Tr?id=566623520170033&ev=PageView&noscript=1

New FINRA Rule Reining In Rogue Brokerages Becomes Effective

Posted on January 5th, 2022 at 1:47 PM
New FINRA Rule Reining In Rogue Brokerages Becomes Effective

From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law:

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) adopted a new rule in 2020 that is designed to rein in rogue brokerage firms. 

The new rule, which became effective on January 1, enables FINRA to impose additional capital obligations and other conditions on brokerage firms that employ a substantial number of advisors with disciplinary histories. Pursuant to the new rule, FINRA can mandate that a “restricted firm” deposit cash or qualified securities into a FINRA-controlled account. The deposited funds may be used to cover unpaid arbitration awards, according to FINRA. FINRA’s new rule was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in July 2020. 

FINRA annually will review whether a brokerage qualifies as a “restricted firm” primarily by analyzing the number of firm-level and individual-level regulatory disclosures. A “restricted firm” will also be given the opportunity to avoid the classification by voluntarily reducing its workforce and providing an explanation as to why the firm should not receive the designation. While it is not clear how many firms will receive the “restricted firm” classification, FINRA noted that the initial number would likely be small.

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

Tags: eccleston, eccleston law, finra

Return to Archive

TESTIMONIALS

Previous
Next
Quotes Bigger

This was the best of all possible outcomes and I cannot thank you and the team enough.

Michael S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1791996515 Law
October 14, 2026
FINRA Study Finds Advanced Investment Knowledge Does Not Eliminate Fraud Risk

Research using the FINRA Investor Education Foundation's 2024 National Financial Capability Study found that fewer than one in five investors with non-retirement investments demonstrate advanced investment literacy.

1791918358 Law
October 13, 2026
LPL Financial Faces Investor Claims Tied to Former Broker's Outside Activities

LPL Financial faces at least nine pending investor claims involving former El Paso, Texas broker Michael C.

1791818498 Law
October 12, 2026
SEC Targets Companies in Alleged $15 Million Social Media Investment Fraud Schemes

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has charged entities behind two alleged investment fraud schemes that raised more than $15 million from investors through WhatsApp, Facebook and other online platforms.