FINRA’s 2026 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report: Key Insights for Compliance Programs

Executive Summary The FINRA 2026 Annual Regulatory Oversight Report provides essential guidance for firms to strengthen compliance and supervisory practices. The 2026 edition introduces new content and adds to existing sections: there is a new dedicated section for “GenAI: Continuing and Emerging Trends,” and callout boxes highlight other key areas such as cybersecurity threats, AML and other frauds, and technology management. Regarding Generative AI, FINRA warns that its use — whether in-house or via third-party vendors, introduces new compliance challenges: e.g., data privacy, transparency, auditability, “hallucinations” and potential misuse. The report reaffirms that firms cannot outsource their regulatory obligations, including […]

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SEC Issues New Risk Alert on Adviser Marketing Rule Compliance: What Firms Need to Know 

On December 16, 2025, the SEC’s Division of Examinations released a new Risk Alert, “Additional Observations Regarding Advisers’ Compliance with the Advisers Act Marketing Rule,” offering fresh insight into how investment advisers are struggling to meet the rule’s requirements – particularly when using testimonials, endorsements, and third-party ratings.  The Risk Alert builds on prior guidance and reflects deficiencies identified during recent examinations. The SEC’s message is consistent and direct: Marketing Rule compliance remains an examination priority, and advisers should reassess not only their disclosures, but also the policies, procedures, and oversight frameworks that support their marketing activities.  Key Observations: Testimonials and Endorsements  While the Marketing Rule […]

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2025 Year-End Review: Adjuster Licensing Updates and What to Expect in 2026 

As 2025 draws to a close, I’ve seen firsthand just how much the adjuster licensing landscape has evolved this year. In our recent RegEd webinar, Michael Pouliot, our EVP of Sales, and I walked through the most impactful regulatory changes and discussed what compliance professionals should be preparing for as we head into 2026. From emerging state requirements to new best practices for navigating multi-state adjuster licensing, here’s my perspective on what you need to know.  The Growing Complexity of Adjuster Licensing  Managing adjuster licensing has never been more challenging. According to RegEd’s recent industry survey, the top pain points for compliance teams include navigating differing state […]

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’Tis the Season… for Compliance: How to Stay One Gift Away from a FINRA Rule 3220 Violation 

The holidays bring an uptick in generosity – festive gatherings, year-end celebrations, and of course, the tradition of gift giving. But for financial services firms, this season of goodwill can also usher in heightened compliance risk. A single misstep in gifts and gratuities could push firms from “one gift away” to violating FINRA Rule 3220.  Fortunately, this risk is entirely preventable. By pairing modern compliance technology with clear policies and strong governance, firms can confidently navigate year-end gifting without fear of financial penalties, sanctions, or damage to client trust.  Complying with FINRA Rule 3220 is challenging in the best of times – and even more so during a season marked by increased […]

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RegEd’s Advertising Compliance Solution Surpasses 8 Million Submissions 

Through continuous innovation and AI-powered automation, the solution continues to set the standard for marketing and advertising compliance in the financial services industry  RegEd, a leading provider of compliance solutions for financial services firms, has reached a major new milestone: Enterprise Advertising Review has now surpassed 8 million submissions, representing more than 15 million review decisions and nearly 17 million submitted review items. This achievement underscores RegEd’s unmatched ability to streamline advertising compliance at scale, powered by advanced technology and AI-driven automation.  The solution’s continued high-growth adoption reflects RegEd’s commitment to exceeding the evolving needs of the financial services industry, from mid-sized firms to enterprise organizations with the highest submission volumes. Today, RegEd’s solution serves six of the […]

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Elevating Oversight: Tracking Conditions for High-Risk Outside Business Activities

The financial industry is facing a shift in how firms manage and monitor Outside Business Activities (OBAs), especially in light of the proposed consolidation of FINRA’s OBA and PST (Private Securities Transactions) rules. While much has been discussed about the structural and supervisory changes this consolidation may bring, one aspect that’s been less explored, but is drawing increasing scrutiny, is the monitoring of conditions placed on approved OBAs. Conditional Approvals: A Growing Focus of FINRA Inquiries  Anecdotal evidence suggests that FINRA is beginning to ask firms a pointed question: If you approve an OBA with conditions, how are you ensuring […]

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Key Takeaways from the 2025 NSCP National Conference 

AI Governance, Conflict Management, Marketing Compliance & the Next Era of Supervision  The 2025 NSCP National Conference made one thing clear: the regulatory landscape isn’t simply evolving – it is accelerating. Compliance leaders across the industry gathered to discuss how rapid advances in technology, including artificial intelligence, are reshaping business operations, regulatory expectations, and the core workflows of modern compliance teams.  Where past years focused on adoption and awareness, this year shifted decisively toward execution, governance, and demonstrable controls in place to ensure compliance, such as ‘human in the loop’ for AI. Regulators now expect firms to not only use […]

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RegEd Introduces Eddie: The New Face of Its Ongoing Innovation in AI and Advanced Automation for Compliance and Producer Management 

Already at work across the RegEd platform, Eddie brings together automation and applied AI to streamline compliance, reduce risk and accelerate speed to market.  RegEd today introduced Eddie, a virtual compliance assistant and personification of the company’s current and future innovation in AI and automation. As compliance requirements grow more complex and interconnected, firms are seeking better ways to streamline operations, reduce risk and improve oversight. Eddie brings together a growing set of intelligent capabilities that are already reshaping how firms manage compliance and producer operations. By weaving intelligence and automation into everyday workflows, from licensing and onboarding to advertising […]

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Year-End Reminder: Ensure IAR CE Compliance Before the CRD/IARD Renewal Shutdown

As the calendar year draws to a close, it’s essential for Investment Adviser Representatives (IARs) and their firms to take a proactive approach toward meeting continuing education (CE) obligations. With the annual FINRA CRD/IARD Renewal Shutdown scheduled to begin on December 26, 2025, and more states than ever enforcing IAR CE requirements – including Illinois, which goes live in 2026 – compliance teams face growing complexity and shrinking timelines to ensure every IAR remains in good standing.  Failing to complete CE requirements before the shutdown can trigger serious consequences – from administrative terminations and client reassignments to lost compensation eligibility […]

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RegEd to Exhibit Enterprise Compliance Solutions at 2025 NSCP National Conference 

The industry leader will highlight AI innovation and a comprehensive suite of compliance solutions for financial services firms RegEd, the leading provider of regulatory technology solutions to the financial services industry, is a proud Platinum Member Ally and exhibitor of the 2025 National Society of Compliance Professionals (NSCP) National Conference, taking place October 26-29 in Orlando, FL. Visit RegEd at Demo Stand #11 in the main exhibit hall to connect with the team and experience hands-on demonstrations of the company’s industry-leading solutions.  The annual NSCP National Conference is recognized as one of the most comprehensive educational offerings for compliance professionals […]

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