FINRA Archives

OBA and PST Rules Could Be Consolidated: What Does It Mean for the Industry?

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is considering a significant potential change in how it governs certain areas of conflicts of interest by consolidating its rules on Outside Business Activities (OBA) and Private Securities Transactions (PST). This proposal of FINRA Rule 3290 could bring much-needed clarity and efficiency to compliance processes for member firms. Current Landscape: OBA and PST Rules At present, OBAs and PSTs are governed separately under FINRA Rules 3270 and 3280. These rules outline how registered representatives must disclose and seek approval for activities and private securities transactions outside their primary roles with their member firms. While […]

RegEd to Showcase Compliance and Regulatory Technology Solutions at 2026 FINRA Annual Conference

RegEd, the leading provider of compliance and regulatory technology solutions for broker-dealers and financial services firms, today announced its participation in the FINRA Annual Conference, taking place May 12–14, 2026, in Washington, DC. RegEd will be exhibiting at booth #35, where attendees can explore the company’s latest innovations designed to modernize and streamline compliance operations. The FINRA Annual Conference is the industry’s premier event, bringing together regulators, compliance professionals, and financial services leaders to discuss today’s most pressing regulatory challenges and emerging trends. With over 30 sessions on trending topics, attendees gain practical guidance and insights across key areas such as regulatory compliance, […]

SEC Approves FINRA Rule 3220 Amendments: What Firms Need to Do Now

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has officially approved proposed amendments to FINRA Rule 3220 (Influencing or Rewarding Employees of Others), modernizing the long-standing Gifts Rule and introducing greater clarity, flexibility, and consistency across the industry. The amendments increase the annual gift limit, codify long-standing interpretive guidance, and formalize FINRA’s authority to grant exemptive relief. FINRA will announce the effective date in a Regulatory Notice. Why This Matters for Compliance Technology As the annual gift limit increases and supervisory expectations expand, firms will need stronger systems for tracking, aggregating, and documenting gift activity. Manual processes become more prone to risk under the new $300 […]

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 […]

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 […]

’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 […]

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 […]

Considering 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 […]

Streamline 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 […]

FINRA 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 […]

1 2 3 4

Posts navigation