US Federal

FINRA Amends Annual Reports Extension Policy

FINRA has amended its Annual Reports Extension of Time Request Policy, updating the information required from firms and their auditors. The updated policy, effective December 29, 2025, streamlines the extension process by modifying auditor representation requirements and shifting certain representations to the firm's Principal Financial Officer.

FINRA Final Statements for Broker-Dealers and Investment Advisers

FINRA has made Final Statements available for broker-dealers and investment adviser firms regarding renewal fees for 2026. Firms must review their statements, reconcile any discrepancies, and remit additional payments by January 23, 2026.

FINRA Seeks Comment on Rule Revisions for Investor Protection

FINRA is seeking public comment on proposed rule revisions aimed at enhancing member firms' ability to protect senior investors from financial exploitation and all investors from fraud. The proposed amendments focus on customer account information and temporary delays for suspected fraud, with a comment deadline of March 9, 2026.

FINRA Trade Reporting Enhancements for Fractional Share Transactions

FINRA is reminding firms of upcoming trade reporting enhancements for fractional share transactions, effective February 23, 2026. Members will be required to report fractional share quantities up to six digits after the decimal in a new field.

FINRA Guidance on Negative Consent for Bulk Customer Account Transfers

FINRA has issued guidance to reduce burdens for broker-dealers regarding the use of negative consent for bulk customer account transfers. This notice eliminates the requirement for firms to submit draft letters to FINRA for review and approval, consolidating existing guidance and providing effective practices.

FTC Sending $22.8 Million to Consumers for Deceptive Real Estate Schemes

The FTC is returning nearly $23 million to 1,659 consumers who were defrauded by deceptive real estate schemes, specifically Sanctuary Belize and Kanantik. This second distribution includes checks averaging $16,462 for Sanctuary Belize investors and $6,346.39 for Kanantik investors.

FTC Settlement with Express Scripts to Lower Drug Costs

The FTC has secured a settlement with Express Scripts, Inc. (ESI), a major pharmacy benefit manager, requiring significant changes to its business practices. These changes are projected to lower drug costs for patients by up to $7 billion over 10 years and increase revenue for community pharmacies.

FTC ANPRM on Rental Housing Fees Submitted to OMB

The FTC has submitted a draft Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) concerning fees in the rental housing market to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This action signals the agency's intent to potentially create new rules to address deceptive or unfair fees charged to renters.

FTC Draft Rulemaking on Negative Option Plans Submitted for Review

The FTC has submitted a draft Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) concerning its Negative Option Rule to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This action indicates the agency is considering potential revisions or new regulations related to negative option plans, which are common in subscription services.

FTC Warns 42 Law Firms on Anticompetitive DEI Hiring Practices

The FTC has issued warning letters to 42 law firms regarding potentially anticompetitive employment practices related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring. The firms, which participated in the Mansfield Certification program, are cautioned that coordinating on candidate pools or sharing pay information may violate antitrust laws.