According to FINRA’s public statements, one of its top priorities is enforcement of its rules, as well as the federal securities laws. FINRA investigates activity which is believes may indicate a securities law violation, and files disciplinary proceedings against firms and their associated persons to address such violations.
A FINRA investigation, which typically starts with a request for documents and information (an “8210 Request”) and often for an On the Record Interview (“OTR”) is a significant event. FINRA Enforcement has the authority to fine, suspend or bar brokers and firms. FINRA also has the ability to work with law enforcement which can lead to criminal charges
FINRA’s investigations arise from many sources, including U-5 filings, routine firm examinations, customer complaints, anonymous tips, and referrals from other regulators.
If you receive a FINRA Document Request, or are called into a FINRA OTR, you need to be represented by an experienced securities attorney. Your livelihood may be at stake.
For additional information, read
How Do I Respond to a Wells Notice
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Introductions and Primers
- FINRA Broker Check
- Understanding What is a Security?
- Hearing Hearing
- Can The SEC Bring Criminal Charges?
- What is Securities Arbitration?
- Attorney for Broker Transitions – The Recruiting Protocol
- 9 Proven Strategies for Defending an SEC Investigation
- Defending FINRA Investigations
- Introduction to SEC Investigations
- The Firm’s Lawyer or Your Own Lawyer?
- Federal Securities Law, a Securities Lawyer Guide
- What is Securities Law?
- Responding to a Wells Notice
- Cryptocurrency – An Introduction
- SEC Subpoena, FINRA OTR – What do I do?
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Mark Astarita, a partner in the national securities law firm of Sallah Astarita & Cox, represents broker and firms across the country in FINRA investigations and disciplinary proceedings. To see how he can help you with a FINRA issue, email him or call his office at 212-509-6544.
Mark Astarita is a nationally recognized securities attorney, who represents investors, financial professionals and firms in securities litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters, including SEC and FINRA investigations and enforcement proceedings.
He is a partner in the national securities law firm Sallah Astarita & Cox, LLC, and the founder of The Securities Law Home Page - SECLaw.com, which was one of the first legal topic sites on the Internet. It went online in 1995 and is updated daily with news, commentary and securities law related links.