Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

Laws & Regulations High Relevance

A self-regulatory organization (SRO) that regulates broker-dealers and their registered representatives through examination, enforcement, and rule-making authority. Operates under SEC oversight. Does NOT regulate investment advisers or registered investment advisers (RIAs). Administers qualification exams including Series 6, 7, 63, and 65.

Example

A stockbroker at a national brokerage firm must register with FINRA, pass the Series 7 exam, and comply with FINRA continuing education requirements. However, if the same firm also has an investment advisory division, those IARs register with the SEC or state, not FINRA.

Common Confusion

Students often incorrectly assume FINRA regulates all financial professionals. FINRA ONLY regulates broker-dealers and their representatives. Investment advisers and IARs are regulated by the SEC (federal covered) or state securities regulators, not FINRA. Dual registrants must comply with both regulatory frameworks.

How This Is Tested

  • Distinguishing which financial professionals fall under FINRA jurisdiction versus SEC/state jurisdiction
  • Identifying FINRA as a self-regulatory organization (SRO) operating under SEC oversight
  • Recognizing FINRA's role in administering broker-dealer qualification exams (Series 6, 7, 63, etc.)
  • Understanding FINRA's enforcement and disciplinary authority over broker-dealers
  • Differentiating between FINRA rules for broker-dealers and SEC/state rules for investment advisers

Regulatory Limits

Description Limit Notes
FINRA registration requirement All broker-dealers operating in the US Does NOT include investment advisers or RIAs
Examination authority Broker-dealer firms and registered representatives Can conduct on-site examinations and audits
Disciplinary authority Fines, suspensions, and expulsions from the industry For violations of FINRA rules or securities laws

Example Exam Questions

Test your understanding with these practice questions. Select an answer to see the explanation.

Question 1

Jennifer recently started working at a financial services firm. She provides investment advice to clients for a fee and has discretionary authority over client accounts. Her firm is registered as an RIA with the SEC. Which statement about Jennifer's registration requirements is accurate?

Question 2

Which of the following entities does FINRA directly regulate?

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Question 3

A financial professional works at a dual-registered firm that operates both as a broker-dealer and an RIA. The professional spends 60% of their time executing securities transactions for clients (broker-dealer activity) and 40% providing fee-based investment advice (investment adviser activity). Which registration(s) and examination(s) are required?

Question 4

All of the following statements about FINRA are accurate EXCEPT

Question 5

FINRA is conducting a routine examination of a broker-dealer firm. Which of the following activities fall within FINRA's regulatory authority?

1. Examining the firm's books and records related to securities transactions
2. Reviewing the firm's compliance with fiduciary duty standards for investment advisers
3. Investigating customer complaints about unsuitable securities recommendations
4. Enforcing continuing education requirements for the firm's registered representatives

πŸ’‘ Memory Aid

Think of FINRA as the "Stock Trading Police": FINRA patrols broker-dealers who BUY and SELL securities (the trading floor). Investment advisers who just give advice? Different jurisdictionβ€”that's SEC/state territory, not FINRA's beat!

Related Concepts

This term is part of this cluster:

Where This Appears on the Exam

This term is tested in the following Series 65 exam topics:

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