Regulatory Notice 19-31

Summary:

This Notice responds to questions that FINRA has received from members about how they can comply with FINRA rules when communicating with customers—particularly when using websites, email and other electronic media—while ensuring fair and balanced presentations. Our goal is to facilitate simplified and more effective disclosure in communications with the public.

FINRA welcomes the opportunity to consult with members about expanding their use of alternative and innovative design techniques—such as technology that offers customized information—in their marketing communications to help investors better understand their products and services. We are interested in ways that members can make communications more interesting and informative and how, together, we can improve the effectiveness of disclosure. Firms are encouraged to contact the Advertising Regulation Department directly at (240) 386-4500 to discuss these approaches.

Questions concerning this Notice should be directed to:

• Joseph E. Price, Senior Vice President, Corporate Financing/Advertising Regulation, at (240) 386-4623;
• Thomas A. Pappas, Vice President, Advertising Regulation, at (240) 386-4553; or
• Amy C. Sochard, Senior Director, Advertising Regulation, at (240) 386-4508.

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David A. Greene, the former head of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority in Los Angeles, replaces Brian A. Stern, who will be leaving the company at the end of the year.

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Nomination Deadline: October 4, 2019

Summary:

The purpose of this Notice is to inform small FINRA member firms¹ of the upcoming Small Firm Advisory Committee (SFAC) election. One seat on the SFAC is up for election, representing the New York region.

The SFAC provides guidance to FINRA staff, particularly regarding the potential impact of proposed regulatory initiatives on FINRA’s small firm members. The SFAC meets four times a year, primarily in Washington, DC, prior to FINRA Board of Governors (FINRA Board) meetings. Potential candidates should ensure that their other commitments will allow for their participation in all SFAC meetings.

Any eligible candidate wishing to have his or her name included on the ballot must submit the relevant information via the candidate profile form to the Corporate Secretary of FINRA by Friday, October 4, 2019. The candidate profile form is available online. 

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