FINRA, NYSE, and NASDAQ enforcement defense and disciplinary proceedings, plus compliance counsel for registered investment advisers, broker-dealers, and fund complexes. SRO matters require their own playbook, especially when parallel SEC enforcement is in view.
The SRO landscape
Each self-regulatory organization (e.g., FINRA, NYSE, Nasdaq) has its own process for opening matters, requesting documents and testimony, charging conduct, and resolving cases. Each interacts differently with parallel SEC enforcement, and the strategy at one venue may affect outcomes at the others.
FINRA's Rule 8210 information-request authority, for example, is broad as to any FINRA members and their associated persons.
Who the firm represents
We represent broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and individual registered representatives in SEC and FINRA matters, from FINRA 8210 requests and on-the-record interviews through Wells processes, hearings, and settlements. Because a FINRA- or SEC-imposed bar can effectively end a career, we plan for the outcome that matters most from day one, building the strategy to avoid the worst of outcomes from the very first request.
Compliance counsel on the registrant side
On the compliance side, the firm advises RIAs, broker-dealers, and fund managers on program design, examination preparation, marketing and advertising review under the new SEC Marketing Rule, custody under Rule 206(4)-2, best execution, suitability and Regulation Best Interest, anti-money-laundering compliance, and the operational practices that surface in routine examinations.
The work is paced to the firm's actual regulatory calendar: cycle examinations, sweep examinations, annual compliance reviews, Form ADV and Form U4/U5 filings, and Reg BI attestations.
Working with the firm on this matter
- 01
Request
Rule 8210 information request or SEC document request received.
- 02
Testimony
On-the-record interview preparation and appearance.
- 03
Wells
Wells-equivalent submission to staff; settlement framework explored.
- 04
Resolve
Settlement, hearing, or appeal. Sanctions structured with parallel matters in view.
Coordination with parallel SEC matters
When SEC enforcement is running in parallel with an SRO matter, every move at one venue is visible at the other. Document productions, cooperation discussions, settlement offers, and even the language used in submissions are coordinated. SEC settlements often require concurrent SRO resolution; SRO settlements often require Commission acceptance.
The firm runs both tracks under a single, coordinated strategy.