FINRA: Small Firms Will Be Permitted To Spread Out Payment of the Annual Assessment

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.