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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FINRA
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 […]
Continue readingMore Tag’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 […]
Continue readingMore TagElevating 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 […]
Continue readingMore TagConsidering Joining FINRA’s Remote Inspections Pilot Program? Here’s How RegEd Can Help
If your firm is evaluating whether to opt into Pilot Year 3 of FINRA’s Remote Inspections Pilot Program, there’s a lot to weigh – and a compelling case for leveraging a specialized audit management solution. Established under FINRA Rule 3110.18, which took effect July 1, 2024, the program is a voluntary, multi-year initiative (running through June 30, 2027) that permits eligible firms to conduct required inspections remotely, under defined conditions, instead of through traditional on-site visits. Firms that do not enroll must continue to meet Rule 3110(c) obligations with in-person inspections. Participation in the pilot requires documented risk assessments, updated […]
Continue readingMore TagStreamline Your Annual Registration Renewal Process
Every year, financial services firms face the same critical challenge: ensuring that broker-dealer and investment adviser registrations are renewed accurately, on time, and in compliance with FINRA requirements. The stakes are higher than ever. FINRA’s 2025 BD and IA Renewal Programs highlight that errors or delays in this process aren’t just administrative headaches – they carry real financial risk, regulatory exposure, and operational strain. Manual processes for managing renewals – spreadsheets, emails, and repeated follow-ups – leave room for costly mistakes. A missed registration or incorrect submission can result in unnecessary fee payments, delayed licensing for representatives, and potential compliance […]
Continue readingMore TagFINRA Proposes Key Update to Gift Limits in Rule 3220: What Financial Professionals Need to Know
FINRA has submitted proposed amendments to Rule 3220 (Influencing or Rewarding Employees of Others) that could impact your business development and client engagement practices. These changes modernize longstanding limitations on gifts and gratuities, aiming for clarity, increased flexibility, and better alignment with current business realities. Here’s what financial professionals need to know about the proposed changes: Increased Gift Limit: $250 per Recipient, per Year The cornerstone change is an increase in the annual gift limit from $100 to $250 per recipient, per year. This better aligns with inflation and evolving industry standards. This update reflects the Board of Governors’ recommendation […]
Continue readingMore TagKey Takeaways from the FINRA 2025 Annual Conference: Embracing Change and Innovation in Financial Regulation
The FINRA 2025 Annual Conference provided a comprehensive look into the evolving landscape of financial regulation and the ongoing efforts to enhance market integrity, investor protection, and operational efficiency. Several RegEd subject matter experts, including members of our regulatory affairs team, were in attendance, and they made note of these key takeaways from the event. As the financial services industry faces new challenges and opportunities, key discussions from this year’s conference focused on modernizing regulatory practices, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and leveraging innovative technologies like AI. Here are the major insights and takeaways from the event: 1. Modernizing Regulation: Adapting to […]
Continue readingMore TagRegEd Advances Next-Generation AI Capabilities of Its Industry-Leading Advertising Compliance Review Solution
Version 3.0 of RegEd’s proprietary AI model sets a new industry standard for accuracy, security, and innovation in compliance technology RegEd, the leading provider of compliance solutions for the financial services industry, today announced the release of Version 3.0 of the proprietary AI model that powers its Advertising Review solution. This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of RegEd’s Submission Intelligence suite of capabilities and underscores the company’s leadership in enterprise-grade, AI-enabled compliance technology. Less than a year after being the first to deliver enterprise-ready AI for advertising compliance, RegEd has introduced its third-generation model, setting a new benchmark […]
Continue readingMore TagRegEd to Showcase Enterprise Compliance Solutions at 2025 FINRA Annual Conference
Attendees Will Gain Insight Into the Future of Compliance Technology at the Industry’s Premier Regulatory Event RegEd, the leading provider of compliance and regulatory technology solutions for broker-dealers and financial services firms, is pleased to announce its participation in the 2025 FINRA Annual Conference, taking place May 13–15 in Washington, DC. RegEd will exhibit at kiosk #35 in the exhibit hall and host a client reception on Monday, May 12. The FINRA Annual Conference is a cornerstone event for compliance professionals, offering critical updates on regulatory developments and the opportunity to engage directly with FINRA leaders, industry peers, and solution […]
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