FINRA, SEC, and NASAA recently announced a new presentation intended to assist securities firms in detecting, preventing, and reporting financial exploitation of seniors pursuant to the Senior Safe Act, Section 303 of the “Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act,” which was signed into law on May 24, 2018, as well as the state…
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In March of 2020, FINRA announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it had administratively postponed all in-person arbitration and mediation proceedings. Subsequent announcements extended those adjournments through July 3, 2021. In mid-May, 2021, FINRA announced that 62 hearing locations would be open for in-person hearings starting July 5, 2021, and recently, FINRA stated that…
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FINRA recently issued Regulatory Notice 21-16 “FINRA Reminds Members About Requirements When Using Predispute Arbitration Agreements for Customer Accounts.” The Notice reminds members firms about certain requirements when using predispute arbitration agreements for customer accounts, as FINRA has recently become aware of customer agreements containing provisions that do not comply with FINRA rules. Under FINRA…
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The SEC Division of Examinations recently announced its examination priorities for fiscal year 2021, discussing key risks, trends, and examination priorities in an overall effort to promote and improve compliance. The two largest programs run by the Division, Investment Adviser/Investment Company Program and Broker-Dealer and Exchange Program, focus on the protection of retail investors and…
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On February 1, 2021, FINRA published the 2021 Report on FINRA’s Examination and Risk Monitoring Program (“2021 Report”). Annually, FINRA publishes the Report on its Examination and Risk Monitoring Program in order to provide member firms with information they can use to assess and strengthen their compliance, supervisory, and risk management programs. The Report summarizes…
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FINRA recently issued Regulatory Notice 21-03 providing information to help FINRA member firms that engage in low-priced securities business assess and, as appropriate, strengthen their controls to identify and mitigate their risk, and the risk to their customers, including specified adults and seniors, of becoming involved in activities related to fraud involving low-priced securities. FINRA…
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FINRA’s Board of Governors met on December 2-3, 2020, to review FINRA’s 2020 financial performance, approve the organization’s 2021 proposed budget, reaffirm FINRA’s Financial Guiding Principles, approve rule proposals, and receive several operational updates. The Board approved two rule proposals to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), directing impacting our clients. As…
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On November 2, 2020, the SEC adopted amendments to “simplify, harmonize, and improve certain aspects of the exempt offering framework” under the Securities Act of 1933. The amendments are intended to meet evolving market needs by providing, among other changes, all of the following: greater clarity around the SEC’s integration doctrine that can pose challenges…
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FINRA recently adopted Rule 3241, limiting registered representatives from being named a customer’s beneficiary or holding a position of trust for a customer. The rule limits a registered representative from being named a beneficiary, executor or trustee, or to have a power of attorney or similar position of trust for or on behalf of a…
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In 2019, FINRA launched a retrospective review to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of its rules and administrative processes meant to help protect senior investors from financial exploitation. Based on feedback received during the review, FINRA is now proposing amendments to Rule 2165 regarding financial exploitation of specific adults to extend the hold period and…
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