FINRA Launches Pilot Program for Remote Branch Inspections

Posted on September 12th, 2024 at 10:37 AM
FINRA Launches Pilot Program for Remote Branch Inspections

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law

According to InvestmentNews, a total of 741 FINRA member firms have joined a three-year pilot program assessing remote inspections of branches and offices. The pilot program allows eligible firms to fulfill inspection obligations without physical visits, provided they document a risk assessment and maintain satisfactory supervisory procedures for inspections and reporting to FINRA.

FINRA proposed this initiative in 2022 following the widespread adoption of remote inspections during the pandemic. However, it has faced opposition from the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA).

The participating firms represent 22 percent of all FINRA member firms, 67 percent of all registered representatives, and 53 percent of registered branches. Large firms have shown the most willingness to participate, with 60 percent of firms with 500 or more employees joining the pilot, compared to 47 percent of mid-size firms and 18 percent of small firms.

 

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

 


It was really fun seeing you fight for us. You have an amazing way of thinking out of the box.


 

Beth M.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

January 19, 2026
FINRA Study Warns of Declining Investor Participation and Rising Fraud Risks Among Younger Investors

A new study from FINRA’s Investor Education Foundation highlights troubling shifts in retail investing, including shrinking participation, heavier reliance on social media for advice, and growing vulnerability to fraud.

January 16, 2026
SEC Signals Sweeping IPO Rule Changes to Ease Path for Smaller Companies

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) plans to overhaul its public offering framework to make it easier for smaller companies to access the public markets, according to remarks SEC Chairman Paul Atkins delivered at the New York Stock Exchange, as reported by Bloomberg Law.

January 15, 2026
FINRA Flags Risks of Early Withdrawals and Exchanges in Registered Index-Linked Annuities

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has issued a renewed warning to the industry about the risks consumers face when they exit registered index-linked annuities (RILAs) before the end of the contract term.