FINRA Names New Arbitration Head

As FINRA’s arbitration process continues to come under scrutiny, it has named a new head of dispute resolution.
Richard W. Berry was named executive vice president and director of dispute resolution, the regulator announced in a release today.

Berry, currently senior vice president and director of arbitration case administration and regional office services for the industry-funded regulator, fills the role being left by Linda Feinberg, 72, who announced in September that she would resign at the end of November. On Wall Street was first to report Berry among two front-runners for the job after Feinberg's resignation was announced.

According to FINRA, Berry joined the regulator in 1995, and currently is responsible for four regional arbitration offices as well as the New York case administration unit.

After Feinberg’s announcement, Berry and the second frontrunner, Kenneth L. Andrichik, a senior vice president, chief counsel and director of mediation and strategy for the dispute resolution unit, were considered for the job.
Also, as first reported by On Wall Street, Andrew H. Perkins was promoted to new chief hearing officer for disciplinary actions in September, taking over Fienberg’s other role.

"Rick is an effective and thoughtful leader who brings a fresh perspective at a crucial time as we build the future of the forum,” said Richard Ketchum, FINRA's Chairman and CEO, in a statement.

“We are fortunate to have someone who throughout his career with FINRA has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to ensuring that our forum provides the highest level of service to the investors and other parties who use it.”

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