FINRA is the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. It is a private company that acts as a self-regulatory organization. FINRA is the successor to the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and the member regulation, enforcement, and arbitration operations of the New York Stock Exchange. It is a non-governmental organization that regulates member brokerage firms and exchange markets.
FINRA operates the largest securities dispute resolution forum in the United States, and has extensive experience in providing a fair, efficient and effective venue to handle a securities-related dispute. The resolution of problems and disputes is accomplished through two non-judicial proceedings: arbitration and mediation.
FINRA provides a forum for the resolution of disputes that arise in the securities industry. The vast majority of brokerage firms require clients to agree to arbitrate any disputes they may have with their broker and brokerage firm regarding their account through FINRA’s arbitration process, FINRA Dispute Resolution.