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

FINRA Plans Fee Increases Amid Rising Costs and Losses

Posted on July 25th, 2024 at 10:51 AM
FINRA Plans Fee Increases Amid Rising Costs and Losses

From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law 

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has announced plans to raise fees for its approximately 3,300 broker-dealer member firms. According to AdvisorHub, the self-regulator faces soaring costs, as detailed in its annual report published at the end of June.

In 2023, FINRA reported a net operating loss of $119.1 million, nearly doubling its $60.2 million loss from 2022. The organization attributed the increased expenses to a multi-year effort, initiated in 2020, aimed at investing in staff and technology to bolster its supervisory capabilities. These investments led to a $155 million rise in expenses last year.

Compensation and benefit costs saw a significant increase, rising by 12 percent to $981 million, primarily due to a net increase of 300 employees, bringing FINRA's total headcount to 4,200 at the end of 2023. Executive compensation also saw notable changes, with CEO Robert Cook's pay rising 4 percent to nearly $3.84 million and his incentive compensation for 2024 increased to $2.37 million. Other executives, including Chief Information Officer Steven J. Randich and Chief Legal Officer Robert L.D. Colby, also received substantial raises.

To manage those rising costs, FINRA has implemented measures such as controlling wages and offering buyouts to veteran corporate staff. Additionally, the organization tapped into its $1.7 billion investment portfolio to cover some of the increased expenses. However, FINRA anticipates that its costs will continue to outpace revenue increases for several years.

AdvisorHub shared that FINRA has faced bipartisan scrutiny from lawmakers over its resource allocation and skepticism from former regulatory lawyers regarding declines in enforcement. In 2023, FINRA levied $88.4 million in fines, up by $33.9 million from the previous year. It also ordered firms to pay $7.5 million in restitution to harmed investors, expelled five firms, barred 178 advisors, and suspended 257 advisors.

 

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
Quotes Bigger

I learned two important things working with Eccleston Law. First, I made a friend and ally with Jim and Steph for life. Secondly, and this is a crucial life lesson - if you need counsel, then seek out the very best. Jim was referred to me by a most trusted source. I've never had to hire an attorney for anything. Now, I know the value of hiring an important partner. Meticulous, thorough and detailed in preparation is the best way to describe Jim. Brilliant too, I might add. Bottom line, I would highly highly recommend Jim and Stephany for your legal needs. One of the best life decisions I've ever made.

Howard S.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

1777047237 Law
April 24, 2026
Geopolitical Tensions Prompt Wealth Advisors to Rethink Dubai Strategies

Recent geopolitical developments have forced wealth advisors to reassess client exposure to Dubai, a jurisdiction that has attracted significant ultra-high-net-worth capital over the past decade.

1776963542 Law
April 23, 2026
Advisor Recruiting Surges in 2025 as Industry Movement Reaches New Highs

Advisor movement across the wealth management industry accelerated sharply in 2025, with 11,172 experienced financial advisors changing firms, according to reporting by Wealth Management citing the latest Advisor Transition Report from Diamond Consultants.

1776796402 Law
April 21, 2026
DOL Proposal on Alternative Assets in 401(k)s Faces Cautious Reception

The U.S.