What does FINRA do?

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) writes and enforces rules that govern registered brokers and broker-dealer firms in the United States. FINRA also administers the qualifying exams for securities professionals. FINRA provides resources, such as BrokerCheck, that help to protect investors.

What is the financial industry regulatory authority (FINRA)?

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is an independent, nongovernmental organization that writes and enforces the rules governing registered brokers and broker-dealer firms in the United States.

Who must be registered with FINRA?

Both firms and individuals must be registered with FINRA to conduct securities transactions and business with the investing public. Firms must meet certain membership standards to attain registration.

Is FINRA a self-regulatory agency?

FINRA also administers the qualifying exams for securities professionals. FINRA provides resources, such as BrokerCheck, that help to protect investors. The general criticism of all self-regulatory agencies, including FINRA, is that they do just enough to maintain the public's trust.