SEC and FINRA to Hold Regional Compliance Outreach Programs for Broker-Dealers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2014-54

Washington D.C., March 18, 2014 — The Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) today announced the opening of registration for the regional compliance outreach programs for broker-dealers that will take place in Denver, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, and New York, beginning in the spring.

The SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, in coordination with the SEC's Division of Trading and Markets, is partnering with FINRA to sponsor the programs.  Similar to the 2013 national compliance outreach program for broker-dealers, the regional programs will provide professionals at broker-dealers with a forum for discussions with regulators about risk management, regulatory issues, and compliance practices.

"These regional programs supplement our national compliance outreach program for broker-dealers by allowing critical regional interaction between staff from the SEC and FINRA and personnel from registered broker-dealer firms operating in the region.  This local collaboration is an important aspect of our overall outreach efforts," said Kevin Goodman, national associate director of the SEC's broker-dealer examination program.

FINRA senior vice president for member relations and education Chip Jones added, "FINRA views these programs as unique learning opportunities because they provide compliance professionals across the country with the opportunity to interact with FINRA and SEC staff.  These outreach programs also provide us with an opportunity to listen to the firms regarding their day-to-day compliance initiatives."

"The compliance outreach program is an important part of the Commission´s and FINRA´s initiative to share information with the industry about observed deficiencies and control weaknesses and to assist firms in assessing and enhancing their compliance," said Andrew Bowden, director of the SEC´s National Examination Program. "We look forward to a candid exchange of information and ideas with participants." 

There is no cost to attend the regional programs.  Registration is open to all risk, audit, legal, and compliance professionals employed by broker-dealers, with limited seating available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For additional details and to register for one of the 2014 regional compliance outreach programs for broker-dealers, visit the SEC website or the FINRA website.