Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is a private, non-governmental organization that acts as the primary self-regulatory body for the U.S. securities industry. It oversees broker-dealers, registered representatives, and certain aspects of investment advisor firms.

FINRA works alongside the SEC to ensure fair financial markets and investor protection through

• writing and enforcing rules for ethical business practices;
• examining financial firms for compliance;
• providing investor education and protection tools;
• administering licensing exams and maintaining the Central Registration Depository;
• monitoring trading activities to detect and prevent market manipulation; and
• enforcing disciplinary actions against rule violators, including fines, suspensions, and industry bars.