Information Notice FINRA – 3/26/20

Summary:

As work processes adjust in response to COVID-19, firms and their associated persons should take appropriate measures to address increased vulnerability to cybersecurity attacks and to protect customer and firm data on firm and home networks, as well as devices.

This alert provides firms and associated persons with measures they may use to help strengthen their cybersecurity controls in areas where risks may increase in the current environment. In particular, FINRA understands the resource challenges that small firms may face, but hopes that the information included below may help them address possible cybersecurity issues associated with remote work.

However, this alert does not provide an exhaustive list of steps that firms and associated persons should consider. Further, the alert is not intended to express any legal position, and does not create any new legal requirements or change any existing regulatory obligations.

FINRA is committed to providing guidance, updates and other information to help stakeholders stay informed about the latest developments on FINRA’s COVID-19/Coronavirus Topic Page. New information will be posted on that webpage as it becomes available.

Questions concerning this Notice should be directed to:

Dave Kelley, Director, Member Supervision Specialist Programs, at (816) 802-4729.

View Full Notice Here:

FINRA announced the below information:

FINRA recognizes the current economic turbulence the spread of COVID-19 has caused small firms, in particular. With that in mind, we are providing temporary relief for small firms with respect to 2020 Gross Income Statements and Personal Assessments (Annual Assessments).

Generally, payment of Annual Assessments is due in full within 30 days of receipt or in four quarterly installments. In 2020, FINRA is permitting small firms—identified under the FINRA By-Laws as having no more than 150 registered persons—to treat 2020 Annual Assessments as billed as of August 1, 2020, rather than as due upon receipt in April. Further, small firms that choose to do so will be allowed to pay 50 percent of the amount due on September 1, 2020, and the remaining 50 percent on December 1, 2020. If a small firm does not submit payment within 30 days of receipt, FINRA will assume the firm has chosen to make payment to FINRA via the two September 1 and December 1 installments. In addition, small firms that exit FINRA membership before September 1, 2020, will not be expected to pay the Annual Assessment for this year.

Please review the related FAQ on FINRA’s COVID-19 page for more information, including guidance on how small firms should treat the deferred payments for net capital purposes.