Our regulatory affairs team was onsite at the ARM Annual Educational Conference 2025 and gathered key insights from the sessions and discussions that took place. The conference brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the latest developments and best practices in regulatory affairs, focusing on compliance, registration processes, continuing education, and technological advancements. Here’s a look at some of the most important takeaways from the event.
Key Changes to FINRA Fees & MFA
In November 2024, FINRA approved new fee increases scheduled for 2026, which will impact all registration fees. This includes the introduction of a tiered fee structure based on the number of registrations held by each representative. These changes aim to support FINRA’s mission but will have significant implications for firms managing large volumes of registrations. This increase will also be followed by another fee adjustment in 2028, so firms should begin planning for these rising costs in the years ahead.
Another important topic was the Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) changes, which will take effect in July 2025. FINRA is retiring three older MFA options – phone calls, text messages, and fingerprint/Face ID – and introducing new options that require a smartphone or tablet, or the purchase of a security key. This shift aims to strengthen security protocols, making the registration process more robust.
Regulatory Review & Disclosure Best Practices
In line with FINRA’s ongoing efforts to improve transparency, the conference also highlighted several tools and resources designed to streamline the disclosure process. For example, FINRA is working on simplifying its Disclosure Letters, removing 20% of templates, and making them more concise. This is part of a larger Streamlining Initiative to ensure firms are not burdened with unnecessary paperwork while also adding specificity to disclosure requests.
A particularly important development is the introduction of Disclosure Letter Notifications in FinPro, set to be available to representatives in Q3 2025. This will allow reps to receive notifications directly in the system, improving communication and ensuring that firms can address potential issues more promptly. Another best practice tip shared at the conference was to fingerprint before filing a U4. This helps identify any potential statutory disqualification or unreported disclosure matters, potentially saving both time and late filing fees.
Continuing Education and Qualifications Updates
Continuing Education (CE) remains a core focus of the conference, with updates on FINRA Rule 1240 and its ongoing development. The Regulatory Element aims to ensure that industry professionals stay up to date with new regulations, while the Firm Element allows firms to tailor their training programs based on their unique needs.
New for 2026, FINRA will update registration groupings to further enhance the relevance of CE requirements. Additionally, the conference highlighted a growing trend of firms using automated CE notifications and early deadlines, which is making it easier for firms to monitor CE obligations and stay in compliance.
State Regulatory Updates and Expungement Challenges
NASAA (North American Securities Administrators Association) also shared key insights into the regulatory landscape at the state level. One of the most pressing issues discussed was the ongoing expungement process, particularly the challenges associated with it. As markets rise and fall, bad behavior can sometimes be obscured, leading to more arbitration and litigation. Each state has its own approach to expungement, with some opting for more involvement in the process while others maintain a hands-off approach. These variations make it important for firms to stay aware of state-specific regulations and practices.
Conclusion
The ARM Annual Conference 2025 provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of regulatory affairs and compliance. From technological advancements to state-specific regulatory updates, the conference highlighted the need for firms to stay ahead of changes and invest in systems that streamline processes. As the industry continues to evolve, these updates will play a crucial role in ensuring that registration, disclosure, and continuing education remain effective and efficient.
For more information on the topics discussed, be sure to visit FINRA’s website for the latest updates on regulatory changes and NASAA’s resources for state-specific guidance.
How RegEd Can Help
RegEd provides comprehensive compliance solutions designed to keep firms ahead of evolving regulatory landscapes. Our expertise and tailored solutions help navigate complex regulatory changes, ensuring firms maintain compliance efficiently. To explore how RegEd can support your firm’s specific needs, schedule a personalized consultation with one of our solution experts here.
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