On Monday, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. encouraged the 3,600 broker-dealers it oversees to dust off their business continuity plans as the coronavirus continues to spread.
Finra last gave its members guidance on how to operate during an outbreak of a severe illness during the swine flu outbreak in 2009.
In the context of a pandemic, broker-dealer firms should consider having employees and financial advisers working in remote or backup offices or from home, according to Finra's notice to members Monday. They should remember to inform Finra if they make such arrangements, the regulator said, and be on the lookout for additional cybersecurity events such as phishing.
"The risk of cyber events may be increased due to use of remote offices or telework arrangements, heightened anxiety among associated persons and confusion about the virus," according to Finra.
Finra also urged broker-dealers to remain focused on their clients, an increased number of whom may call or use their online accounts given the large moves in the markets.
Broker-dealers "are encouraged to review their [business continuity plans] regarding communicating with customers and ensuring customer access to funds and securities during a significant business disruption," Finra's notice stated. "If registered representatives are unavailable to service their customers, member firms are encouraged to promptly place a notice on their websites indicating to affected customers who they may contact concerning the execution of trades, their accounts, and access to funds or securities."
RBC Wealth Management's latest move in New York adds an elite eight-member team to its recently opened Westchester office.
Stifel – so far - is on the hook for more than $166 million in damages, legal fees and settlements in investor complaints involving Roberts, a 35-year industry veteran.
The giant alt investments platform's latest financing led by T. Rowe Price and SurgoCap Partners, along with State Street, UBS, and BNY, will fuel additional growth on multiple fronts.
Some investors recently have seen million dollar plus decisions by FINRA arbitration panels involving complex products decisions go their way.
New report shines a light on how Americans view wealth today.
Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.
Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.
