Alan J. Foxman

Rule 11870 permits member firms to use them rather than obtaining an affirmative authorization from the client — in certain situations.

In most cases, assume that your "outside business" is not affiliated with your current employer.

Does a poor stock pick, for instance, constitute a sales practice violation?

Maybe not, says FINRA — but if you’re IM’ing, using slides during the virtual meeting, or recording it, probably yes.

While FINRA rules spell out what brokers generally need to determine a client's financial situtation, there can be gray areas, an expert says.

Regulators will conduct surveys and sweep exams to assess how your firm’s BCP handled — or didn’t — the COVID-19 pandemic

Yes, they’ll be going up in September — but not as much as you may have heard.

Despite recent upheaval, some clients will still be shocked their portfolios have shown declines.

My broker-dealer warned that since it’s a forgivable loan it could be seen as a compromise with creditors.

That would be a big “no,” in most cases, according to FINRA, but gives rise to another question…

Make sure not to confuse it with the SEC’s self-reporting program.

The SEC says broker-dealers may treat investment advisors as if they were subject to the AML Rule — under certain conditions.

Not a great idea, says Alan Foxman, but if you’re determined, there may be a way.

Deciding what does or doesn’t constitute a “material change” can be a tough call.

Due to a 2010 FINRA rule change the answer is — with difficulty.

At this stage it's not an actual data breach, but it could become one.

There are red flags that may be pointing to elder fraud in a client account.

FINRA Rule 3210 typically requires permission for brokerage accounts.

An advisor was terminated after accepting money from a brother, who was also a client. Is such a loan allowed?

Having ‘fessed up to improper 12b-1 fee disclosures, dually registered advisors might still be excluded by FINRA.