FINRA Rule 3110: Supervision

Last month, Stephens Inc. was censured by FINRA and fined $900,000 for failing to properly supervise “flash” emails sent by its research department.  According to FINRA Rule 3110, firms must have supervisory procedures established which include procedures for the review of incoming and outgoing written (including electronic) correspondence and internal communications relating to the member’s investment banking or securities business. The issue began when Stephens Inc.’s research analysts sent flash emails to the sales and trading personnel.  Although the research analysts sent the flash emails internally, the lack of supervision created the risk that material non-public information may have been included in the emails which could lead to misuse by the sales and trading personnel.

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