FINRA Internal Review Once a possible rule proposal is identified, the FINRA subject matter experts research and develop the proposal and present it to FINRA management for review. In addition, FINRA staff works closely with FINRA's Office of the Chief Economist and other FINRA departments to assess the economic impact of potential rulemakings.  The assessment helps to ensure that FINRA's rules are better designed to protect the investing public and maintain market integrity while minimizing unnecessary burdens.    Presentation to FINRA Committees FINRA staff typically presents the rule proposal (or an idea for a rule proposal) to various FINRA Advisory and District Committees.  It may also present the proposal to the NAC for review and input.  The SFAC and the Large Firm Advisory Committee review rule proposals before they are submitted to the FINRA Board for approval.   Submission to FINRA Board FINRA staff prepares an “Action Item” for...

Most people carry debt in one form or another, and you are probably one of them. Your debts, also called liabilities, can include the mortgage on your home, loans for automobiles or education expenses and, of course, credit card balances. Virtually all of these debts come with an obligation to pay monthly interest on the balance you still owe. As you prepare to invest, take stock of your current debts and try to pay them down. The less money you put towards paying off outstanding debts and interest charges, the more you will have to save and invest for your future. 

If you use a credit card to make purchases, you should know that they have advantages and disadvantages. If you spend within your means and pay off your balance on time—and in full—each month, credit cards can serve as a safe and convenient substitute for cash. And there is the added bonus that they can help you establish and maintain a solid credit history. But if you use them to...

Arbitration and mediation are two distinct ways of resolving securities and employment disputes between and among investors, brokerage firms and individual brokers, and offer a prompt and inexpensive way of resolving issues.

Investors can file an arbitration claim or request mediation through FINRA when they have a dispute involving the business activities of a brokerage firm or one if its brokers. To be considered, the alleged act resulting in a claim must have taken place within the past six years.

Dispute Resolution is not the same as filing an investor complaint. Some investors are confused about the differences between resolving monetary disputes through arbitration or mediation, and filing an investor complaint. These are unrelated. If you want to make FINRA aware of any potentially fraudulent or suspicious activities by brokerage firms or brokers, then the best course of action is to use FINRA's Investor Complaint Center.

However, if you want to...