OATS Archives - MasterCompliance

FINRA Eliminates the Order Audit Trail System (OATS) Rules

Posted on July 2, 2021 by admin

Effective September 1, 2021, FINRA is amending its rulebook to eliminate the Order Audit Trail System (OATS) rules in the FINRA Rule 7400 Series and FINRA Rule 4554 (Alternative Trading Systems — Recording Reporting Requirements and of Order and Execution Information for NMS Stocks) (collectively referred to as the “OATS Rules”). FINRA has determined that the accuracy and reliability of the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) meet the standards approved by the SEC and has determined to retire OATS as of September 1, 2021.

Disciplinary Actions by FINRA: April 2020

Posted on May 15, 2020May 27, 2020 by SCM Communications

FINRA publishes a monthly review of disciplinary actions taken against both firms and individuals. These disciplinary actions are useful tools to look for trends in violations and other sanctions. These trends can assist you in identifying weak areas in your firm’s compliance programs or surveillance. Below is a list of a few key actions from last month.

Order Audit Trail System (OATS)

Posted on July 27, 2017July 31, 2017 by SCM Communications

Established by FINRA, the Order Audit Trail System (OATS), is an integrated audit trail of order, quote and trade information for all NMS (National Market System) stocks and OTC equity securities. As part of FINRA’s surveillance activities, Rules 7400 through 7470 (OATS Rules) and Rule 4554, OATS requires electronic auditing and reporting capabilities on all stock and equity orders, quotes, trades and cancellations. According to Rule 7430 (updated from NASD Rule 6953), all computer clocks and timestamping devices must be synchronized to be regarding a time source as designated by FINRA. This data can be collected during the day and transmitted to OATS in one or more files at a convenient time; however, reports for events that occur during particular OATS Business Days must be reported by 5am EST the following calendar day. Read More…