, or the Association.

(2) The NASD Board may authorize the President of NASD Regulation or the President of Nasdaq to issue on a case-by-case basis a written notice that summarily limits or prohibits any person with respect to access to services offered by the Association if paragraph (a)(1) applies to such person or, in the case of a person who is not a member, if the NASD Board determines that such person does not meet the qualification requirements or other prerequisites for such access and such person cannot be permitted to continue to have such access with safety to investors, creditors, members, or the Association.

(b) Contents and Service of Notice

A notice issued under this subsection shall state the specific grounds and include the factual basis for the summary suspension, limitation, or prohibition and state that the member, associated person, or other person may file a written request for a hearing under Rule 9514. The notice shall be served by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

(c) Effective Date

A summary suspension, limitation, or prohibition shall be effective upon service of the notice under paragraph (b).

9513. Initiation of Proceeding for Non-Summary Suspension, Cancellation, Bar, Limitation, or Prohibition

(a) Notice

Association staff shall initiate a proceeding authorized under Section 3 of Article III, Section 3 of Article VI, or Section 2 of Article VII of the NASD By-Laws, or Rule 9511(a)(2)(D), by issuing a written notice to the member, associated person, or other person. The notice shall specify the grounds for and effective date of the cancellation, suspension, bar, limitation, or prohibition and shall state that the member, associated person, or other person may file a written request for a hearing under Rule 9514. The notice shall be served by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

(b) Effective Date

For any cancellation, suspension, or bar under Section 3 of Article III of the NASD By-Laws, the effective date shall be at least seven days after service of the notice on the member or associated person. For any cancellation or suspension under Section 3 of Article VI or Section 2 of Article VII of the NASD By-Laws, the effective date shall be at least 15 days after service of the notice on the member or associated person. For any limitation or prohibition on access to services offered by the Association or a member thereof pursuant to Rule 9511(a)(2)(D), the effective date shall be upon receipt of the notice with respect to services to which the member, associated person, or other person does not have access and shall be at least seven days after service of the notice with respect to services to which the member, associated person, or other person already has access.

9514. Hearing and Decision

(a) Request

(1) Request by Member, Associated Person, or Other Person

A member, associated person, or other person who is subject to a notice issued under Rule 9512(a) or 9513(a) may file a written request for a hearing with the Association. The request shall state either the specific grounds for reversing the summary suspension, limitation, or prohibition or for opposing the cancellation, suspension, bar, limitation, or prohibition. The request shall be filed pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137 within seven days after service of the notice under Rule 9512 or 9513. The member, associated person, or other person may withdraw its request for a hearing at any time by filing a written notice with the Association pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137.

(2) Failure to File Request

If the member, associated person, or other person subject to the notice issued under Rule 9512(a) or 9513(a) does not file a written request for a hearing under subparagraph (1), the notice shall constitute final action by the Association.

(3) Ex Parte Communications

The prohibition against ex parte communications in Rule 9143 shall become effective under the Rule 9510 Series when Association staff has knowledge that a member, associated person, or other person intends to request a hearing under this paragraph.

(b) Designation of Party for the Association and Appointment of Hearing Panel

If a member, associated person, or other person subject to a notice under Rule 9512 or 9513 files a written request for a hearing, an appropriate department or office of the Association shall be designated as a Party in the proceeding, and a Hearing Panel shall be appointed.

(1) If the President of NASD Regulation or NASD Regulation staff issued the notice initiating the proceeding under Rule 9512(a) or 9513(a), the President of NASD Regulation shall designate an appropriate NASD Regulation department or office as a Party, and the NASD Regulation Board shall appoint a Hearing Panel. The Hearing Panel shall be composed of two or more members. One member shall be a Director of NASD Regulation, and the remaining member or members shall be current or former Directors of NASD Regulation or Governors. The President of NASD Regulation may not serve on the Hearing Panel.

(2) If the President of Nasdaq or Nasdaq staff issued the notice under Rule 9512(a) or 9513(a), the President of Nasdaq shall designate an appropriate Nasdaq department or office as a Party, and the Nasdaq Board shall appoint a Hearing Panel. The Hearing Panel shall be composed of two or more members. One member shall be a director of Nasdaq, and the remaining member or members shall be current or former directors of Nasdaq or Governors. The President of Nasdaq may not serve on the Hearing Panel.

(c) Stays

(1) Summary Suspension, Limitation, or Prohibition

Unless the NASD Board orders otherwise, a request for a hearing shall not stay the effectiveness of a summary suspension, limitation, or prohibition under Rule 9512.

(2) Non-Summary Cancellation, Suspension, Bar, Limitation, or Prohibition

Unless the NASD Board orders otherwise, a request for a hearing shall stay the notice issued under Rule 9513, except that a request for a hearing shall not stay a notice of a limitation or prohibition on services offered by the Association or a member thereof with respect to services to which a member, associated person, or other person does not have access.

(d) Time of Hearing

(1) Summary Suspension

If a member, associated person, or other person who is subject to a notice issued under Rule 9512(a) files a written request for a hearing, a hearing shall be held within seven days after the filing of the request for hearing. Not less than five days before the hearing, the Hearing Panel shall provide written notice to the Parties of the location, date, and time of the hearing by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

(2) Non-Summary Suspension, Cancellation, Bar, Limitation or Prohibition

If a member, associated person, or other person who is subject to a notice issued under Rule 9513(a) files a written request for a hearing, a hearing shall be held within 21 days after the filing of the request for hearing. The Hearing Panel may, during the initial 21 day period, extend the time in which the hearing shall be held by an additional 21 days on its own motion or at the request of a Party. Not less than five days before the hearing, the Hearing Panel shall provide written notice to the Parties of the location, date, and time of the hearing by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

(e) Transmission of Documents

(1) Not less than five days before the hearing, the Association shall provide to the member, associated person, or other person who requested the hearing, by facsimile or overnight commercial courier, all documents that were considered in issuing the notice under Rule 9512 or 9513, unless a document meets the criteria of Rule 9251(b) (1)(A), (B), or (C). A document that meets such criteria shall not constitute part of the record, but shall be retained by the Association until the date upon which the Association serves a final decision or, if applicable, upon the conclusion of any review by the Commission or the federal courts.

(2) Not less than five days before the hearing, the Parties shall exchange proposed exhibit and witness lists. The exhibit and witness lists shall be served by facsimile or by overnight commercial courier.

(f) Hearing Panel Consideration

(1) Rights of Parties

The Parties shall be entitled to be heard in person, to be represented by an attorney, and to submit any relevant evidence.

(2) Witnesses

A person who is subject to the jurisdiction of the Association shall testify under oath or affirmation. The oath or affirmation shall be administered by a court reporter.

(3) Recordation of Hearing

The hearing shall be recorded and a transcript prepared by a court reporter. The member, associated person, or other person may purchase a copy of the transcript from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase a copy of the transcript of his or her own testimony from the court reporter at prescribed rates. Proposed corrections to the transcript may be submitted by affidavit to the Hearing Panel within a reasonable time determined by the Hearing Panel. Upon notice to the participants in the hearing, the Hearing Panel may order corrections to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

(4) Record

The record shall consist of: (1) the notice issued under Rule 9512 or 9513; (2) all documents transmitted by the Association under Rule 9514(e)(1); (3) the request for hearing; (4) any other submissions by the Parties; (5) any evidence considered at the hearing; and (6) the transcript of the hearing and any corrections thereto.

(5) Custodian of the Record

If the President of NASD Regulation or NASD Regulation staff initiated the proceeding under Rule 9512 or 9513, the Office of the General Counsel of NASD Regulation shall be the custodian of the record. If the President of Nasdaq or Nasdaq staff initiated the proceeding under Rule 9512 or 9513, the Office of the General Counsel of Nasdaq shall be the custodian of the record.

(6) Evidence Not Admitted

(g) Decision of the Hearing Panel

(1) Summary Suspension, Limitation, or Prohibition

Based on its review of the record, the Hearing Panel shall affirm, modify, or reverse the summary suspension, limitation, or prohibition. The Hearing Panel shall prepare a proposed written decision pursuant to subparagraph (3).

(2) Non-Summary Suspension, Cancellation, Bar, Limitation, or Prohibition

Based on its review of the record, the Hearing Panel shall decide whether a cancellation, suspension, bar, limitation, or prohibition shall be imposed or continue to be imposed. The Hearing Panel shall prepare a proposed written decision pursuant to subparagraph (3).

(3) Contents of Decision

The decision shall include:

(A) a statement setting forth the specific statute, rule, or NASD by-law that authorized the proceeding;

(B) a statement describing the investigative or other origin of the proceeding;

(D) a statement of findings of fact with respect to any act or practice that was alleged to have been committed or omitted by the member, associated person, or other person;

(E) a statement in support of the disposition of the principal issues raised in the proceedings; and

(F) if a summary suspension, limitation, or prohibition continues to be imposed, the specific grounds for imposing such suspension, limitation, or prohibition, and the terms of the suspension, limitation, or prohibition, or, if a non-summary suspension, cancellation, bar, limitation, or prohibition is to be imposed or continue to be imposed, the effective date, time, and terms of the suspension, cancellation, bar, limitation, or prohibition.

(4) Issuance of Decision After Expiration of Call for Review Period

The Hearing Panel shall provide its proposed written decision to the NASD Board. The NASD Board may call the proceeding for review pursuant to Rule 9515. If the NASD Board does not call the proceeding for review, the proposed written decision of the Hearing Panel shall become final, and the Hearing Panel shall serve its written decision on the Parties pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall be effective upon service and shall constitute the final action of the Association.

9515. Discretionary Review by the NASD Board

(a) Call for Review by Governor

A Governor may call a proceeding for review by the NASD Board if the call for review is made within the period prescribed by paragraph (b).

(b) 15 Day Period; Waiver

A Governor shall make his or her call for review not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board that is at least 15 days after the date on which the NASD Board receives the proposed written decision of the Hearing Panel. By a unanimous vote of the NASD Board, the NASD Board may shorten this period. By an affirmative vote of the majority of the NASD Board then in office, the NASD Board may, during the period, vote to extend the period.

(c) Review at Next Meeting

If a Governor calls a proceeding for review within the period prescribed by paragraph (b), the NASD Board shall review the decision not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board. The NASD Board may order the filing of briefs in connection with its review proceedings pursuant to this Rule.

(d) Decision of the NASD Board, Including Remand

After review, the NASD Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the proposed written decision of the Hearing Panel. Alternatively, the NASD Board may remand the proceeding with instructions. The NASD Board shall prepare a written decision that includes all of the elements of Rule 9514(g)(3).

(e) Issuance of Decision

The NASD Board shall issue and serve its written decision on the Parties pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall be effective upon service. The decision shall constitute the final action of the Association, unless the NASD Board remands the proceeding.

9516. Reinstatement

A member, associated person, or other person who has been suspended or limited by a final action of the Association after a non-summary proceeding under the Rule 9510 Series may file a written request for reinstatement on the ground of full compliance with the conditions of the suspension or limitation. The request shall be filed with the department or office of the Association that acted as a Party in the proceeding. The head of the department or office shall serve its response on the member or person via facsimile or overnight commercial courier within five days after receipt of the request. If the head of the department or office denies the request, the member or person may file a written request for relief with NASD Board. The NASD Board shall respond to the request in writing within 14 days after receipt of the request. The NASD Board shall serve its response by facsimile or overnight commercial courier.

9517. Copies of Notices and Decisions to Members

A copy of a notice initiating a proceeding, a notice of a hearing, or any other notice or decision that is served on a person associated with a member under the Rule 9510 Series shall be served simultaneously on such member by the same method of service provided for in the applicable rule.

9518. Application to Commission for Review

The right to have any action pursuant to this Rule Series reviewed by the Commission is governed by Section 19 of the Act. The filing of an application for review by the Commission shall not stay the effectiveness of final action by the Association, unless the Commission otherwise orders.

9519. Other Action Not Foreclosed; Costs

(a) Action by the Association under the Rule 9510 Series shall not foreclose action by the Association under any other Rule.

(b) The Association may impose on a member, associated person, or other person such costs of a denial of access proceeding as the Association deems fair and appropriate under the circumstances. Costs relating to other proceedings under the Rule 9510 Series may be imposed under Rule 8330.

9520. Eligibility Proceedings

9521. Purpose

The Rule 9520 Series sets forth procedures for a person to become or remain associated with a member, notwithstanding the existence of a statutory disqualification as defined in Section 3(a)(39) of the Act and for a current member or person associated with a member to obtain relief from the eligibility or qualification requirements of the NASD By-Laws and the Rules of the Association. Such actions hereinafter are referred to as "eligibility proceedings."

9522. Initiation of Eligibility Proceedings

(a) Notice of Disqualification or Ineligibility

(1) Issuance

If Association staff has reason to believe that a statutory disqualification exists or that a member or person associated with a member otherwise fails to meet the eligibility requirements of the Association, Association staff shall issue a written notice to the member or associated person. The notice shall specify the grounds for such disqualification or ineligibility.

(2) Notice to Member

A notice issued to a member that is subject to a statutory disqualification or is otherwise ineligible for membership shall state that the member may apply for relief by filing a written application for relief with the National Adjudicatory Council within ten days after service of the notice.

(3) Notice to Associated Person

A notice issued to an associated person who is subject to a statutory disqualification or is otherwise ineligible for association shall state that a member may apply for relief on behalf of itself and such person by filing a written application for relief with the National Adjudicatory Council within ten days after service of the notice.

(4) Service

A notice issued under this section shall be served by facsimile or pursuant to Rules 9131 and 9134.

(b) Application by Member

A member shall file a written application for relief from the eligibility requirements of the Association with the National Adjudicatory Council if the member:

(1) determines that it is subject to a statutory disqualification or otherwise is no longer eligible for membership;

(2) determines that a person associated with it is subject to a statutory disqualification or otherwise is no longer eligible for association with the member; or

(3) wishes to sponsor the association of a person who is subject to a statutory disqualification or otherwise is ineligible for association with a member.

(c) Form of Application for Relief

A written application for relief shall be submitted on Form MC400 and shall include a detailed statement demonstrating why the requested relief should be granted.

(d) Withdrawal of Application

A member may withdraw its application for relief at any time by filing a written notice with the National Adjudicatory Council pursuant to Rules 9135, 9136, and 9137.

(e) Ex Parte Communications

The prohibitions against ex parte communications set forth in Rule 9143 shall become effective under the Rule 9520 Series when Association staff has initiated the eligibility proceeding and Association staff has knowledge that a member intends to file a written application for relief with the National Adjudicatory Council.

9523. National Adjudicatory Council Consideration

(a) Hearing Panel Consideration

(1) Appointment of Hearing Panel

If a member files an application for relief, the National Adjudicatory Council or the Review Subcommittee shall appoint a Hearing Panel composed of two or more members, who shall be current or former members of the National Adjudicatory Council or former Directors or Governors. The Hearing Panel shall conduct a hearing and recommend a decision on the request for relief.

(2) Notice of Hearing

Not less than fourteen days before the hearing, the member shall be notified via facsimile or commercial courier of the location, time, and date of the hearing.

(3) Transmission of Documents

(i) If Association staff initiated the eligibility proceeding by issuing a notice under Rule 9522(a), Association staff shall provide to the member and its current or prospective associated person all documents that were relied on in issuing the notice. Such documents shall be served on the member and its current or prospective associated person by facsimile or commercial courier not less than ten days before the hearing.

(ii) Not less than ten days before the hearing, the Department of Member Regulation, which shall act as a Party in the eligibility proceeding, and the member and its current or prospective associated person shall exchange proposed exhibit and witness lists. The exhibit and witness lists shall be served by facsimile or commercial courier.

(4) Rights of Member, Current or Prospective Associated Person, and Department of Member Regulation

The member, its current or prospective associated person, and the Department of Member Regulation shall be entitled to be heard in person, to be represented by an attorney, and to submit any relevant evidence.

(5) Recordation of Hearing

The hearing shall be recorded and a transcript prepared by a court reporter. The member and the current or prospective associated person may purchase a copy of the transcript from the court reporter at prescribed rates. A witness may purchase a copy of the transcript of his or her own testimony from the court reporter at prescribed rates. Proposed corrections to the transcript may be submitted by affidavit to the Hearing Panel within a reasonable time determined by the Hearing Panel. Upon notice to the participants in the hearing, the Hearing Panel may order corrections to the transcript as requested or sua sponte.

(6) Record

The record shall consist of: (1) the notice issued pursuant to Rule 9522(a), if applicable; (2) all documents relied upon in issuing the notice under Rule 9522(a), if applicable; (3) the application for relief filed pursuant to Rule 9522(b); (4) any other submissions by the member, the current or prospective associated person, and the Department of Member Regulation; (5) any evidence considered at the hearing; and (6) the transcript of the hearing and any corrections thereto.

(7) Custodian of the Record

The custodian of the record shall be the Office of General Counsel of NASD Regulation.

(8) Evidence Not Admitted

(9) Recommendation

On the basis of the record, the Hearing Panel shall present a recommended decision in writing on the request for relief to the Statutory Disqualification Committee. After considering the record and recommendation of the Hearing Panel, the Statutory Disqualification Committee shall present its recommended decision in writing to the National Adjudicatory Council not later than seven days before the meeting of the National Adjudicatory Council at which the eligibility proceeding shall be considered.

(b) Decision

(1) Decision of the National Adjudicatory Council

After considering all matters presented in the request for relief, the Statutory Disqualification Committee=s recommended decision, the public interest, and the protection of investors, the National Adjudicatory Council may grant or deny the request for relief, and, if relief is granted, impose conditions on the member and its current or prospective associated person. Alternatively, the National Adjudicatory Council may remand the eligibility proceeding. The National Adjudicatory Council shall prepare a proposed written decision pursuant to subparagraph (2).

(2) Contents of Decision

The decision shall include:

(A) a description of the origin of the eligibility proceeding and the nature of the disqualification;

(B) a description of the prospective business or employment requested to be engaged in; and

(C) a statement in support of the disposition of the request for relief, which, if granted, includes any of the applicable elements under SEC Rule 19h-1(e) and a description of any conditions that are imposed on the member and current or prospective associated person.

(3) Issuance of Decision After Expiration of Call for Review Period

The National Adjudicatory Council shall provide its proposed written decision to the NASD Board. The NASD Board may call the eligibility proceeding for review pursuant to Rule 9524. If the NASD Board does not call the eligibility proceeding for review, the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council shall become final, and the National Adjudicatory Council shall serve its written decision on the member, the current or prospective associated person, and Department of Member Regulation pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall be effective upon service. The decision shall constitute final action of the Association, unless the National Adjudicatory Council remands the eligibility proceeding.

9524. Discretionary Review by the NASD Board

(a) Call for Review by Governor

A Governor may call an eligibility proceeding for review by the NASD Board if the call for review is made within the period prescribed in paragraph (b).

(b) 15 Day Period; Waiver

(c) Review at Next Meeting

If a Governor calls an eligibility proceeding for review within the period prescribed in paragraph (b), the NASD Board shall review the eligibility proceeding not later than the next meeting of the NASD Board. The NASD Board may order the filing of briefs in connection with its review proceedings pursuant to this Rule.

(d) Decision of NASD Board, Including Remand

After review, the NASD Board may affirm, modify, or reverse the proposed written decision of the National Adjudicatory Council. Alternatively, the NASD Board may remand the eligibility proceeding with instructions. The NASD Board shall prepare a written decision that includes all of the elements described in Rule 9523(b)(2).

(e) Issuance of Decision

The NASD Board shall issue and serve its written decision on the member, the current or prospective associated person, and Department of Member Regulation pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall be effective upon service. The decision shall constitute the final action of the Association, unless the NASD Board remands the proceeding.

9525. Application to Commission for Review

The right to have any action taken pursuant to this Rule Series reviewed by the Commission is governed by Section 19 of the Act. The filing of an application for review shall not stay the effectiveness of final action by the Association, unless the Commission otherwise orders.

9600. PROCEDURES FOR EXEMPTIONS

9610. Application

(a) Where to File with General Counsel

A member seeking an exemption from Rule 1021, 1022, 1070, 2210, 2340, 2520, 2710, 2720, 2810, 2850, 2851, 2860, Interpretive Material 2860-1, 3010, 3210, 3350, 8211, 8212, 8213, 11870, or 11900, Interpretive Material 2110-1, or Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board Rule G-37 shall file a written application with the appropriate department or staff of the Association and provide a copy of the application to the Office of General Counsel of NASD Regulation.

(b) Content

An application filed pursuant to this Rule shall contain the member's name and address, the name of a person associated with the member who will serve as the primary contact for the application, the Rule from which the member is seeking an exemption, and a detailed statement of the grounds for granting the exemption. If the member does not want the application or the decision on the application to be publicly available in whole or in part, the member also shall include in its application a detailed statement, including supporting facts, showing good cause for treating the application or decision as confidential in whole or in part.

(c) Applicant

A member that files an application under this Rule is referred to as "Applicant" hereinafter in the Rule 9600 Series.

9620. Decision

After considering an application, NASD Regulation staff shall issue a written decision setting forth its findings and conclusions. The decision shall be served on the Applicant pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. After the decision is served on the Applicant, the application and decision shall be publicly available unless NASD Regulation staff determines that the Applicant has shown good cause for treating the application or decision as confidential in whole or in part.

9630. Appeal

(a) Notice

An Applicant may file a written notice of appeal within 15 calendar days after service of a decision issued under Rule 9620. The notice of appeal shall be filed with the Office of General Counsel of NASD Regulation, with a copy of the notice also provided to the appropriate department or staff of the Association. The notice of appeal shall contain a brief statement of the findings and conclusions as to which exception is taken. The National Adjudicatory Council may order oral argument. If the Applicant does not want the National Adjudicatory Council's decision on the appeal to be publicly available in whole or in part, the Applicant also shall include in its notice of appeal a detailed statement, including supporting facts, showing good cause for treating the decision as confidential in whole or in part. The notice of appeal shall be signed by the Applicant.

(b) Expedited Review

Where the failure to promptly review a decision to deny a request for exemption would unduly or unfairly harm the applicant, the National Adjudicatory Council shall provide expedited review.

(c) Withdrawal of Appeal

An Applicant may withdraw its notice of appeal at any time by filing a written notice of withdrawal of appeal with the National Adjudicatory Council.

(d) Appointment of Subcommittee

Following the filing of a notice of appeal, the National Adjudicatory Council or Review Subcommittee may designate a Subcommittee to hear an oral argument, if ordered, consider any new evidence that the Applicant can show good cause for not including in its application, and recommend to the National Adjudicatory Council a disposition of all matters on appeal.

(e) Decision

After considering all matters on appeal and the Subcommittee=s recommendation, the National Adjudicatory Council shall affirm, modify, or reverse the decision issued under Rule 9620. The National Adjudicatory Council shall issue a written decision setting forth its findings and conclusions and serve the decision on the Applicant. The decision shall be served pursuant to Rules 9132 and 9134. The decision shall be effective upon service and shall constitute final action of the Association.