FINRA Unscripted
153 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★★ - 45 ratingsFINRA Unscripted is the voice of the nation’s largest non-government securities regulator. We bring together FINRA leaders to discuss existing and emerging regulatory topics that impact the broker-dealer industry. We share best practices for compliance officers, insights into the operations of a 3,500 person self-regulated organization and educational tools and information for investors. Every investor in America relies on one thing: fair financial markets. That is what FINRA works every day to ensure.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Fraud Stoppers: FINRA’s Market Investigations Group
March 22, 2022 11:45 - 24 minutes - 22.1 MBDetecting and deterring fraud and insider trading is at the core of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity. On this episode, Sam Draddy, the head of FINRA's Market Investigations team, joins us once again to talk about the latest trends and patterns in FINRA's fraud and insider trading investigations, including some stories about some of the craziest and most interesting cases of the past few years. How are we doing? Take the FINRA Unscripted survey today. Resources m...
Report on FINRA’s Examination and Risk Monitoring Program | A Comprehensive Reference Item for Firms
March 08, 2022 12:45 - 21 minutes - 19.4 MBIn February, FINRA issued its second Report on FINRA’s Examination and Risk Monitoring program, a comprehensive document that combines elements of what used to be the annual Priorities Letter and the Examination Findings Report. The report can serve as a reference document, addressing more than 20 topics of interest for firms and regulators from Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS to cybersecurity and mobile apps. On this episode, J Koutros, vice president of risk monitoring standards, J...
Celebrating 100: FINRA Unscripted's Greatest Hits
February 22, 2022 12:30 - 18 minutes - 17.3 MBWe are celebrating 100 episodes of FINRA Unscripted! We’ve covered a lot of ground over the past four years and 100 episodes, but we wouldn’t have made it to this point without you, our listeners. To celebrate our 100th episode, we would love to hear from you. Take the quick, anonymous FINRA Unscripted survey today. With your help, we can make the next 100 episodes better than the last. For today’s episode, we are going to hop in our DeLorean and take a listen to excerpts from a few of ou...
From NCFC to Member Supervision Head: Reintroducing Greg Ruppert
February 08, 2022 12:45 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBGreg Ruppert joined FINRA in 2020 to form and lead the National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Programs. Now, he’s been tapped to lead Member Supervision, the team responsible for the surveillance and examination of FINRA member firms and for detecting and deterring activities that can cause investor harm. On this episode, we talk to Greg about how he views this transition in leadership and his goals and areas of focus in his new role. How are we doing? Take the FINRA Unscripted sur...
Deep Learning: The Future of the Market Manipulation Surveillance Program
January 25, 2022 12:45 - 30 minutes - 27.7 MBFINRA’s Market Regulation and Technology teams recently wrapped up an extensive project to migrate the majority of FINRA’s market manipulation surveillance program to using deep learning in what is perhaps the largest application of artificial intelligence in the RegTech space to date. On this episode, we hear from Susan Tibbs, senior vice president of Market Manipulation in the Market Regulation Quality of Markets group, and from C.K. Chow, principal developer with the Technology team, ab...
What to Expect: CE Transformation & Maintaining Qualifications Program
January 11, 2022 12:45 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBIn 2020, FINRA and the CE Council embarked on the biggest transformation of the continuing education program in 25 years. And in the months ahead, those major changes are going into effect. On this episode, we hear from Patricia Monterosso of FINRA's Credentialing, Registration, Education and Disclosure team and Elizabeth Hansen, the 2021 CE Council Chair, about what firms and reps can expect and why these changes will have such a big impact. How are we doing? Take the FINRA Unscripted s...
Encore | At, By or Through: Fraud in the Broker-Dealer Industry
December 14, 2021 12:45 - 32 minutes - 29.8 MBThis episode originally aired in April 2021. The brokerage industry has an important role to play when it comes to detecting, preventing and reporting fraud. It's not just a regulatory concern, but an important reputational concern for individual firms and the industry as a whole. On this episode, we hear from Greg Ruppert, who was then head of FINRA's National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Programs, but now heads Member Supervision, about recent trends in the fraud space and how ...
The Cornerstone of FINRA’s Market Surveillance Program: A Historical Commitment to Market Transparency
November 30, 2021 12:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBTransparency plays a central role in promoting the fairness and efficiency of U.S. markets, lowering transaction costs, leveling the playing field and enhancing public trust in our markets. And the data market transparency provides serves as the lifeblood of FINRA's surveillance program. On this episode, we hear the Market Regulation and Transparency Services’ Jon Kroeper, executive vice president of the Quality of Markets Group, and Ola Persson, senior vice president and head of Transpare...
2021 Small Firm Conference: A Fireside Chat with Robert Cook and Greg Ruppert
November 16, 2021 12:45 - 24 minutes - 22 MBThe small firm community, those firms with 150 or fewer registered financial professionals, came together in October to discuss and engage on key areas of concern at the Small Firm Conference. On this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of this year's event with an abridged look at the fireside chat with FINRA CEO Robert Cook and Executive Vice President Greg Ruppert, moderated by FINRA's head of Member Relations Kayte Toczylowski. Resources mentioned in this episode: Trusted Con...
FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program: Assisting Service Members and Their Families
November 02, 2021 11:45 - 32 minutes - 29.7 MBFor service members, a missed credit card payment might do more than just ding their credit report, it could also jeopardize a hard-fought promotion. And for their spouses, move after move might be more than just a financial or logistical hardship; it might also be the biggest hurdle in their own career growth. These challenges are two sides of the same coin. The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship Program is just one program that is aiming to address both sides. On this episode, w...
Encore | Overlapping Risks: Anti-Money Laundering and Cybersecurity
October 19, 2021 11:45 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBFirm regulatory risks and priorities don't exist in a vacuum. And that is perhaps nowhere clearer than when it comes to a firm's anti-money laundering responsibilities. A firm's AML risks can overlap with any number of other priorities. On this episode, we're looking at the intersection of a firm's AML and cybersecurity risks. Joining us are Jason Foye, a director with FINRA's Anti-Money Laundering Investigative Unit, and Dave Kelley, a director with FINRA's Cybersecurity Specialist Progra...
2021 Ketchum Prize: Expanding Financial Capability in Native Communities
October 05, 2021 14:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBNative communities face unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to their personal finances. Helping them navigate the sometimes-confusing world of finance is Shawn Spruce, the recipient of the 2021 Ketchum Prize. Every year, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation awards the Ketchum Prize, the FINRA Foundation’s highest honor, to recognize outstanding service and research to advance investor protection and financial capability in the United States. On this episode, we talk to S...
Single Points of Accountability: Navigating Firms’ Experiences with FINRA
September 21, 2021 11:45 - 19 minutes - 17.4 MBAs part of FINRA’s Member Supervision Transformation, each firm was assigned a Single Point of Accountability – a senior leader in Member Supervision that helps firms navigate their experience with FINRA. Now that we are nearly two years into the new structure, we are joined on this episode by two SPOAs – Andrew McElduff and Brian Kowalski – to give us insight into their roles, how they interface with member firms, and how their positions have evolved since the new structure took effect in...
Make Your Voice Heard: FINRA's Regional Committees
September 07, 2021 11:45 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBAs a Self-Regulatory Organization, FINRA benefits from the expertise and industry knowledge of member firms to react more quickly to emerging challenges and write more effective and efficient regulations. FINRA’s Regional Committees play an important role in this process, supplying FINRA with real-time insights that help us fulfill our mission of investor protection and market integrity. On this episode, FINRA’s Deputy Corporate Secretary Jennifer Piorko Mitchell and Regional Committee Mem...
The Journey to the Cloud: Implications for the Securities Industry
August 24, 2021 11:30 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBThe Office of Financial Innovation is a conduit and a facilitator of information related to significant innovation in the financial services industry, working to provide expertise and support to groups within FINRA, as well as FINRA member firms. As cloud computing transforms how broker-dealers operate, FINRA’s Office of Financial Innovation surveyed nearly 40 broker-dealer firms, cloud service providers, industry analysts and technology consultants to better understand the implications of...
Introducing Stephanie Dumont
July 13, 2021 11:30 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MBFINRA’s Market Regulation and Transparency Services department sits at the center of the U.S. securities markets, conducting ongoing oversight within and across markets and providing transparency to help investors make informed decisions. On this episode, we meet Stephanie Dumont, the new head of FINRA’s Market Regulation and Transparency Services department. Stephanie shares her priorities, her vision for the department, and how FINRA is responding to recent market events. Resources men...
FINRA’s Financial Intelligence Unit: Connecting the Dots
June 29, 2021 11:30 - 22 minutes - 20.3 MBIntelligence means different things to different people. But for FINRA, at its most basic, it is the actionable information that allows employees, from an organization’s senior executives to its examiners or investigators, to make informed decisions. On this episode, we sit down with Blake Snyder, Senior Director of FINRA’s Financial Intelligence Unit, to learn about this new group, and how it is looking to transform how FINRA takes in, analyzes, and shares data. Resources mentioned in th...
Building Board Diversity: FINRA’s Ongoing Commitment
June 15, 2021 11:30 - 25 minutes - 23.2 MBDiversity has been a focus for FINRA’s Board of Governors for several years—and while the current Board makeup leaves a lot to be proud of, the important work of diversity remains a perpetual work in progress. On this episode, we sit down with Marcia Asquith, Executive Vice President of Board & External Relations, and Jennifer Piorko Mitchell, Vice President of Corporate Governance and Deputy Corporate Secretary, to explore how FINRA has prioritized diversity in the boardroom. Resources m...
2021 Annual Conference: Robert Cook and Eileen Murray Fireside Chat
June 01, 2021 11:30 - 25 minutes - 23 MBThe 2021 FINRA Annual Conference was like no other with the event held entirely online. Nonetheless, like in any other year, the event provided the opportunity for practitioners, peers and regulators to connect and exchange ideas. On this episode, we’re taking you behind the scenes of this year’s event to listen in on the fireside chat between FINRA CEO Robert Cook and FINRA Board Chair Eileen Murray as they talk about everything from return to work and the future of the workforce to the w...
Zoom Arbitration One Year Later: Lessons Learned, Tips for Practitioners and the Road Ahead
May 18, 2021 11:30 - 36 minutes - 33.8 MBThe pandemic forced the world to re-evaluate how it works in a number of ways—and FINRA’s Arbitration & Mediation Forum is no exception. To keep processes moving, FINRA Dispute Resolution Services allowed hearings to proceed virtually. Now, a year later, we are looking at lessons learned, tips for practicing in a remote environment and plans for the future of arbitration and mediation. On this episode, we are joined by Richard Berry, Executive Vice President of FINRA’s Dispute Resolution S...
Advanced Analytics: Transforming Advertising Regulation
May 04, 2021 11:30 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MBA three-day employee hackathon event a few years ago resulted in an idea that has since transformed the way FINRA’s Advertising Regulation group does its work. On this episode, we are joined by Amy Sochard, Vice President of FINRA’s Advertising Regulation program, and Lisa Fair and Saugata Chakraborty of FINRA’s Technology, to hear about the impressive collaborative effort to build a tool to apply advanced analytics and machine learning to the review of firm advertising and public communic...
At, By or Through: Fraud in the Broker-Dealer Industry
April 20, 2021 11:30 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBThe brokerage industry has an important role to play when it comes to detecting, preventing and reporting fraud. It's not just a regulatory concern, but an important reputational concern for individual firms and the industry as a whole. On this episode, we hear from Greg Ruppert, head of FINRA's National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Programs, about recent trends in the fraud space and how firms can work to protect themselves and their customers. Resources mentioned in this episode...
Exam and Risk Monitoring Program: Responding to COVID-19 and Looking Ahead
April 06, 2021 11:30 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBLast year, as FINRA staff looked to adjust to a new exam and risk monitoring program structure, the industry and the world was struck with an unprecedented global crisis. On this episode, the second in a two-part series, we hear from Ornella Bergeron, senior vice president of the carrying and clearing and diversified firm groups; Tom Nelli, senior vice president of exams and standards; Bill St. Louis, senior vice president of the retail and capital markets firm groups; and Tim Thompson, se...
Year in Review: The 2020 Exam and Risk Monitoring Program
March 23, 2021 11:30 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB2020 was a year of great change and transition for FINRA’s Exam and Risk Monitoring Program—and the pandemic wasn’t even the start of it. On this episode, the first in a two-part series, we hear from Ornella Bergeron, senior vice president of the carrying and clearing and diversified firm groups; Tom Nelli, senior vice president of exams and standards; Bill St. Louis, senior vice president of the retail and capital markets firm groups; and Tim Thompson, senior vice president of the trading...
Cybersecurity: Current and Emerging Industry Priorities and Threats
March 09, 2021 12:30 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MBOver the past year, cybersecurity has only increased in importance as huge swaths of the workforce began—and continue—to access networks remotely, resulting in a significant shift to the cybersecurity landscape. On this episode, we hear from John Brady, FINRA’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and Eric Pickersgill, FINRA’s Deputy CISO, on how FINRA handled the transition and areas of focus for the year ahead. Plus, we learn why you should think twice before trying to brush that...
Behind the Process: How an Enforcement Action Becomes an Enforcement Action
February 23, 2021 12:30 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBFormal disciplinary action or informal action, settlement or complaint. Or, the one you never hear about: no action. There are a lot of possible outcomes for an Enforcement investigation. And a disciplinary action is far from guaranteed at the outset of the process. On this episode, Executive Vice President and Head of FINRA Enforcement Jessica Hopper walks us through the Enforcement process from referral to final outcome for all these possibilities and details the many steps along the way...
Encore | Augmenting the Exam and Risk Monitoring Program with Data Analytics and Technology
February 09, 2021 12:30 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MBThis episode originally aired in September 2020. Technology is opening up new possibilities when it comes to solving business challenges. And that's important when it comes to optimizing an organization's most valuable limited resource: its people. On this episode, we hear from Member Supervision's new head of Data Analytics and Technology Kerry Gendron to learn how FINRA is augmenting its examination and risk monitoring program and teaching its employees the art of the possible. Resource...
Revolutionizing the Digital Experience: Form U4 and FINRA Gateway
January 26, 2021 12:30 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBFor the last couple of years, FINRA has been working to revolutionize the digital experience of firms, particularly when it comes to registration and disclosure. Now many of these changes have come to life through the new FINRA Gateway and an enhanced Form U4 filing experience. On this episode, we talk to Credentialing, Registration, Education and Disclosure’s Noah Egorin and Technology’s Claudia Holanda to hear about recent changes and what firms and registered reps alike can expect going ...
Member Relations & Education: Reimagining the Future of Engagement
January 12, 2021 12:30 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MBIf you've ever been to a FINRA conference or boot camp, participated in a small firm call or graduated from the Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) program, you've benefited from the hard work of FINRA's Member Relations and Education team. Member Relations and Education is responsible for ensuring FINRA's regulatory programs are working for everyone and maintaining a strong relationship with FINRA's member firms. On this episode, we talk to Kayte Toczylowski, the gro...
AI Virtual Conference: Industry Views on the State of Artificial Intelligence
November 24, 2020 12:30 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBEarlier in November, FINRA hosted the virtual AI Conference to bring together regulators and leaders across the financial services industry to discuss the use of artificial intelligence and related opportunities and challenges. On this episode, we’re dropping in for a quick listen the first of the conference’s sessions, “Industry Views on the Current and Future State of Artificial Intelligence,” with Imperative Execution CEO Roman Ginis, SIFMA Managing Director and Associate General Counsel...
Overlapping Risks, Part 2: Anti-Money Laundering and Elder Exploitation
November 10, 2020 12:30 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBA broker-deal firm’s anti-money laundering efforts may overlap with any number of other regulatory concerns. On the last episode, we looked at the intersection of a firm’s AML and cybersecurity risks. On this episode, the second in a two-part series, we’re looking at how AML may overlap with a firm’s efforts to protect senior investors from exploitation and fraud. Joining us on this episode are Jason Foye, a director with FINRA's Anti-Money Laundering Investigative Unit, and Brooke Hickman,...
Overlapping Risks, Part I: Anti-Money Laundering and Cybersecurity
October 27, 2020 11:30 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBFirm regulatory risks and priorities don't exist in a vacuum. And that is perhaps nowhere clearer than when it comes to a firm's anti-money laundering responsibilities. A firm's AML risks can overlap with any number of other priorities. On this episode, the first of a two-part series, we're looking at the intersection of a firm's AML and cybersecurity risks. Joining us are Jason Foye, a director with FINRA's Anti-Money Laundering Investigative Unit, and Dave Kelley, a director with FINRA's...
2020 Ketchum Prize: The Financial Security of Americans with Disabilities
October 13, 2020 11:30 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MBIn the 30 years since the passage of the of the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, there have been profound changes. But in this 30th Anniversary year, much remains to be done to advance the economic self-sufficiency of Americans with disabilities. Michael Morris’s research into and advocacy work around the financial security and capability of Americans with disabilities earned him the 2020 Ketchum Prize, the FINRA Foundation’s highest honor, which looks to recognizes outstanding ser...
Excessive Trading: When A Lot Becomes Too Much
September 29, 2020 11:30 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBFor some investors, a high-volume trading strategy could be something they seek. For others, it might be a sign of "excessive trading.” But when does a lot become too much? What is a firm’s responsibility when it comes to supervising for this behavior? On this episode, Chris Kelly, deputy head of FINRA Enforcement and head of Main Enforcement and Sales Practice Enforcement joins us to talk about excessive trading or churning. He shares why this practice remains in focus for FINRA Enforceme...
Augmenting the Exam and Risk Monitoring Program with Data Analytics and Technology
September 21, 2020 13:52 - 20 minutes - 18.7 MBTechnology is opening up new possibilities when it comes to solving business challenges. And that's important when it comes to optimizing an organization's most valuable limited resource: its people. On this episode, we hear from Member Supervision's new head of Data Analytics and Technology Kerry Gendron to learn how FINRA is augmenting its examination and risk monitoring program and teaching its employees the art of the possible. Resources mentioned in this episode: Episode 67: FINRA’s...
FINRA’s R&D Program: Exploring the Future of Advanced Analytics
September 01, 2020 11:30 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBFINRA's Research and Development Program is using advanced analytics to change the way FINRA performs its essential regulatory functions. Feeding off FINRA’s culture of innovation, the R&D program is designed to be quick and agile, hoping to find transformative new technologies, but willing to fail and fail fast when an idea doesn't work out. On this episode, we hear from FINRA Technology’s Ivy Ho and Greg Wolff how the R&D program is pioneering the future of how FINRA fulfills its mission...
The Ombudsman: FINRA’s Confidential, Independent Resource
August 18, 2020 11:30 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBAn ombudsman is a neutral party that acts as an impartial, confidential and independent resource that informally works to assist in finding solutions to issues or concerns an individual may have with an organization. And FINRA's Ombudsman is no different. On this episode, we sit down with FINRA's Ombudsman Cindy Foster to learn more about the office and how she works to prevent real or perceived conflicts of interest and, when necessary, recommend changes to ensure fair policies and proced...
Encore | Beyond Hollywood: Money Laundering in the Securities Industry
August 04, 2020 11:30 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBWhen three hapless employees inadvertently embezzle a bunch of cash in the movie “Office Space,” they decide the best way to cover it up is to launder it. But the thing is, they don’t even really know what money laundering is and they learned that even the dictionary couldn’t fill them in. If you want to understand what money laundering is, and more specifically, the efforts brokerage firms must take to prevent and detect it, stay tuned. We have something better than the dictionary: we have...
Virtual Conference Panels: Fireside Chat on Current Issues
July 21, 2020 11:30 - 16 minutes - 15 MBWith the cancellation of the 2020 FINRA Annual Conference and other in-person events throughout the year, we’ve gone virtual with a variety of on-demand conference panels on regulatory hot topics. On this episode, we’re dropping in for a quick listen to the latest FINRA Virtual Conference Panel with FINRA CEO Robert Cook, Member Supervision Head Bari Havlik and Chief Legal Officer Bob Colby, moderated by Chip Jones, head of Member Relations and Education, as they talk about the continued i...
Regulation Best Interest: Implementing a New Standard of Conduct
July 07, 2020 11:30 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MBAs of June 30, 2020, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation Best Interest—or Reg BI—is officially in effect. That means brokerage firms now have to comply with a new standard of conduct when working with retail clients. On this episode we talk to Meredith Cordisco and Jim Wrona of FINRA’s Office of General Counsel about what a post implementation date world looks like for FINRA member firms and what FINRA has been doing to train staff to ensure a consistent approach to exa...
Protecting the Most Vulnerable: How FINRA Enforcement Prioritizes Senior Investors
June 23, 2020 11:30 - 17 minutes - 16 MBYou can't talk about investor protection without talking about senior investors, according to Chris Kelly, deputy head of FINRA Enforcement and head of Main Enforcement and Sales Practice Enforcement. In recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of cases involving the exploitation of senior investors and the results are often devastating, especially for seniors who may be out of the workforce and living on a fixed income. That’s why protecting senior investors is a ...
COVID-19 Task Force: Staying Innovative and Collaborative Through Crisis
June 09, 2020 11:30 - 21 minutes - 19.3 MBThe COVID-19 pandemic is unlike any other crisis in recent history, and that presents an opportunity to criminals who are flexible and adaptable. That means firms and regulators must be flexible and adaptable too. In his first week on the job, Greg Ruppert, the new head of the National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Programs (NCFC), created a COVID-19 Task Force to help FINRA tackle emerging issues to quickly protect investors and to maintain the integrity of our markets. On this ep...
Introducing Greg Ruppert and the National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Programs
May 26, 2020 11:30 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MBBetween the level of interconnectedness on the web and the sheer about of data available, we’re living in an era ripe for the perpetration of financial fraud. That makes it more important than ever for FINRA to have a holistic view of emerging trends and risks—and the ability to coordinate closely with other regulators and law enforcement. FINRA’s new National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Programs (NCFC) aims to be the nerve center to do just that. On this episode, we meet Greg Rup...
FINRA Enforcement: Protecting Investors and Our Markets in Good Times and Bad
May 12, 2020 11:30 - 26 minutes - 23.8 MBFINRA Enforcement works on the front lines of investor protection—not just now, as some look to take advantage of these uncertain time to defraud investors or manipulate the markets – but always. On this episode, we meet Jessica Hopper, FINRA’s new Executive Vice President and Head of Enforcement, to hear what her team is doing today, and every day, to prevent investor harm and to maintain the integrity of our markets. Plus, we hear what keeps Jessica motivated to do what she does...
FINRA Enforcement: Protecting Investors and Markets in Good Times and Bad
May 12, 2020 11:30 - 25 minutes - 23.8 MBFINRA Enforcement works on the front lines of investor protection—not just now, as some look to take advantage of these uncertain time to defraud investors or manipulate the markets – but always. On this episode, we meet Jessica Hopper, FINRA’s new Executive Vice President and Head of Enforcement, to hear what her team is doing today, and every day, to prevent investor harm and to maintain the integrity of our markets. Plus, we hear what keeps Jessica motivated to do what she does. Resou...
Market Structure & COVID-19: Handling Increased Volatility and Volumes
April 28, 2020 11:30 - 28 minutes - 26 MBMarket volatility in recent weeks has surpassed anything else in history in terms of both the extremity and duration. Despite that, the so-called plumbing of U.S. financial markets has held up remarkably well—even with most market participants working from home. On this episode, we talk to FINRA’s Executive Vice President of Market Regulation and Transparency Services Tom Gira, who walks us through the evolution of our market structure that has contributed to this resilience and how FINRA ...
Securities Helpline for Seniors: Celebrating 5 Years of Senior Investor Protection
April 14, 2020 11:30 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MBWith about 10,000 Americans reaching 65 years old every day, FINRA is committed to the protection of senior investors and other vulnerable adults. That’s why FINRA launched the Securities Helpline for Seniors. Senior Helpline’s managers Brooke Hickman and Rob Mascio explain how the Helpline has developed not just as a resource for seniors, but as a resource for broker-dealers as well. On this episode, we celebrate the five-year anniversary of the Senior Helpline’s launch with a look at h...
Business in the Time of COVID-19: BCPs, Regulatory Relief & More
March 31, 2020 11:30 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MBThe new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 has rapidly changed the way U.S. broker-dealers must conduct business as states implement various shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders, forcing workers remote. The shift has a number of implications when it comes to business continuity plans, the security of firm’s networks and the ability to comply with various rules and requirements. On this episode, our first to be remotely recorded, we talk to FINRA’s Chief Legal Officer Bob Colby and Head...
The MAP Group: Gatekeeper to the Broker-Dealer Industry
March 17, 2020 11:30 - 23 minutes - 21.1 MBWant to be a broker-dealer firm and conduct securities transactions in the U.S.? First, the firm and individuals need to register with FINRA, and that means working with FINRA’s Membership Application Program (MAP) Group. The MAP Group is the gatekeeper to the broker-dealer industry. It works both to protect investors by ensuring would-be firms meet FINRA’s standards of admission and to help new and existing firms grow and evolve, ensuring a vibrant market for all. On this episode, we ta...
FINRA & CE Council: Enhancing Industry Continuing Education
March 03, 2020 12:30 - 25 minutes - 23.1 MBThe biggest change to the Continuing Education program in 25 years is underway. The CE Council, FINRA and other CE Council members are working together to improve continuing education for broker dealers with a number of proposed changes, including moving to an annual CE requirement, working to reduce duplication between the firm and regulatory elements of continuing education and providing those who leave the industry a means of maintaining their qualification. On this episode, we hear bo...