(a) Complaint
(1) If the Department of Enforcement believes that any FINRA 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 FINRA has jurisdiction to enforce, the Department of Enforcement may request authorization from the Office of Disciplinary Affairs to issue a complaint.
(2) The FINRA Regulation Board and the FINRA Board each shall have the authority to direct the Office of Disciplinary Affairs to authorize and the Department of Enforcement to issue a complaint when, on the basis of information and belief, either of such boards is of the opinion that any FINRA 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 FINRA has jurisdiction to enforce.
(b) Commencement of Disciplinary Proceeding
A disciplinary proceeding shall begin when the complaint is served and filed.
