What is FINRA (The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)?

Welcome to the Investors Trading Academy talking glossary of financial terms and events.
Our word of the day is “FINRA - The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority”
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority referred to as FINRA oversees all securities licensing procedures and requirements for the United States. This self-regulatory organization administers many of the exams that must be passed to become a licensed financial professional. It also performs all relevant disciplinary and record-keeping functions. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is a regulatory body created after the merger of the National Association of Securities Dealers and the New York Stock Exchange's regulation committee. The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority is responsible for governing business between brokers, dealers and the investing public. By consolidating these two regulators, FINRA aims to eliminate regulatory overlap and cost inefficiencies.
FINRA offers several different types of licenses needed by both representatives and supervisors. Each license corresponds to a specific type of business or investment. While there are several licenses geared toward specific types of securities, there are three general licenses that the majority of representatives and advisors usually obtain.

By Barry Norman, Investors Trading Academy - ITA