what is FINRA?

FINRA's mission is to protect investors and enforce high ethical standards and fair practices

FINRA, or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is a non-governmental organization that serves as a self-regulatory body for the securities industry in the United States. It was established in 2007 as a result of the consolidation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and the regulatory functions of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). FINRA's mission is to protect investors and ensure the integrity of the securities market by enforcing high ethical standards and promoting fair practices among its members.

As a self-regulatory organization, FINRA is responsible for regulating and overseeing all securities firms and professionals operating in the United States. This includes brokerage firms, broker-dealers, and individual brokers. It sets rules and regulations that govern the conduct of its members, enforces compliance with these rules, and conducts examinations and investigations to ensure adherence to its standards. FINRA also administers licensing exams for securities professionals and provides education and training programs to enhance industry knowledge and proficiency.

One of the primary objectives of FINRA is to protect investors from fraudulent activities and unethical practices in the securities industry. It achieves this through a comprehensive regulatory framework that includes surveillance, enforcement, and arbitration. FINRA monitors trading activities in the market to detect any suspicious or manipulative behavior that may harm investors' interests. It also investigates complaints and allegations of misconduct filed against its members, imposing disciplinary actions when violations are proven.

Another important role of FINRA is to promote transparency and fairness in the securities market. It operates various systems and databases that provide investors with access to important information about brokerage firms, brokers, and investment products. These include BrokerCheck, a publicly available tool that allows individuals to research the background and qualifications of brokers and brokerage firms. FINRA also regulates the advertising and sales practices of its members to ensure that investors are provided with accurate and unbiased information.

In conclusion, FINRA plays a crucial role in maintaining integrity and investor confidence in the securities industry. Through its regulatory efforts, it seeks to protect investors from fraudulent activities, promote fair practices among its members, and enhance transparency in the market. By enforcing high ethical standards and providing education and resources to industry professionals, FINRA aims to create a level playing field for all participants in the securities market.

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The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone: (855) 846–6529
​Email: [email protected]

timothy l. miles, esq.

Nashville attorney Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles has dedicated his career to representing shareholders, employees, and consumers in complex class-action litigation. Whether serving as lead, co-lead, or liaison counsel, Mr. Miles has helped recover hundreds of millions of dollars for defrauded investors,  shaped precedent-setting decisions, and delivered real corporate governance reforms. Judges and peers have repeatedly recognized Mr. Miles’ relentless advocacy for the underdog, as well as his unbendable ethical standards. Mr. Miles was recently selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association,​Class Action:  Class Action: Top National Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association (2023), a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019); a Top Rated Litigator by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM  (2019-2022); America’s Most Honored Lawyers 2020 – Top 1% by America’s Most Honored (2020-2022).  Mr. Miles has published over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, civil procedure, derivative actions, corporate takeover litigation, corporate formation, mass torts, dangerous drugs, and more.  Please visit our website or call for free anytime.

CONTACT                                                      
The Law Offices of Timothy L. Miles
Tapestry at Brentwood Town Center
​300 Centerview Dr., #247
Brentwood, TN 37027
​​Phone: (855) 846-6529
​Email: [email protected]