According to FINRA’s public statements, one of its top priorities is enforcing its rules and federal securities laws. FINRA investigates activity that it believes may indicate a securities law violation and files disciplinary proceedings against firms and their associated persons to address such violations.
A FINRA investigation, which typically starts with a request for documents and information (an “8210 Request”) and often for an On the Record Interview (“OTR”) is a significant event. FINRA Enforcement can fine, suspend, or bar brokers and firms. FINRA also can work with law enforcement, which can lead to criminal charges
FINRA’s investigations arise from many sources, including U-5 filings, routine firm examinations, customer complaints, anonymous tips, and referrals from other regulators.
If you receive a FINRA Document Request or are called into a FINRA OTR, you must be represented by an experienced securities attorney. Your livelihood may be at stake.
For additional information, read
How Do I Respond to a Wells Notice
Related Articles
- Securities Enforcement Roundup – January 2026
- Insider Trading Lawyer & Compliance Defense
- SEC Subpoenas – Tips for Responding – 2025
- Everyone Does It Defense Falls Short
- Brokers Can Win Promissory Note Cases
- FINRA, States enact new rules to fight elder abuse
- Five-Year Statute Applies to Claims for Disgorgement
- Rule 8210 – How You Respond Makes a Difference
- Can I Take My Client Information When I Leave My Firm?
- UBS Ordered to Pay Broker $1.6 Million
- SEC Provides Regulatory Relief to Market Participants Affected by COVID-19
- Lessons in Zoom meeting safety: Useful tips for advisors and clients during the coronavirus pandemic
- Interactive Brokers With Failing to File Suspicious Activity Reports
- Court Orders Uber to Classify Drivers as Employees
- Expungement Rules Changing
Introductions and Primers
- Hearing Hearing
- Can I Take My Client Information When I Leave My Firm?
- Can The SEC Bring Criminal Charges?
- What is a Security?
- What is Securities Arbitration?
- What is a Ponzi Scheme
- Responding Effectively to FINRA Rule 8210 Requests: Key Strategies and Why Legal Support Matters
- 9 Proven Strategies for Defending an SEC Investigation
- How SEC Investigations Work: Process, Defense Strategies & Legal Guidance
- Should Brokers and Firms Share a Lawyer?
- Attorney for Broker Transitions – The Recruiting Protocol
- SEC & FINRA Investigations: Legal Guidance You Need
- What Happens If I Ignore an SEC Subpoena?
- Federal Securities Law, a Securities Lawyer Guide
- Finders Explained – Be Careful
—
Mark Astarita, a partner in the national securities law firm of Sallah Astarita & Cox, represents broker and firms across the country in FINRA investigations and disciplinary proceedings. To see how he can help you with a FINRA issue, email him or call his office at 212-509-6544.
Last updated on August 16th, 2024
Mark Astarita is a nationally recognized securities attorney, who represents investors, financial professionals and firms in securities litigation, arbitration and regulatory matters, including SEC and FINRA investigations and enforcement proceedings.
He is a partner in the national securities law firm Sallah Astarita & Cox, LLC, and the founder of The Securities Law Home Page - SECLaw.com, which was one of the first legal topic sites on the Internet. It went online in 1995 and is updated daily with news, commentary and securities law related links.
