FINRA Unscripted

This episode originally aired in March 2022. Detecting and deterring fraud and insider trading is at the core of FINRA's mission of investor protection and market integrity. On this episode, the head of FINRA's Market Investigations team joins us once again to talk about the latest trends and patterns in FINRA's fraud and insider trading investigations, including some stories about some of the craziest and most interesting cases of the past few years.

The FINRA Institute at Georgetown Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional Program is designed to give compliance, legal and regulatory professionals an in-depth understanding of the foundation, theory and practical application of securities laws and regulation. On this episode, we hear from the CRCP Program's Academic Director and FINRA Program Leader about what makes a CRCP Program a must for FINRA member firms and their high-performing compliance staff.

The market for crypto assets has seen continued growth and firms are looking for ways to get involved in the digital asset space. So far, about two dozen firms have been approved by FINRA to provide services in securities backed by digital assets. And more firms are looking to follow in their footsteps. On this episode, we hear about some common sticking points in these new and continuing member applications and how FINRA is working to support innovation while protecting investors in this dynamic environment.

Dr. Cesar Escalante’s pioneering research into racial and gender biases in agricultural lending helped earned him the 2022 Ketchum Prize, the FINRA Foundation’s highest honor. On this episode, hear from Dr. Escalante about his research, his dedication to mentorship and more.

A few new deadlines from the ongoing securities industry Continuing Education Transformation are right around the corner. On this episode, we hear how the Maintaining Qualifications Program is progressing and what firms can expect in with regard to changes to the Continuing Education Regulatory Element in the months ahead.

When it comes to bringing enforcement actions against individual brokers, there is a lot to consider, especially when the sanctions can be life altering for the individual in question. On this episode, we hear what makes cases against individual brokers different from those brought against firms and all the considerations involved.

Member Supervision, Market Regulation and Transparency Services and Enforcement. These three teams together make up Regulatory Operations or Reg Ops, which is at the very core of FINRA's efforts to protect investors and ensure fair and efficient markets for all. On this episode, we hear from the heads of all three groups about how they are working together to increase coordination and to ensure integrated oversight, to be able to better anticipate and address risks.

The new Complex Investigations and Intelligence (CII) team and Cyber and Analytics Unit (CAU) are driving a shift in terms of how Member Supervision’s National Cause and Financial Crimes Detection Program comes at its work and leverages intelligence and analytics to drive decision making and operations. On this episode, we hear how these changes will help FINRA better deliver on its mission of investor protection, market integrity.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many facets of American life but did not derail a trend toward increasing financial capability. Still, not all Americans are benefiting equally from improvements in financial wellbeing, according to the new FINRA Foundation Financial Capability Study. On this episode we delve into the latest results of this nationwide, triennial study.

This episode originally aired in November 2021. Transparency plays a central role in promoting the fairness and efficiency of U.S. markets, lowering transaction costs, leveling the playing field and enhancing public trust in our markets. And the data market transparency provides serves as the lifeblood of FINRA's surveillance program. On this episode, we hear about FINRA's historical commitment to market transparency and how it has impacted FINRA's regulatory regime.

We are marking the second anniversary of the implementation of Regulation Best Interest and Form CRS with a deep dive into everything FINRA has learned on the topic over the last two years. On this episode, we hear how FINRA is examining around the new regulations and explore some of the common problem areas and effective practices.

Juneteenth is a day to celebrate, but it's also a day to reflect upon the hardships that African Americans endured and the forces that continue to undermine the freedoms of Black Americans. On this episode, we invite you to join us in this reflection as we explore what FINRA has been doing to build a better future.

Money laundering looks different in the securities industry and that poses its own challenges. Add to that a landscape of constantly evolving threats and it is a lot to keep up with. On this episode, we hear about emerging threats and how firms can ensure their AML program remains strong and effective.

The FINRA Annual Conference is packed full of panels with information on all the latest compliance trends and emerging regulatory issues. On today's episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of the opening plenary session of the 2022 event, a conversation between FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook and the chair of the FINRA Board of Governors, Eileen Murray.

Every year, millions of seniors become victims of financial exploitation, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. That’s why FINRA worked to update Rule 4512 and implement Rule 2165 to help broker-dealer firms and their representatives protect their senior and other vulnerable adult customers. On this episode, we learn more.