FINRA Implements Reforms to Arbitrator Selection Process

Posted on March 13th, 2024 at 9:34 AM
FINRA Implements Reforms to Arbitrator Selection Process

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) is rolling out reforms to its arbitration forum's panel selection process. The changes stem from recommendations made by an external law firm in December 2022, aiming to bolster fairness and transparency in the program, which handles the majority of industry and customer disputes.

As reported by AdvisorHub, the reforms formalize FINRA's existing arbitrator selection system, utilizing both algorithmic screening and manual conflict reviews before presenting a list of potential panelists to the parties involved. Additionally, the amendments mandate that a FINRA director must furnish a written explanation for any decision regarding a party's request to remove an arbitrator from the selection list, with such determinations required before the initial hearing session.

Furthermore, the revisions introduce provisions for streamlined single-arbitrator panels for cases involving damages under $50,000 and officially endorse virtual pre-hearing sessions. As reported by AdvisorHub, these changes received approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory, and disciplinary matters.

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next

I am grateful to have found an outstanding law firm that specializes in securities matters. My lawyers were extremely knowledgeable, diligent, and are skilled litigators. No stone was left upturned. As a result of their experience and tenacity, the arbitration proceeding was dismissed in my favor.

Michael E.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

March 4, 2026
Modern Fraud Schemes Escalate in Scale and Sophistication

A recent panel discussion at the Financial Services Institute OneVoice conference in San Diego highlighted how rapidly evolving fraud schemes continue to victimize both retail and wealthy investors.

March 3, 2026
FINRA Suspends Former Stifel Broker Over Costly Account Switching Trades

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) suspended a former Stifel, Nicolaus & Co.

March 2, 2026
FINRA Suspends Cetera Broker for Accepting $50,000 Client Bequest Without Firm Approval

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) imposed a $10,000 fine and a seven-month suspension on an independent broker for accepting a $50,000 bequest from a client without obtaining prior firm approval.