05.06.26

FINRA Is Giving BDs a Heads-Up About Exams

by: Melanie Waddell

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is introducing changes aimed at making broker-dealer examinations more predictable and less burdensome. The regulator will now provide firms with advance notice of the quarter in which examinations are expected, helping companies better plan staffing and resources while balancing ongoing regulatory obligations and business operations. FINRA said the move supports its broader “FINRA Forward” modernization initiative and follows internal testing to ensure schedules remain reliable. FINRA also plans to let firms receive certain examination findings earlier, rather than waiting for the entire review to conclude. Regulators say this will improve transparency, allow firms to begin corrective actions sooner and give them a chance to provide additional documentation or context during the process. FINRA has already published its 2026 exam schedule after first-quarter notices and hopes to release full annual schedules ahead of time beginning in 2027.

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