On Jan. 4, 2017, FINRA released its 12th annual Regulatory and Examination Priorities Letter in which it identifies its areas of examination focus for 2017, recurring challenges faced by firms, and possible risks impacting the financial sector. FINRA’s 2017 exam priorities do not appear to be revolutionary or new relative to its pronouncements during the past several years. For example, FINRA will continue its focus on interest sensitive securities, “high risk” brokers, senior investors, and management of cyber-security risks. Other areas of examination focus, such as sales practices surrounding complex investment products, financial controls, and order routing practices, appear to be new for 2017.
To learn more, please see GT Alert “FINRA’s 2017 Annual Regulatory and Examination Priorities .”