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SEC Technical Amendment to Delegation of Authority Rules

The SEC has adopted a technical amendment to its delegation of authority rules. This amendment corrects an outdated cross-reference in the rules that delegate authority to the Commission's staff to grant certain exemptions from Rule 612 of Regulation NMS.

SEC Proposes Amending Small Business Definitions for Investment Companies and Advisers

The SEC has proposed amendments to the definitions of 'small business' and 'small organization' for investment companies and advisers under the Regulatory Flexibility Act. The proposal aims to increase asset-based thresholds and establish a mechanism for future inflation adjustments. Public comments are due by March 13, 2026.

FINRA Proposed Rule Change to Amend Communications with the Public Rule

FINRA has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend FINRA Rule 2210 concerning communications with the public. The amendment would permit members to project performance or provide targeted returns on investments, subject to specific conditions ensuring a sound basis for such projections.

CT Dept of Banking - Administrative Order for Banta, Meera, First Bank Mortgage

The Connecticut Department of Banking has added a new administrative order and settlement for Banta, Meera, and First Bank Mortgage, Inc. d/b/a Money Tree. The order, dated January 30, details the terms of the settlement.

RAM Payment LLC Consent Order filed 5th Feb

RAM Payment LLC Consent Order filed 5th Feb

Autofinder JPE, LLC Consent Order 2022-22162

Autofinder JPE, LLC Consent Order 2022-22162

ESMA Principles for Risk-Based Supervision

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its principles for risk-based supervision. These principles aim to foster a common and effective EU-wide supervisory culture and strengthen the EU single market by providing a structured framework for identifying, assessing, and addressing risks.

ESAs Joint Guidelines on ESG Stress Testing

The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) have published joint guidelines on integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks into supervisory stress tests for the banking and insurance sectors. These guidelines aim to establish common standards for ESG risk assessment methodologies across the EU financial system and will be subject to a 'comply or explain' procedure by National Competent Authorities.

ESMA Thematic Note on ESG Strategies Clarity

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a thematic note on ESG strategies, focusing on ESG integration and exclusions. The note aims to promote clarity in communications directed at retail investors and provides practical do's and don'ts to mitigate greenwashing risks.

ESMA, UK Regulators Sign MoU on DORA ICT Oversight

The European Supervisory Authorities (ESAs) and UK financial regulators (BoE, PRA, FCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation on overseeing critical ICT third-party service providers under DORA. This agreement facilitates information sharing and coordinated oversight activities.

FINRA Interpretive Letters on Rule Application

FINRA has published interpretive letters providing guidance on the application of specific FINRA rules under various circumstances. These letters clarify staff views on rules related to communications with the public, account transfers, and registration categories.

FINRA FAQs on Compliance, Advertising, AML, and Trade Reporting

FINRA has published a collection of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) covering various compliance topics, including customer assistance in investigations, 529 Savings Plans, accounts at other broker-dealers, advertising, alternative display facilities, anti-money laundering, arbitration, blue sheets, books and records, breakpoints, broker-dealer registration, recruitment disclosures, BrokerCheck, business continuity planning, and CRD.

FINRA Exemptive Letters List

FINRA has published a list of its exemptive letters, including those related to TRACE ATS Reporting, Municipal Securities, and Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). These letters provide guidance to industry professionals on FINRA's decision-making rationale for specific situations.

FINRA Proposes New Trade Reporting Facility Fees Rule

FINRA has proposed a new rule, FINRA Rule 7660B, to establish fees for FINRA members who do not use the FINRA/NYSE Trade Reporting Facility but purchase specified services. This proposal is open for public comment.

FINRA proposes rule changes for underwriting and private placements

FINRA has proposed rule changes to amend Rules 5110 and 5123 concerning underwriting terms and private placements. The proposed changes aim to clarify valuation methods for underwriting compensation, introduce new exemptions, and expand existing exemptions for certain investors.

FINRA Proposes New Outside Activities Rule, Deletes Old Ones

FINRA has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to adopt a new Rule 3290 concerning outside activities requirements for registered persons and to delete existing Rules 3270 and 3280. The proposed changes aim to enhance member review of activities with heightened risks while reducing unnecessary burdens.

FINRA Proposes Intraday Margin Standards Replacing Day Trading Rules

FINRA has proposed a rule change to replace its current day trading margin provisions with intraday margin standards. This proposal, SR-FINRA-2025-017, would amend FINRA Rule 4210 and eliminate existing day trading margin requirements. The SEC is currently reviewing the proposal.

FINRA proposes rule change on bona fide market making exception

FINRA has proposed a rule change (SR-FINRA-2025-016) to amend FINRA Rule 6830 concerning data reporting under the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT). The change aims to align reporting requirements with amendments to the CAT NMS Plan regarding the bona fide market making exception under SEC Regulation SHO.

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.