Regulatory Wrap episode 64: Global regulators crack down on finfluencer violations
In Regulatory Wrap for the week to June 20, Kathryn Fallah covers the international crackdown on financial influencers, also known as “finfluencers.”
FINRA fine shows off-channel comms are still on the record
Despite a global push towards reduced regulation, a recent FINRA-issued fine for off-channel communication shows that recordkeeping and surveillance remain a regulatory priority.
Is FINRA focusing on fairness by reducing HSP compliance burdens?
The SEC's January 2025 settlements for off-channel comms violations introduced lighter compliance terms, creating a divergence between earlier enforcement actions that imposed stricter membership oversight requirements on FINRA firms. After the SEC's rejection of a petition to review the pre-2025 settlements, FINRA is now looking to level the field by easing collateral consequences.
Communication Surveillance
Organizations in 2025 are juggling hundreds of customer communication touchpoints. While traditional phone calls and emails are still in use, it’s the specialized investment apps, social media channels, and messaging apps that regulated companies are now using to stay connected to clients.
Regulatory Wrap Episode 58: Oracle Cloud breach calls for a cybersecurity wake-up call
In Regulatory Wrap for the week to April 11, Ryan Sheridan discusses the alleged Oracle Cloud data breach that affected over 140,000 customers.
Regulators give firms a thumb’s down for not capturing emojis
Regulators are increasingly scrutinizing the use of emojis and avatars in communications within financial services, due to their potential for ambiguity and misuse. There is a growing need for enhanced monitoring to circumvent any risks and to capture misconduct.
A key lesson from JP Morgan’s $350 million fine: data completeness is critical – have you got eyes on all your comms?
JPMorgan's $350 million fine highlights the urgent need for firms to capture and monitor all communications, including GenAI, to stay compliant with FINRA and DOJ regulations.
Culture is contagious: Is surveillance your first defense?
The FCA has doubled-down on its focus on conduct and culture, noting that it will be taking direct action against firms that do not have controls to detect misconduct.
Surveillance, Gen AI, and third-party risk: Key takeaways from FINRA’s Annual Oversight Report for 2025
FINRA has published its Annual Oversight Report for 2025, giving firms a 'heads up' of the regulator's key focus areas for the year, including AI, recordkeeping, and third-party and social media risks.
Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE)
All broker-dealers under FINRA regulations are required to report eligible transactions through the Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE).
U.S. regulatory enforcements against non-compliant electronic communications
Obtain an overview of the direction U.S. regulators have taken in approaching non-compliant communications, highlighting notable enforcement actions for channels like text, instant messaging, and social media.