FINRA Sanction Guidelines March 2024 — FINRA — US

Sanction Guidelines
March 2024

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Overview 1
General Principles Applicable to All Sanction Determinations 2 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions 7 Applicability 8 Technical Matters 9 Firm 11
I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm 12
II. Anti-Money Laundering 15
III. Distributions of Securities 19
IV. Financial and Operational Practices 24
V. Impeding Regulatory Investigations 29
VI. Improper Use of Funds 31
VII. Qualification and Membership 33
VIII. Quality of Markets 38
IX. Reporting/Provision of Information 53
X. Sales Practices 59
XI. Supervision 72
Table of Contents

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Table of Contents
Individual 76
I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm 77
II. Anti-Money Laundering 82
III. Distributions of Securities 86
IV. Financial and Operational Practices 89
V. Impeding Regulatory Investigations 92
VI. Improper Use of Funds/Forgery 95
VII. Qualification and Membership 98
VIII. Quality of Markets 103
IX. Reporting/Provision of Information 106
X. Sales Practices 109
XI. Supervision 123
Index 127

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© 2024. FINRA. All rights reserved. March 2024 version of the Sanction Guidelines.

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The regulatory mission of FINRA is to protect investors and strengthen market integrity through vigorous, even-handed, and cost-effective selfregulation. FINRA embraces self-regulation as the most effective means of infusing a balance of industry and non-industry expertise into the regulatory process. FINRA believes that an important facet of its regulatory function is the building of public confidence in the financial markets. As part of FINRA’s regulatory mission, it must stand ready to discipline member firms and their associated persons by imposing sanctions when necessary and appropriate to protect investors, other member firms, and associated persons, and to promote the public interest. The National Adjudicatory Council (NAC) has developed the FINRA Sanction Guidelines for use by the various bodies adjudicating disciplinary decisions, including Hearing Panels and the NAC itself (collectively, Adjudicators), in determining appropriate remedial sanctions. FINRA has published the FINRA Sanction Guidelines so that member firms, associated persons, and their counsel may become more familiar with the types of disciplinary sanctions that may be applicable to various violations. FINRA staff and respondents also may use these guidelines in crafting settlements. Overview These guidelines do not prescribe fixed sanctions for particular violations. Rather, they provide direction for Adjudicators in imposing sanctions consistently and fairly. The guidelines recommend ranges for sanctions and suggest factors that Adjudicators may consider in determining, for each case, where within the range the sanctions should fall or whether sanctions should be above or below the recommended range. These guidelines are not intended to be absolute. Based on the facts and circumstances presented in each case, Adjudicators may impose sanctions that fall outside the ranges recommended and may consider aggravating and mitigating factors in addition to those listed in these guidelines. These guidelines address some typical securities-industry violations. For violations that are not addressed specifically, Adjudicators are encouraged to look to the guidelines for analogous violations. In order to promote consistency and uniformity in the application of these guidelines, the NAC has outlined certain General Principles Applicable to All Sanction Determinations that should be considered in connection with the imposition of sanctions in all cases. Also included is a list of Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions, which enumerates generic factors for consideration in all cases. Also, a number of guidelines identify potential principal considerations that are specific to the described violation.

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1. Disciplinary sanctions should be designed to protect the
investing public by deterring misconduct and upholding high standards of business conduct. The purpose of FINRA’s disciplinary process is to protect the investing public, support and improve the overall business standards in the securities industry, and decrease the likelihood of recurrence of misconduct by the disciplined respondent. Toward this end, Adjudicators should design sanctions that are meaningful and significant enough to prevent and discourage future misconduct by a respondent and deter others from engaging in similar misconduct. Sanctions should be more than a cost of doing business. Sanctions should be a meaningful deterrent and reflect the seriousness of the misconduct at issue. To meet this standard, certain cases may necessitate the imposition of sanctions in excess of the upper sanction guideline. For example, when the violations at issue in a particular case have widespread impact, result in significant ill-gotten gains, cause significant harm to customers, or result from reckless or intentional actions, Adjudicators should assess sanctions that exceed the recommended range of the guidelines.1
2. Disciplinary sanctions should be more severe for recidivists.
An important objective of the disciplinary process is to deter and prevent future misconduct by imposing progressively escalating sanctions on recidivists beyond those outlined in these guidelines, up to and including barring associated persons and expelling member firms. Sanctions imposed on recidivists should be more severe because a recidivist, by definition, already has demonstrated a failure to comply with FINRA’s rules or the securities laws. The imposition of more severe sanctions emphasizes the need for corrective action after a violation has occurred, discourages future misconduct by
1. See, e.g., Dep’t of Enforcement v. Spencer Edwards, Complaint No. 2013035865303, 2019 FINRA Discip.
LEXIS 56, at *69 (FINRA NAC Dec. 10, 2019) (finding that respondent’s misconduct in connection with sales of unregistered securities supported fine above the range recommended by the Sanction Guidelines). General Principles Applicable to All Sanction Determinations the same respondent, and deters others from engaging in similar misconduct. Adjudicators should always consider a respondent’s disciplinary history in determining sanctions and should ordinarily impose progressively escalating sanctions on recidivists. A respondent’s disciplinary history is relevant to sanctions and Adjudicators should consider imposing more severe sanctions when a respondent’s disciplinary history:
(a) includes significant past misconduct that is similar to the misconduct at issue; or (b) shows a pattern of causing investor harm, damaging market integrity, or disregarding regulatory requirements. Relevant disciplinary history can include any final formal disciplinary action by FINRA or other regulator. Additional Consideration of an Individual’s Arbitration History With respect to individual respondents, adjudicators also should consider, in addition to disciplinary history, an individual’s arbitration history when assessing sanctions. In this context, “arbitration history” is defined as arbitration awards and arbitration settlements resulting from disputes between a customer and the individual, including those when the individual is the subject of an arbitration claim that only names a FINRA member firm. Pending arbitrations are not arbitration history.

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Pattern
Adjudicators should draw on their experience and judgment when evaluating if a respondent firm’s disciplinary history or an individual’s disciplinary and arbitration history establishes a pattern. In addressing whether disciplinary history (plus arbitration history for individuals) establishes a pattern, the Adjudicator may focus on the nature, severity, and frequency of the disciplinary and, if applicable, arbitration matters. Factors that weigh against finding a pattern are the time passed since the events, length of time between events, the isolated nature of an event, or other extenuating circumstances.2 When Adjudicators consider an arbitration award or arbitration settlement, they must rely on the CRD description of the award or settlement. Arbitration awards and the CRD descriptions of arbitration awards and settlements may not be challenged in disciplinary actions.
3. Adjudicators should tailor sanctions to respond to the
misconduct at issue. Sanctions in disciplinary proceedings are intended to be remedial and to prevent the recurrence of misconduct. The guidelines are organized into separate sections applicable to firms and individuals with corresponding principal considerations and fine ranges. For firms, the guidelines establish separate fine ranges for small firms and mid- and large-size firms. These guidelines adopt the definition of firm size from FINRA’s By-Laws. See FINRA By-Laws of the Corporation, Article I(y), (cc), (ww). The purpose of establishing separate sanctions ranges for small and mid- and large-size firms is to give Adjudicators sanctions guidance that is tailored by firm size. As Adjudicators tailor sanctions, Adjudicators should impose sanctions that are remedial and designed to deter future misconduct, both by the respondent and others, regardless of firm size.3
2. Separately, if an individual respondent has petitioned a court of competent jurisdiction to confirm an
arbitration award containing expungement relief pursuant to FINRA Rule 2080 and the court has not yet issued an order confirming the arbitration award, adjudicators may consider these additional facts in evaluating if a pattern exists.
3. Adjudicators should presumptively apply the guideline range specified for the firm’s size but should
also consider whether the other range would be more appropriate with a view toward ensuring that the sanctions imposed are remedial and designed to deter future misconduct. Factors to consider in determining whether it would be more appropriate to apply the sanction range other than that specified for the firm’s size include the following: the firm’s financial resources, the nature of the firm’s business, the number of firm customers, and the level of trading activity at the firm. This list is included for illustrative purposes and is not exhaustive. Adjudicators should impose sanctions tailored to address the misconduct involved in each particular case. Section 15A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and FINRA Rule 8310 provide that FINRA may enforce compliance with its rules by, among other actions, imposing fines, suspensions, bars, expulsions, and other fitting sanctions. When evaluating possible sanctions, Adjudicators should consider both monetary and non-monetary sanctions. Adjudicators may design sanctions other than those specified in these guidelines. For example, to achieve deterrence and remediate misconduct, Adjudicators may impose sanctions that:
(a) require a respondent firm to retain a qualified independent consultant (e.g., to design procedures for improved future compliance with regulatory requirements, to implement procedures for improved future compliance with regulatory requirements, or both); (b) suspend or bar a respondent firm from engaging in a particular line of business or activity, such as suspending a firm’s ability to engage in member firm private offerings or requiring a firm to prohibit some or all private securities transactions; (c) limit a respondent firm’s business lines or products offered; (d) require a respondent firm to implement heightened supervision of certain individuals or departments in the firm including, in addition to the components of a heightened supervision plan described in Regulatory Notice 18-15, other specific requirements tailored to risk posed by the individual or department subject to the plan such as, among other things, requiring pre-approval of certain types of transactions;

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(e) require a respondent firm to certify to FINRA that it has adopted revised supervisory procedures or has completed a task, including requiring that the certification be signed by the chief executive officer or other specific associated person at the firm; (f) suspend a respondent firm from opening new customer accounts for a specified period of time; (g) require a respondent firm to obtain a FINRA staff “no objection” letter regarding a proposed communication with the public prior to disseminating that communication; or require an individual respondent to obtain a FINRA staff “no objection” letter, in accordance with his or her firm’s procedures, regarding a proposed communication with the public prior to disseminating that communication; or (h) require a respondent firm to institute tape recording procedures. Adjudicators may craft other sanctions specifically designed to prevent the recurrence of misconduct. The recommended ranges in these guidelines are not absolute. The guidelines suggest, but do not mandate, the range and types of sanctions to be applied. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, Adjudicators may determine that no remedial purpose is served by imposing a sanction within the range recommended in the applicable guideline, i.e., that a sanction below the recommended range, or no sanction at all, is appropriate. Conversely, Adjudicators may determine that the misconduct—considered together with any relevant aggravating or mitigating factors—results in aggravating factors not only outweighing, but predominating over other factors. In these cases, the guidelines routinely recommend higher sanctions, but Adjudicators may impose sanctions above or otherwise outside of a recommended range. For instance, where aggravating factors predominate, Adjudicators may consider barring an individual respondent or expelling a respondent firm, regardless of whether the specific guidelines applicable to the case recommend a bar or expulsion or other less severe sanctions. Adjudicators must always exercise judgment and discretion and consider appropriate aggravating and mitigating factors in determining remedial sanctions in each case. In addition, whether the sanctions are within or outside of the recommended range, Adjudicators must identify the basis for the sanctions imposed.
4. Aggregation or “batching” of violations may be appropriate for
purposes of determining sanctions in disciplinary proceedings. The range of monetary sanctions in each case may be applied in the aggregate for similar types of violations rather than per individual violation. For example, it may be appropriate to aggregate similar violations if (a) the violative conduct was unintentional or negligent (i.e., did not involve manipulative, fraudulent or deceptive intent); (b) the conduct did not result in injury to public investors or, in cases involving injury to the public, if restitution was made; or (c) the violations resulted from a single systemic problem or cause that has been corrected. Depending on the facts and circumstances of a case, however, multiple violations may be treated individually such that a sanction is imposed for each violation. In addition, numerous, similar violations may warrant higher sanctions because the existence of multiple violations may be treated as an aggravating factor.

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5. Where appropriate to remediate misconduct, Adjudicators
should order restitution. Restitution is a traditional remedy used to restore the status quo ante where a victim otherwise would unjustly suffer loss. Adjudicators may determine that restitution is an appropriate sanction where necessary to remediate misconduct. Adjudicators may order restitution when an identifiable person, member firm, or other party has suffered a quantifiable loss proximately caused by a respondent’s misconduct.4 Adjudicators should calculate orders of restitution based on the actual amount of the loss sustained by a person, member firm, or other party, as demonstrated by the evidence. Orders of restitution may exceed the amount of the respondent’s ill-gotten gain. Restitution serves an important purpose that is distinct from a fine and should be ordered in addition to a fine that is imposed. Restitution orders must include a description of the Adjudicator’s method of calculation. When a member firm has compensated a customer or other party for losses caused by an individual respondent’s misconduct, Adjudicators may order that the individual respondent reimburse the firm. Where appropriate, Adjudicators may order that a respondent offer rescission to an injured party.
6. To remediate misconduct, Adjudicators should consider a
respondent’s ill-gotten gain when determining an appropriate remedy. In cases in which the record demonstrates that the respondent obtained a financial benefit5 from his or her misconduct, where appropriate to remediate misconduct, Adjudicators may require the disgorgement of such ill-gotten gain by ordering disgorgement of some or all of the financial benefit derived, directly or indirectly. Disgorgement serves an important purpose that is distinct from a fine and should be ordered in addition to a fine that is imposed. In appropriate cases, Adjudicators may order that the respondent’s ill-gotten gain be disgorged and that the financial benefit, directly and indirectly, derived by the respondent be used to redress harms suffered by customers. In cases in which the respondent’s ill-gotten gain is ordered to be disgorged to FINRA, and FINRA collects the full amount of the disgorgement order, FINRA’s routine practice is to contribute the amount collected to the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.
7. Where appropriate, Adjudicators should consider sanctions
previously imposed by other regulators or previous corrective action imposed by a firm on an individual respondent based on the same conduct. A final action by another regulator against an individual respondent for the same misconduct is a potentially mitigating circumstance. When Adjudicators consider a respondent’s claim of sanctions imposed by another regulator, the respondent must show that the conduct at issue before the other regulator was essentially identical and that any fine has already been fully paid, any suspension has been fully served, and any other sanction has been satisfactorily completed. When another regulator’s sanction applies to misconduct that is not substantially similar to violations found by FINRA, Adjudicators should accord commensurately less mitigative weight, if any, based on their assessment of the extent of the overlap between the two cases. For an individual respondent, Adjudicators should acknowledge firms that address an individual’s misconduct by taking corrective action. A firm-imposed fine or suspension is most comparable to FINRAimposed sanctions when FINRA’s sanctions would have also included a fine or suspension, and Adjudicators should consider according
4. Other avenues, such as arbitration, are available to injured customers as a means to redress
grievances.
5. “Financial benefit” includes any commissions, concessions, revenues, profits, gains, compensation,
income, fees, other remuneration, or other benefits the respondent received, directly or indirectly, as a result of the misconduct.

6 TOC some mitigative weight where these firm-imposed sanctions have already been fully satisfied by a respondent. With regard to a firm’s prior termination of the respondent’s employment based on the same conduct at issue in a subsequent FINRA disciplinary proceeding, Adjudicators should consider whether a respondent has demonstrated that the termination qualifies for any mitigative value, keeping in mind the goals of investor protection and maintaining high standards of business conduct. Among other things, the respondent has the burden to prove that a firm’s termination of the respondent’s employment has materially reduced the likelihood of misconduct in the future. In cases where a respondent’s misconduct is serious, Adjudicators may find—even considering a firm’s prior termination of the respondent’s employment for the same misconduct at issue— that there is no guarantee of changed behavior and therefore may impose the sanction of a bar.6 FINRA has determined that how long a respondent takes to regain employment, loss of salary, and other impacts of an employment termination are collateral consequences of being terminated and should not be considered as mitigating by Adjudicators.7
8. Where appropriate, Adjudicators should require a respondent
to requalify in any or all capacities. The remedial purpose of disciplinary sanctions may be served by requiring an individual respondent to requalify by examination as a condition of continued association with a FINRA member. Such a sanction may be imposed when Adjudicators find that a respondent’s actions have demonstrated a lack of knowledge or familiarity with the rules and laws governing the securities industry.
6. See Denise M. Olson, Exchange Act Release No. 75837 (Sept. 3, 2015); see also Dep’t of Enforcement v.
Doherty, Complaint No. 2015047005801, 2020 FINRA Discip. LEXIS 29, at *17-20 (FINRA NAC June 15, 2020).
7. See Dep’t of Enforcement v. Doherty, Complaint No. 2015047005801, 2020 FINRA Discip. LEXIS 29, at *21
(FINRA NAC June 15, 2020).
8. See In re Toney L. Reed, Exchange Act Release No. 37572 (August 14, 1996), wherein the Securities and
Exchange Commission directed FINRA to consider financial ability to pay when ordering restitution. In these guidelines, the NAC has explained its understanding of the Commission’s directives to FINRA based on the Reed decision and other Commission decisions. See also Dep’t of Enforcement v. Wood (Arthur W.) Co., Complaint No. 2011025444501, 2017 FINRA Discip. LEXIS 30, at *45 (FINRA NAC March 15, 2017).
9. When raised by a respondent, Adjudicators are required to
consider inability to pay in connection with the imposition, reduction, or waiver of a fine or restitution. Adjudicators are required to consider a respondent’s bona fide inability to pay when imposing a fine or ordering restitution. The burden is on the respondent to raise the issue of inability to pay and to provide evidence thereof.8 If a respondent does not raise the issue of inability to pay during the initial consideration of a matter before “trial-level” Adjudicators, Adjudicators considering the matter on appeal generally will presume the issue of inability to pay to have been waived (unless the inability to pay is alleged to have resulted from a subsequent change in circumstances). Adjudicators should require respondents who raise the issue of inability to pay to document their financial status through the use of standard documents that FINRA staff can provide. Proof of inability to pay need not result in a reduction or waiver of a fine, restitution, or disgorgement order, but could instead result in the imposition of an installment payment plan or another alternate payment option. In cases in which Adjudicators modify a monetary sanction based on a bona fide inability to pay, the written decision should so indicate. Although Adjudicators must consider a respondent’s bona fide inability to pay when the issue is raised by a respondent, monetary sanctions imposed on firms need not be related to or limited by a firm’s required minimum net capital.

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The following list of factors should be considered in conjunction with the imposition of sanctions with respect to all violations. Guidelines may list additional violation-specific factors. Although many of the general and violation-specific considerations, when they apply in the case at hand, have the potential to be either aggravating or mitigating, some considerations have the potential to be only aggravating or only mitigating. For instance, the presence of certain factors may be aggravating, but their absence does not draw an inference of mitigation.9 The relevancy and characterization of a factor depends on the facts and circumstances of a case and the type of violation. This list is illustrative, not exhaustive; as appropriate, Adjudicators should consider case-specific factors in addition to those listed here and in the specific guidelines.
1. An individual respondent’s relevant disciplinary and arbitration
history, or a respondent firm’s relevant disciplinary history (see General Principle No. 2).
2. Whether an individual respondent or respondent firm accepted
responsibility for and acknowledged the misconduct to his or her employer (in the case of an individual) or a regulator prior to detection and intervention by the firm (in the case of an individual) or a regulator.
3. Whether an individual respondent or respondent firm voluntarily
employed subsequent corrective measures, prior to detection or intervention by the firm (in the case of an individual) or by a regulator, to revise general or specific procedures to avoid recurrence of misconduct.
4. Whether the individual respondent or respondent firm voluntarily
and reasonably attempted, prior to detection and intervention, to pay restitution or otherwise remedy the misconduct.
5. Whether, at the time of the violation, the respondent firm had
developed reasonable supervisory, operational or technical procedures or controls that were properly implemented.
6. Whether, at the time of the violation, the respondent firm had
developed adequate training and educational initiatives.
7. Whether the individual respondent or respondent firm demonstrated
reasonable reliance on competent legal or accounting advice.
8. Whether the individual respondent or respondent firm engaged in
numerous acts or a pattern of misconduct.
9. Whether the individual respondent or respondent firm engaged in
the misconduct over an extended period of time.
10. Whether the respondent firm attempted to conceal the misconduct
or to lull into inactivity, mislead, deceive, or intimidate a customer or regulatory authorities; or whether the individual respondent attempted to conceal his or her misconduct or lull into inactivity, mislead, deceive, or intimidate a customer, regulatory authorities, or the member firm with which he or she is or was associated.
11. With respect to other parties, including the investing public, the
member firm with which an individual respondent is associated, or other market participants, (a) whether the individual respondent’s or respondent firm’s misconduct resulted directly or indirectly in injury to such other parties, and (b) the nature and extent of the injury.
9. See, e.g., Dep’t of Enforcement v. C.L. King & Assocs., Inc., Complaint No. 2014040476901, 2019 FINRA
Discip. LEXIS 43, at *133 (FINRA NAC Oct. 2, 2019). Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions

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12. Whether the individual respondent or respondent firm provided
substantial assistance to FINRA in its examination or investigation of the underlying misconduct, or whether the individual respondent or respondent firm attempted to delay FINRA’s investigation, to conceal information from FINRA, or to provide inaccurate or misleading testimony or documentary information to FINRA.
13. Whether the individual respondent’s or respondent firm’s misconduct
was the result of an intentional act, recklessness, or negligence.
14. Whether the individual respondent or respondent firm engaged
in the misconduct at issue notwithstanding prior warnings from FINRA, another regulator, or a supervisor (in the case of an individual respondent) that the conduct violated FINRA rules or applicable securities law or regulations.
15. Whether the respondent firm can demonstrate that the misconduct at
issue was aberrant or not otherwise reflective of the firm’s historical compliance record.
16. Whether the individual respondent’s or respondent firm’s misconduct
resulted in the potential for the respondent’s monetary or other gain.
17. The number, size, and character of the transactions at issue.
18. The level of sophistication of the injured or affected customer.
19. Whether the individual respondent or respondent firm exercised
undue influence over the customer or the customer had a mental or physical impairment that rendered the person unable to protect his or her own interests.
20. Whether the customer is age 65 or older.
Applicability
These guidelines supersede prior editions of the FINRA Sanction Guidelines, whether published in a booklet or discussed in FINRA Regulatory Notices. These guidelines are effective as of the date of publication, and apply to all disciplinary matters, including pending matters. FINRA may, from time to time, amend these guidelines and announce the amendments in a Regulatory Notice or post the changes on FINRA’s website (www.finra.org). Additionally, the NAC may, on occasion, specifically amend a particular guideline through issuance of a disciplinary decision. Amendments accomplished through the NAC decision-making process or announced via Regulatory Notices or on the FINRA website should be treated like other amendments to these guidelines, even before publication of a revised edition of the FINRA Sanction Guidelines. Interested parties are advised to check FINRA’s website carefully to ensure that they are using the most current version of these guidelines.

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Calculation of days of suspension. These guidelines specify that suspensions of 10 days or less should be business-day suspensions. For any suspensions longer than 10 business days, the guidelines recommend suspensions using calendar weeks, months, and years. Censures. These guidelines do not specifically recommend whether Adjudicators should impose censures under any of the sanction guidelines for particular violations. In the following two instances, however, Adjudicators generally should not impose censures: (1) in cases in which the total monetary sanction (fines, disgorgement, and restitution) is $5,000 or less and (2) in cases in which an Adjudicator imposes a bar, expulsion, or suspension. Adjudicators should impose censures in cases in which fines above $5,000 are reduced or eliminated due to a respondent’s inability to pay or bankruptcy. Adjudicators also may impose censures in cases in which this policy would suggest no censure if the Adjudicator determines that extraordinary circumstances exist. Fines. Fines may be imposed individually as to each respondent in a case, or jointly and severally between an individual respondent and a firm respondent, between individual respondents, or among several respondents. Monetary sanctions—Imposition and collection of monetary sanctions. FINRA has identified the circumstances under which Adjudicators generally will impose, and FINRA generally will collect, monetary sanctions. Because the overriding purpose of all disciplinary sanctions is to remedy misconduct, deter future misconduct, and protect the investing public, Adjudicators may exercise their discretion in applying FINRA’s policy on the imposition and collection of monetary sanctions as necessary to achieve FINRA’s regulatory purposes. 0 Adjudicators generally should not impose a fine if an individual is barred and there is no customer loss. 0 Adjudicators generally should not impose a fine if an individual is barred and the Adjudicator has ordered restitution or disgorgement of ill-gotten gains as appropriate to remediate the misconduct. 0 Nevertheless, Adjudicators generally should impose a fine and require payment of restitution and disgorgement even if an individual is barred in all sales practice cases if:

the case involves widespread, significant, and identifiable customer
harm; or
the respondent has retained substantial ill-gotten gains.
0 Adjudicators may, in their discretion, impose a suspension and a fine, and may require proof of payment of the fine when an individual re-associates with a FINRA member.10 Technical Matters

Adjudicators have the discretion to impose post-judgment interest on restitution orders.

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Monetary sanctions—Payment of monetary sanctions. Respondents may be permitted to pay fines and costs through an installment payment plan. Installment payment plans generally will be limited to two years (although in extraordinary cases, installment payment plans may be extended to not more than five years). Respondents who are allowed to utilize an installment payment plan will be required to execute promissory notes that track the installment payment plan. Organization. These guidelines are organized into 11 subject-matter categories within each of the firm and individual sections, and each category is arranged alphabetically by name. In addition, the index lists all the guidelines alphabetically by name. Restitution—Payment of interest. When ordering restitution, Adjudicators may consider requiring the payment of interest on the base amount. Generally, interest runs from the dates of the violative conduct and should be calculated at the rate established for the underpayment of federal income tax in Section 6621 of the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. Section 6621(a)(2). Interest should be compounded daily consistent with 26 U.S.C. Section 6622(a). Adjudicators may order payment to a state escheat fund of any amount that a respondent is not able to pay in restitution because he or she is unable, after reasonable and documented efforts, to locate a customer or other party to whom payment is owed. Suspensions, bars, and expulsions. These guidelines recommend suspensions that do not exceed two years. This upper limit is recommended because of the NAC’s sense that, absent extraordinary circumstances, any misconduct so serious as to merit a suspension of more than two years probably should warrant a bar (of an individual) from being associated with a FINRA member or expulsion (of a member firm) from FINRA membership. Notwithstanding the NAC’s recommendation in these guidelines to impose suspensions that do not exceed two years, under FINRA’s rules, an Adjudicator may suspend the membership of a member or the registration of a person associated with a member for a definite period that may exceed two years or for an indefinite period with a termination contingent on the performance of a particular act. It should be noted that an individual who is barred from associating with a member firm in any capacity generally may not re-associate with a member firm. Although a barred individual may seek special permission to re-associate with a member firm via FINRA’s eligibility process, to date, the NAC has disfavored applications for re-entry.

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FIRM

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I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm

Outside Business Activities
Selling Away (Private Securities Transactions)

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Outside Business Activities
FINRA Rules 3270 and 2010 and FINRA Rule 3270 Supp. Material .01 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The adequacy of the firm’s review system, including imposing
conditions or limitations on, or prohibitions of, disclosed outside business activities of its registered persons.
Whether the outside business activity involved customers of the
firm.
Whether the outside business activity resulted directly or indirectly
in injury to other parties, including the investing public, and, if so, the nature and extent of the injury.
The duration of the outside business activity, the number of
customers, and the dollar volume of sales.
Whether the registered person misled his or her firm about the
existence of the outside business activity or otherwise concealed the activity from the firm. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to one month and requiring an undertaking that the firm revise its supervisory procedures for review of outside business activities or retain an independent consultant. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of one month to six months. FIRM I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm

14 TOC FIRM I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions1 See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The dollar volume of sales.
2. The number of customers.
3. The length of time over which the selling away activity occurred.
4. Whether the product sold away has been found to involve a
violation of federal or state securities laws or federal, state, or SRO rules.
5. Whether the associated person’s selling away activity resulted,
either directly or indirectly, in injury to the investing public and, if so, the nature and extent of the injury. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to one month and requiring an undertaking that the firm revise its supervisory procedures for private securities transactions or retain an independent consultant. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of one month to one year. Selling Away (Private Securities Transactions) FINRA Rules 3280 and 2010
1. If the allegations involve a firm’s failure to supervise the selling away activity, then Adjudicators also should consider the Supervision–Failure to Supervise guideline.

15 FIRM II. Anti-Money Laundering
II. Anti-Money Laundering

Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Reasonably Monitor to
Report Suspicious Transactions
Anti-Money Laundering—Deficient AML Compliance Program
Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Provide for Independent
Testing, Designation of Responsible Individuals, or Training

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Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the firm’s monitoring for suspicious transactions was
reasonably tailored to the firm’s business.
2. Whether the firm failed to detect or investigate “red flags” of
suspicious activity.
3. Whether the deficiencies in suspicious transaction monitoring
allowed reportable activity to escape detection.
4. Whether the deficiencies were systemic, widespread, or occurred
over an extended period.
5. The nature, volume, and dollar value of the transactions at issue,
and whether those transactions involved high-risk geographic locations, services, products, or customers.
6. Whether the firm failed to timely correct or address deficiencies
once identified.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to
$310,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to two months and requiring the firm to retain an independent consultant. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of two months to two years or expelling the firm. Adjudicators should use this Guideline when: (1) a firm’s written AML program does not include policies and procedures reasonably designed to detect and cause the reporting of transactions required under 31 U.S.C. § 5318(g) and implementing regulations2 or (2) a firm’s written AML program includes such policies and procedures but the firm fails to implement them in whole or in part. Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Reasonably Monitor to Report Suspicious Transactions FINRA Rules 3310(a), 3310(f)(ii) and 20101
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-41.
2. 31 C.F.R. §1023.320.
FIRM II. Anti-Money Laundering

17 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the deficiencies in the procedures allowed AML violations
to escape detection.
2. The nature, size, and risk profile of the firm’s customer base.
3. The risk profile of the firm’s products, services, and geographic
locations.
4. The quality and degree of the firm’s implementation of its written
AML program.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to
$100,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $20,000 to $310,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to two months and requiring the firm to retain an independent consultant. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of two months to two years or expelling the firm. Adjudicators should use this Guideline when a firm’s written AML program does not include policies, procedures, and internal controls reasonably designed to achieve compliance with other requirements of the BSA and implementing regulations, such as 31 C.F.R. § 1023.200 (customer identification program for broker-dealers), 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230 (beneficial ownership requirements for legal entity customers), 31 C.F.R. § 1010.610 (due diligence programs for correspondent accounts for foreign financial institutions), and the requirements related to ongoing customer due diligence at 3310(f) and 31 C.F.R. § 1010.210(b)(5). Anti-Money Laundering—Deficient AML Compliance Program FINRA Rules 3310(b) and (f) and 20101
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-41.
FIRM II. Anti-Money Laundering

18 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the deficiencies allowed reportable activity or AML
violations to escape detection.
2. The quality and degree of the firm’s implementation of its written
AML program.
3. The length of time the firm failed to provide for independent
testing, designate a responsible individual or individuals, or provide ongoing training. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $50,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $20,000 to $200,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to one month and consider requiring the firm to retain an independent consultant. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of one month to one year. Adjudicators should use this Guideline when a firm does not develop and implement a written AML program that provides for timely and independent testing of the firm’s AML program, the designation and identification to FINRA of individuals responsible for the day-to-day operations and internal controls of the AML program, or ongoing training for appropriate personnel. Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Provide for Independent Testing, Designation of Responsible Individuals, or Training FINRA Rules 3310(c), (d), and (e) and 20101
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-41.
FIRM II. Anti-Money Laundering

19
III. Distributions of Securities

Corporate Financing Rule—Failure to Comply with Filing
Requirements
Corporate Financing Rule—Unfair or Unreasonable
Underwriting Compensation
Escrow Violations—Prohibited Representations in Contingency
Offerings; Transmission or Maintenance of Customer Funds in Underwritings
Sales of Unregistered Securities

20 TOC
Corporate Financing Rule—Failure to Comply with Filing Requirements FINRA Rules 5110 and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $39,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $100,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for five business days. FIRM III. Distributions of Securities

21 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The percentage and dollar amount of unfair or unreasonable
underwriting compensation as compared to maximum amount of underwriting compensation considered fair and reasonable. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for five business days. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm for a longer period. Corporate Financing Rule—Unfair or Unreasonable Underwriting Compensation FINRA Rules 5110 and 2010 FIRM III. Distributions of Securities

22 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The amount of commissions or other underwriting compensation
retained by the firm.
2. Whether the firm or the firm’s associated person was affiliated
with the issuer or other entity to which customer funds were released.
3. Whether subscription funds were released from escrow before the
contingency occurred.
Exchange Act Rule 15c2-4
1. The extent to which customer funds were exposed to risk or loss.
Exchange Act Rule 10b-9
1. The extent of the failure to satisfy the contingency described in the
prospectus or offering circular.
2. Whether the firm used non-bona fide sales to give the false
appearance that the contingency was satisfied.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Exchange Act Rule
15c2-4
Fine of $5,000 to
$16,000.
Exchange Act Rule
10b-9
Fine of $5,000 to
$77,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Exchange Act
Rule 15c2-4
Fine of $10,000 to $40,000.
Exchange Act
Rule 10b-9
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Exchange Act Rule 15c2-4 Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to six weeks. Exchange Act Rule 10b-9 Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. Escrow Violations—Prohibited Representations in Contingency Offerings; Transmission or Maintenance of Customer Funds in Underwritings Exchange Act Rules 15c2-4 and 10b-9 and FINRA Rule 2010 FIRM III. Distributions of Securities

23 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm’s unregistered securities sales resulted from an
intentional act, recklessness, or negligence.
Whether the firm sold before the effective date of a registration
statement.
The share volume of transactions, dollar amount of transactions,
and amount of compensation earned by the firm on the transactions involved.
Whether the sales of unregistered securities were made in
connection with an attempt to evade regulatory oversight.
Whether the firm had implemented procedures that were
reasonably designed to ensure that it did not participate in an unregistered distribution.
Whether the firm disregarded “red flags” suggesting the presence
of an unregistered distribution.
Whether the firm’s conduct involved a high volume of, or recurring
transactions in, penny stocks as defined in Section 3(a)(51) of the Exchange Act or Exchange Act Rule 3a51-1. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Where the firm’s conduct involved a high volume of, or recurring transactions in, penny stocks, fine of $10,000 to $155,000 or higher where aggravating factors predominate. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Where the firm’s conduct involved a high volume of, or recurring transactions in, penny stocks, fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months and requiring an undertaking that the firm revise its supervisory procedures for the review of the sale of unregistered securities or retain an independent consultant. Where aggravating factors predominate, or where the firm’s conduct involved a high volume of, or recurring transactions in, penny stocks, consider a longer suspension or expulsion. Sales of Unregistered Securities
Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 and FINRA Rule 2010
FIRM III. Distributions of Securities

24
IV. Financial and Operational Practices

Customer Confirmations
Customer Protection Rule
Net Capital Violations
Recordkeeping Violations

25 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Nature and materiality of the inaccurate or missing information.
2. Number of affected confirmations.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $310,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or expulsion. Customer Confirmations Exchange Act Rule 10b-10 and FINRA Rules 2232 and 20101 FIRM IV. Financial and Operational Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-15.

26 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The extent to which the firm exposed customer funds to potential
risk or loss.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$77,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or expulsion. Customer Protection Rule Exchange Act Rule 15c3-3 and FINRA Rule 2010 FIRM IV. Financial and Operational Practices

27 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm continued in business while knowing of
deficiencies or inaccuracies or the firm voluntarily ceased conducting business because of the deficiencies or inaccuracies.
Whether the firm attempted to conceal deficiencies or inaccuracies
by any means, including “parking” of inventory and inflating “markto-market” calculations. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $250,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or expulsion. Net Capital Violations Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1 and FINRA Rules 4110(b) and 2010 FIRM IV. Financial and Operational Practices

28 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and materiality of inaccurate or missing information.
2. The type and number of firm records at issue.
3. Whether inaccurate or missing information was entered or omitted
intentionally, recklessly, or negligently.
4. Whether the violations occurred over an extended period of time
or involved a pattern or patterns of misconduct.
5. Whether the violations allowed other misconduct to occur or to
escape detection.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$16,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a fine of $10,000 to $155,000. Where significant aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $40,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a fine of $20,000 to $310,000. Where significant aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to two years, or consider expelling the firm. Recordkeeping Violations Exchange Act Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4 and FINRA Rules 4511 and 20101 FIRM IV. Financial and Operational Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-8 and G-9.

29
V. Impeding Regulatory Investigations

Failure to Respond, Failure to Respond Truthfully, Providing
a Partial but Incomplete Response, or Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner to Requests Made Pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210

30 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Failure to Respond or Respond Truthfully
1. The importance of the information requested as viewed from
FINRA’s perspective.
Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response
1. The importance of the information requested that was not
provided as viewed from FINRA’s perspective and whether the information provided was relevant and responsive to the request.
2. The number of requests made, the time the firm took to respond,
and the degree of regulatory pressure required to obtain a response.
3. The reasons offered by the firm to justify the partial but
incomplete response.
Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner
1. The importance of the information requested as viewed from
FINRA’s perspective.
2. The number of requests made, the time the firm took to respond,
and the degree of regulatory pressure required to obtain a response. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Failure to Respond or to Respond Truthfully Fine of $25,000 to $310,000. Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response Fine of $10,000 to $77,000. Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner Fine of $5,000 to $39,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Failure to Respond or to Respond Truthfully Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response Fine of $20,000 to $200,000. Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner Fine of $10,000 to $100,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, expel the firm. Where the firm failed to respond in a timely manner, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Failure to Respond, Failure to Respond Truthfully, Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response, or Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner to Requests Made Pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210 FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010 FIRM V. Impeding Regulatory Investigations

31
VI. Improper Use of Funds

Conversion; or Improper Use of Funds or Securities

32 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Small Firm Monetary Sanction Conversion2 No fine in light of recommended expulsion. Improper Use Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Conversion No fine in light of recommended expulsion. Improper Use Fine of $10,000 to $310,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Conversion Expel the firm regardless of amount converted. Improper Use Consider an expulsion. Where mitigation exists, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of three months to two years and thereafter until the firm pays restitution. Conversion; or Improper Use of Funds or Securities FINRA Rules 2150(a) and 20101

This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-25.
Conversion generally is an intentional and unauthorized taking of and/or exercise of ownership over
property by one who neither owns the property nor is entitled to possess it. FIRM VI. Improper Use of Funds

33
VII. Qualification and Membership

Branch Offices—Failure to Register
Firm Allowing Disqualified Person to Associate Prior to
Approval
Registration Violations
Unapproved Changes in Ownership, Control, or Business
Operations

34 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The number of branch office locations not properly registered.
The duration of the period when branch offices were not properly
registered.
The manner and scope of activities conducted in branch offices
not properly registered.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to
$7,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$15,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm or the branch office at issue with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to five business days. Branch Offices—Failure to Register FINRA Rules 3110 and 2010 FIRM VII. Qualification and Membership

35 TOC FIRM VII. Qualification and Membership Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The nature and extent of the disqualified person’s activities and
responsibilities.
Whether Form MC-400 application was pending.
Whether disqualification resulted from banking, insurance, or
securities misconduct.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$77,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. Firm Allowing Disqualified Person to Associate Prior to Approval FINRA Rules 1210 and 2010 and Article III, Section 3 of the FINRA By-Laws1 1 This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-4.

36 TOC FIRM VII. Qualification and Membership Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature, extent, and duration of the unregistered person’s
responsibilities.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$77,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Registration Violations FINRA Rules 1210, 1220, and 20101
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-2 and G-3.

37 TOC
Unapproved Changes in Ownership, Control, or Business Operations FINRA Rules 1017 and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm breached a material provision of the
membership agreement.
Whether the firm breached a provision of the membership
agreement that contained a restriction that was particular to the firm.
Whether the firm had applied for, was in the process of applying
for, or had been denied a waiver of a restriction at the time of the misconduct. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors exist, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to six months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider expelling the firm. FIRM VII. Qualification and Membership

38
VIII. Quality of Markets

Best Execution
Consolidated Audit Trail System—Late Reporting; Failing to
Report; False, Inaccurate or Misleading Reporting; and Clock Synchronization Failure
Display of Customer Limit Orders
Extended Hours Trading Risk Disclosure
Locking or Crossing Quotations
Marking the Open or Marking the Close
Options Exercise and Positions Limits
Options Positions Reporting—Late Reporting; Failing to Report;
and False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reporting
Reports of Execution Quality and Order Routing
Short Interest Reporting
Short Sale Violations
Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE)—Late
Reporting, Failing to Report, and False, Inaccurate, or Incomplete Reporting
Trade Reporting—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; and False,
Inaccurate, or Misleading Reporting
Trading Ahead of Customer Orders

39 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature of the best execution violation (e.g., whether the
execution was at an inferior price or was untimely).
2. Whether the firm failed to conduct reasonable regular and
rigorous or order-by-order reviews of execution quality that considered all relevant factors (e.g., potential for price improvement).
3. Whether the firm considered modifying its routing arrangements.
4. Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
5. The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
6. The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
7. For securities with limited quotations or pricing information
available, whether the character of the market for the security was reasonably assessed, including an analysis of price, volatility, and relative liquidity, and whether reliable sources of pricing information or potential liquidity were considered.
8. The number of affected customers and customer harm.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to
$310,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to two months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of two months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider expelling the firm. Best Execution FINRA Rules 5310 and 20101 FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets
1. This guideline also may be appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-18 and G-30.

40 TOC
Consolidated Audit Trail System (CAT)—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reporting; and Clock Synchronization Failure FINRA Rules 6800 et seq.1 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature of the CAT reporting violation.
2. Extent to which violative conduct affected the regulatory audit trail.
3. Whether violation occurred over an extended period of days.
4. Whether reporting violation was readily apparent from a review
of reporting metric information provided to the CAT Reporters through the CAT Reporter Portal and in feedback files.
5. Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
6. The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
7. The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or expulsion. FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets
1. This guideline also is appropriate for Order Audit Trail System (OATS) reporting violations.

41 TOC
Display of Customer Limit Orders
Regulation NMS Rule 604 and FINRA Rules 6460 and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the customer limit order was executed during the period
of non-compliance and whether other transactions were executed at prices equal to or better than that customer limit order.
Whether the misconduct had an impact on market transparency.
Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $310,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm. FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

42 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm failed to provide customers with a risk disclosure
statement.
Whether the firm provided customers with an inadequate risk
disclosure statement or provided customers a risk disclosure statement in an untimely, misleading, or incomplete manner.
The nature, quality, and timing of the risk disclosure provided to
customers.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of up to two years. Extended Hours Trading Risk Disclosure FINRA Rules 2265 and 2010 FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

43 TOC
Locking or Crossing Quotations
FINRA Rules 6240, 6437, and 2010
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the locking or crossing quotations affected the market
at a particularly sensitive time, such as at the market open, at commencement of secondary trading or on an expiration date.
Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct technology-related malfunctions and manual errors. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $155,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm. FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

44 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the misconduct resulted in protecting a securities
position or enhancing size.
2. Whether the firm received a benefit from the misconduct,
including but not limited to increased valuation of inventory, avoidance of margin calls, or impact on month-end performance.
3. Whether the activity affected the market at a particularly sensitive
time, such as on the expiration date of an option or the end of the month.
4. Whether the misconduct was an isolated incident involving one
stock or a systemic pattern of behavior involving multiple stocks. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $25,000 to $310,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the firm with respect to any or all activities or functions for up to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider expelling the firm. Marking the Open or Marking the Close FINRA Rules 5210 and 20101 FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of Sections 10(b) and 15(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and MSRB Rules G-17 and G-47.

45 TOC
Options Exercise and Positions Limits FINRA Rules 2360(b)(3), 2360(b)(23), and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $155,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

46 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The size of the positions not reported.
The duration of the period for which the firm violated rule
requirements.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. Options Positions Reporting—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; and False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reporting FINRA Rules 2360(b)(5) and 2010 FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

47 TOC
Reports of Execution Quality and Order Routing Regulation NMS Rules 605 and 606 and FINRA Rule 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The number of affected reports or orders.
Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $20,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

48 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The duration for which the firm failed to report short interest or
reported short interest incorrectly.
The number and size of positions that the firm failed to report or
reported incorrectly.
Whether the firm failed to exercise reasonable supervision of its
short interest reporting process or system.
Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
The extent to which the violations affected the public
dissemination of short interest data.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions For intentional or reckless misconduct, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider expelling the firm. Short Interest Reporting FINRA Rules 4560 and 2010 FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

49 TOC
Short Sale Violations
Regulation SHO and FINRA Rule 2010
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
The frequency and thoroughness with which the respondent
ensured that the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
Whether the violations involved hard-to-borrow securities.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm. FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

50 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The extent to which the violative conduct affected market
transparency, the dissemination of trade information, or the regulatory audit trail.
2. Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
3. The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
4. The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
5. The duration of the period for which the firm violated rule
requirements.
6. Whether a reporting violation was readily apparent from a review
of FINRA’s TRACE website (or MSRB’s website for violations of MSRB Rule G-14). Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $155,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or expulsion. Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE)—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; and False, Inaccurate, or Incomplete Reporting FINRA Rules 6730 and 20101 FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-14 and G-17.

51 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Nature of trade reporting violation.
Whether the violative conduct affected market transparency.
Whether operational problems caused delayed reports.
The duration of the period for which the firm violated rule
requirements.
Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm. Trade Reporting—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; and False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reporting Equity Trade Reporting Rules and FINRA Rule 2010 FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

52 TOC
Trading Ahead of Customer Orders
FINRA Rules 5320 and 2010
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm traded ahead of or failed to execute a customer
order.
Whether the firm diligently chose, installed, and tested technology
that nevertheless malfunctioned.
The frequency and thoroughness with which the firm ensured that
the technology was operating in compliance with applicable rules.
The level of care that the firm exercised in undertaking necessary
steps to correct systems-related malfunctions.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $310,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. FIRM VIII. Quality of Markets

53
IX. Reporting/Provision of Information

FOCUS Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and Filing False or
Misleading Reports
Forms U4/U5—Late Filing of Forms or Amendments; Failing to
File Forms or Amendments; and Filing of False, Misleading or Inaccurate Forms or Amendments
Regulation M Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and False or
Misleading Filing
Reportable Events Under FINRA Rule 4530—Late Reporting and
Failing to Report
Request for Automated Submission of Trading Data—Failure to
Respond in a Timely and Accurate Manner

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FOCUS Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and Filing False or Misleading Reports Exchange Act Rule 17a-5 and FINRA Rules 4511 and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The number of days late the firm filed the FOCUS report.
Whether the firm filed the FOCUS report late to delay reporting a
recordkeeping, operational, or financial deficiency.
Whether the firm included inaccurate information in the FOCUS
report, the nature of the inaccurate information, and whether the firm was aware at the time that the information was inaccurate. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Late or Inaccurate Filing Fine of $5,000 to $31,000. Failure to File or Filing False or Misleading Reports Fine of $10,000 to $77,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Late or Inaccurate Filing Fine of $10,000 to $80,000. Failure to File or Filing False or Misleading Reports Fine of $20,000 to $200,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Late or Inaccurate Filing Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm from all solicited retail business for up to one month. Failure to File or Filing False or Misleading Reports Consider suspending the firm from all solicited retail business for up to two months. FIRM IX. Reporting/Provision of Information

55 TOC
Forms U4/U5—Late Filing of Forms or Amendments; Failing to File Forms or Amendments; and Filing of False, Misleading, or Inaccurate Forms or Amendments FINRA Rules 1122 and 2010 and Article V of the FINRA By-Laws1 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and significance of information at issue.
2. The number, nature, and dollar value of the disclosable events at
issue.
3. Whether the omission of information or the inclusion of false
information was done in an intentional effort to conceal information or in an attempt to mislead.
4. The duration of the delinquency.
5. Whether the failure to disclose or timely disclose delayed any
regulatory investigation.
6. Whether the failure resulted in a statutorily disqualified individual
becoming or remaining associated with a firm.
7. Whether the firm’s misconduct resulted directly or indirectly in
injury to other parties, including the investing public, and, if so, the nature and extent of the injury. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities until the firm corrects the deficiency. FIRM IX. Reporting/Provision of Information
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-7 and for failures to report changes in ownership or control of member firms.

56 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether report was late, false, or misleading.
The number of days that report is late.
Whether the report contains a significant number of material
inaccuracies.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$16,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $40,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to any or all corporate financing or marketmaking activities for up to 10 business days and thereafter until the firm accurately files the required reports. Regulation M Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and False or Misleading Filing FINRA Rules 5110, 5190, 6275, 6540, and 2010 FIRM IX. Reporting/Provision of Information

57 TOC
Reportable Events Under FINRA Rule 4530—Late Reporting and Failing to Report FINRA Rules 4530 and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The number and type of incidents not reported.
Whether events reported in late reports established a pattern of
potential misconduct.
Whether events not reported or reported inaccurately would have
established a pattern of potential misconduct.
In cases involving the failure to file or inaccurate filing of a
quarterly report, the number and type of incidents not reported or reported inaccurately. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Late Reporting Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Failure to Report Fine of $5,000 to $155,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Late Reporting Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Failure to Report Fine of $20,000 to $310,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. FIRM IX. Reporting/Provision of Information

58 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $155,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $20,000 to $310,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Request for Automated Submission of Trading Data—Failure to Respond in a Timely and Accurate Manner FINRA Rules 8211, 8213, and 2010 FIRM IX. Reporting/Provision of Information

59
X. Sales Practices

Churning, Excessive Trading, or Switching
Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with
Approval, Review, Recordkeeping, and Filing Requirements
Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with
Content Standards
Customer Account Transfer Contracts
Fraud, Misrepresentations, or Omissions of Material Fact
Pricing—Excessive Markups/Markdowns and Excessive
Commissions
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Relationships,
Information Barriers, and Potential Conflicts
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Research Report
Disclosure Requirements
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Restrictions on
Personal Trading
Suitability—Unsuitable Recommendations
Telemarketing—Failing to Comply with Time-of-Day Restrictions
and Do-Not-Call Lists; Failing to Establish and Maintain Procedures
Unauthorized Transactions and Failures to Execute Buy or Sell
Orders

60 TOC
Churning, Excessive Trading, or Switching FINRA Rules 2020, 2111, and 2010 and Exchange Act Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)1 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $310,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to three months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for longer than three months or expelling the firm. FIRM X. Sales Practices

This guideline also is appropriate for variable annuity and mutual fund-related violations, violations of Sections 10(b) and 15(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and violations of
MSRB Rule G-17.

61 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and extent of failure to review or approve
communications.
2. Whether the failure to review or approve communications resulted
in the distribution of false or misleading communications.
3. Whether the firm failed to file or untimely filed communications
with the Advertising Regulation Department as required by the rules. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $31,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $80,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to six weeks. Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with Approval, Review, Recordkeeping, and Filing Requirements FINRA Rules 2210 et seq. and 20101 FIRM X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations involving institutional communications and for violations of MSRB Rule G-21.

62 TOC
Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with Content Standards FINRA Rules 2210 et seq. and 20101 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and significance of false, misleading, or omitted
information.
2. Whether the violative communications with the public were
circulated widely.
3. Whether the misconduct was the result of an intentional act,
recklessness, or negligence.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $310,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions2 In cases involving negligent use of misleading communications, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to six months and thereafter imposing, for a definite period, a “pre-use” filing requirement to obtain a FINRA staff “no objection” letter on proposed communications. In cases involving intentional or reckless use of misleading communications, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to 18 months and thereafter imposing, for a definite period, a “pre-use” filing requirement to obtain a FINRA staff “no objection” letter on proposed communications. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm. FIRM X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations involving institutional communications and for violations of MSRB Rule G-21.
2. If an Adjudicator is considering suspending a firm’s ability to execute transactions in the securities referenced in the violative communications, the Adjudicator should consider the potential ramifications to public
investors of such a suspension.

63 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature of the violation.
2. The firm’s transfer pattern.
3. The number of days late.
4. Whether the firm was late with delivery or validation.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$77,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $10,000 to $200,000.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. Customer Account Transfer Contracts FINRA Rules 11870 and 20101 FIRM X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-26.

64 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Small Firm Monetary Sanction Negligent Misconduct Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Fine of $25,000 to $310,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Negligent Misconduct Fine of $20,000 to $200,000. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to three months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, strongly consider expelling the firm. Fraud, Misrepresentations, or Omissions of Material Fact FINRA Rules 2020 and 20101 FIRM X. Sales Practices

This guideline also is appropriate for violations of Sections 10(b) and 15(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and MSRB Rules G-17 and
G-47.

65 TOC
Pricing—Excessive Markups/Markdowns and Excessive Commissions FINRA Rules 2121 and 2010 and FINRA Rule 2121 Supp. Material .01 and .021 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the firm dominated and controlled the market in the
subject security or securities.
2. Whether the firm’s supervisory systems appropriately limited
the discretion of registered representatives as to the amount of markups, markdowns, or commissions on each trade.
3. The number of harmed customers and the customer harm.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$310,000.
Midsize or Large
Firm Monetary
Sanction
Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit.
Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider imposing undertakings with respect to the firm’s markup/markdown policy or commissions policy. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to two years. Consider imposing undertakings or ordering the firm to engage an independent consultant with respect to the firm’s markup/ markdown policy or commission policy. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider expelling the firm. FIRM X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-30.

66 TOC FIRM X. Sales Practices
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Relationships, Information Barriers, and Potential Conflicts FINRA Rules 2241, 2242, and 2010 If an adjudicator is evaluating whether to impose a suspension of a firm’s relevant activities, the adjudicator should identify if the failure to manage conflicts of interest arose between the research department and the investment banking or trading department or between the research analyst and an issuer. Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether misconduct resulted in publication of research reports
that omitted material information or contained misleading information.
Whether systemic problems or widespread conflicts existed in the
firm.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Negligent
Misconduct
Fine of $5,000 to
$155,000.
Intentional or Reckless
Misconduct
Fine of $10,000 to
$310,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Negligent Misconduct Fine of $10,000 to $310,000. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm’s relevant business lines or research activities for a period of one month to two years. Consider requiring the firm to retain an independent consultant to review and make recommendations regarding the adequacy of the firm’s supervisory procedures regarding research activities. In cases involving violative relationships between the firm’s research department and investment banking department, consider suspending the firm’s investment banking activities for a period of three months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm.

67 TOC
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Research Report Disclosure Requirements FINRA Rules 2241(c), 2242(c), and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The nature of the disclosure failures.
The number of research reports with disclosure failures.
The duration of the disclosure failures.
Whether systemic problems existed regarding research report
disclosures within the firm.
Whether respondent raised price targets, revenue and earnings
estimates, or otherwise adjusted research to seek favor with the investment banking department or issuer. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $310,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm’s relevant business lines or its research activities for a period of one month to two years. Consider requiring the firm to retain an independent consultant to review and make recommendations regarding the adequacy of the firm’s supervisory procedures regarding research reports. Consider requiring the firm, for a period of six months to two years, to certify monthly that a general securities principal has conducted a pre-distribution review of all research reports. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm. FIRM X. Sales Practices

68 TOC FIRM X. Sales Practices
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Restrictions on Personal Trading FINRA Rules 2241(b)(2)(J), 2242(b)(2)(J), and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm had developed procedures to ensure the proper
restrictions or limitations on research analyst trading.
Whether systemic problems existed regarding personal trading
restrictions within the firm.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Negligent
Misconduct
Fine of $5,000 to
$77,000.
Intentional or Reckless
Misconduct
Fine of $10,000 to
$310,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Negligent Misconduct Fine of $10,000 to $310,000. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm’s relevant business lines or research activities for a period of one month to two years. Consider requiring the firm to retain an independent consultant to review and make recommendations regarding the adequacy of the firm’s supervisory procedures relating to personal trading of research analysts. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years or expelling the firm.

69 TOC
Suitability—Unsuitable Recommendations FINRA Rules 2111 and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $116,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $310,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to three months. Where aggravating factors predominate, strongly consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of three months to two years or expelling the firm. FIRM X. Sales Practices

70 TOC FIRM X. Sales Practices
Telemarketing—Failing to Comply with Time of Day Restrictions and Do-Not-Call Lists; Failing to Establish and Maintain Procedures FINRA Rules 3230 and 2010 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether violations were widespread within the firm.
The number of calls that violated restrictions.
The nature and extent of underlying misconduct that resulted
from the deficient procedures, if any.
Whether firm made reasonable efforts to establish an effective
call-blocking system for any persons requesting to be placed on a do-not-call list.
Whether there were patterns of abuses relating to the time of
day telephone calls were placed or to the repeated contacting of persons who previously requested to be placed on a do-not-call list. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $77,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm’s relevant business lines or activities for up to one month. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm’s relevant business lines or activities for a period of one month to one year.

71 TOC
Unauthorized Transactions and Failures to Execute Buy or Sell Orders FINRA Rule 20101 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the firm reasonably misunderstood its authority or the
terms of the customer’s orders.
2. The number of customers affected and the magnitude of the
customers’ losses, if any.
3. The number and dollar value of unauthorized transactions or
failures to execute buy or sell orders.
4. Whether the firm attempted to conceal the trading or to evade
regulatory investigative efforts.
5. Whether the unauthorized transactions were made in furtherance
of or in connection with another violation (e.g., conversion, improper use of funds, churning, etc.). Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $116,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $250,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two years. FIRM X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-17 and G-19.

72
XI. Supervision

Supervision—Failure to Supervise
Supervision—Systemic Supervisory Failures
Supervisory Procedures—Deficient Written Supervisory
Procedures

73 TOC
Supervision—Failure to Supervise
FINRA Rules 3110 and 20101
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the firm ignored “red flag” warnings that should have
resulted in additional supervisory scrutiny.
2. Whether individuals responsible for the underlying misconduct
attempted to conceal misconduct from the firm.
3. The nature, extent, size, and character of the underlying
misconduct.
4. Quality and degree of the firm’s implementation of its supervisory
procedures and controls.
Small Firm
Monetary
Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to
$77,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $200,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the branch office or department with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the branch office or department with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of two to six months or suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months. Consider imposing undertakings, including ordering the firm to revise its supervisory systems and procedures or ordering the firm to engage an independent consultant to recommend changes to the firm’s supervisory systems and procedures. FIRM XI. Supervision
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-27.

74 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the deficiencies allowed violative conduct to occur or to
escape detection.
2. Whether the firm failed to timely correct or address deficiencies
once identified, failed to respond reasonably to prior warnings from FINRA or another regulator, or failed to respond reasonably to other “red flag” warnings.
3. Whether the firm appropriately allocated its resources to prevent
or detect the supervisory failure.
4. The number and type of customers, investors, or market
participants affected by the deficiencies.
5. The number and dollar value of the transactions not adequately
supervised as a result of the deficiencies.
6. The nature, extent, size, character, and complexity of the
activities or functions not adequately supervised as a result of the deficiencies.
7. The extent to which the deficiencies affected market integrity,
market transparency, the accuracy of regulatory reports, or the dissemination of trade or other regulatory information. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $310,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine beginning at $50,000 with no upper limit. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for a period of 10 business days to two years, or consider expelling the firm. Consider imposing undertakings, including ordering the firm to revise its supervisory systems and procedures or ordering the firm to engage an independent consultant to recommend changes to the firm’s supervisory systems and procedures. Supervision—Systemic Supervisory Failures FINRA Rules 3110 and 20101 FIRM XI. Supervision
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-27.
Adjudicators should use this Guideline when a supervisory failure is significant and is widespread or occurs over an extended period of time. While systemic supervisory failures typically involve failures to implement or use supervisory procedures that exist, systemic supervisory failures also may involve supervisory systems that have both ineffectively designed procedures and procedures that are not implemented.

75 TOC
Supervisory Procedures—Deficient Written Supervisory Procedures FINRA Rules 3110 and 20101 Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the deficiencies allowed violative conduct to occur or to
escape detection.
2. Whether the deficiencies made it difficult to determine the
individual or individuals responsible for specific areas of supervision. Small Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $39,000. Midsize or Large Firm Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $80,000. Suspension, Expulsion, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the firm with respect to the relevant business lines or activities for up to two months and thereafter until the supervisory procedures are amended to conform to rule requirements. FIRM XI. Supervision
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-27.

76
INDIVIDUAL

77
I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm

Accounts at Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions
Outside Business Activities
Selling Away (Private Securities Transactions)

78 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the violative accounts presented real or perceived
conflicts of interest for the employer firm or customers.
2. Whether the violative accounts involved violations of the
Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Public Offerings (FINRA Rule 5130).
3. Whether the respondent provided oral notice of the violative
transactions to the employer member firm or executing member, and whether the employer member firm orally acquiesced. Monetary Sanction Fine of $2,500 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years or barring the respondent. Accounts at Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions FINRA Rules 3210 and 20101 INDIVIDUAL I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-28.

79 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the outside business activity involved customers of the
firm.
Whether the outside business activity resulted directly or indirectly
in injury to other parties, including the investing public, and, if so, the nature and extent of the injury.
The duration of the outside business activity, the number of
customers and the dollar volume of sales.
Whether the respondent’s marketing and sale of the product
or service could have created the impression that the firm had approved the product or service.
Whether the respondent misled his or her firm about the existence
of the outside business activity or otherwise concealed the activity from the firm.
The importance of the role played by the respondent in the
outside business activity.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to $20,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to three months. Where the outside business activities involve aggravating factors, consider a suspension of up to one year. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or a bar. Outside Business Activities FINRA Rules 3270 and 2010 INDIVIDUAL I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm

80 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The dollar volume of sales.
The number of customers.
The length of time over which the selling away activity occurred.
Whether the product sold away has been found to involve a
violation of federal or state securities laws or federal, state or SRO rules.
Whether the respondent had a proprietary or beneficial interest
in, or was otherwise affiliated with, the selling enterprise or issuer and, if so, whether respondent disclosed this information to his or her customers.
Whether respondent attempted to create the impression that his
or her employer member firm sanctioned the activity, for example, by using the employer member firm’s premises, facilities, name, or goodwill for the selling away activity or by selling a product similar to the products that the employer member firm sells.
Whether the respondent’s selling away activity resulted, either
directly or indirectly, in injury to the investing public and, if so, the nature and extent of the injury.
Whether the respondent sold away to customers of his or her
employer member firm.
Whether the respondent provided his or her employer member
firm with oral notice of the details of the proposed transaction and, if so, the firm’s oral or written response, if any. Continued on the next page. Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $40,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions The first step in determining sanctions is to assess the extent of the selling away, including the dollar amount of sales, the number of customers and the length of time over which the selling away occurred. Adjudicators should consider the following range of sanctions based on the dollar amount of sales:
0 Up to $100,000 in sales: 10 business days to three months 0 $100,000 to $500,000: three to six months 0 $500,000 to $1,000,000: six to 12 months 0 Over $1,000,000: 12 months to a bar Following this assessment, Adjudicators should consider other factors as described in the Principal Considerations for this Guideline and the General Principles applicable to all Guidelines. The presence of one or more aggravating or mitigating factors may either raise or lower the above-described sanctions. Selling Away (Private Securities Transactions) FINRA Rules 3280 and 2010 INDIVIDUAL I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm

81 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions Continued from the prior page.
10. Whether the respondent sold away after being instructed by his
or her employer member firm not to sell the type of the product involved or to discontinue selling the specific product involved in the case.
11. Whether the respondent participated in the sale by referring
customers or selling the product directly to customers.
12. Whether the respondent recruited other individuals to sell the
product.
13. Whether the respondent misled his or her employer member
firm about the existence of the selling away activity or otherwise concealed the selling away activity from the firm. Monetary Sanction Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Selling Away (Private Securities Transactions)—continued FINRA Rules 3280 and 2010 INDIVIDUAL I. Activity Away from Associated Person’s Member Firm

82
II. Anti-Money Laundering

Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Reasonably Monitor to
Report Suspicious Transactions
Anti-Money Laundering—Deficient AML Compliance Program
Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Provide for Independent
Testing, Designation of Responsible Individuals, or Training

83 TOC
Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Reasonably Monitor to Report Suspicious Transactions FINRA Rules 3310(a), 3310(f)(ii), and 20101 INDIVIDUAL II. Anti-Money Laundering Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the respondent failed to detect or investigate “red flags”
of suspicious activity.
2. Whether the deficiencies in the suspicious transaction monitoring
allowed reportable activity to escape detection.
3. Whether the respondent’s failures were systemic, widespread, or
occurred over an extended period.
4. Whether the respondent was responsible for establishing the
firm’s AML compliance program.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $50,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Suspend the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of two months to two years or barring the respondent. Adjudicators should use this Guideline when a responsible individual fails to implement and monitor the day-to-day operations and internal controls of the firm’s written AML program.
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-41.

84 TOC INDIVIDUAL II. Anti-Money Laundering Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the deficiencies in the procedures allowed AML violations
to escape detection.
2. The nature, size, and risk profile of the firm’s customer base.
3. The risk profile of the firm’s products, services, and geographic
locations.
4. The quality and degree of the respondent’s implementation of the
firm’s written AML program.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $40,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of two months to two years or barring the respondent. Adjudicators should use this Guideline when a responsible individual fails to ensure that a firm’s written AML program includes policies, procedures, and internal controls reasonably designed to achieve compliance with the BSA and implementing regulations, including 31 C.F.R. § 103.122, Customer Identification Program, 31 C.F.R. § 1010.610, Foreign Financial Institutions and 31 C.F.R. § 1010.230, Ongoing Customer Due Diligence. Anti-Money Laundering—Deficient AML Compliance Program FINRA Rules 3310(b) and (f) and 20101
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-41.

85 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the respondent allowed reportable activity or AML
violations to escape detection.
2. The quality and degree of the respondent’s implementation of the
firm’s written AML program.
3. The length of time the respondent failed to provide for
independent testing or provide ongoing training.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $30,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to one month. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of one month to one year. Adjudicators should use this Guideline when a responsible individual fails to ensure that a firm develops or implements a written AML program that provides for timely and independent testing of the firm’s AML program, the designation and identification to FINRA of individuals responsible for the day-to-day operations and internal controls of the AML program, or ongoing training for appropriate personnel. Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Provide for Independent Testing, Designation of Responsible Individuals, or Training FINRA Rules 3310(c), (d), and (e) and 20101 INDIVIDUAL II. Anti-Money Laundering
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-41.

86
III. Distributions of Securities

Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Equity Public
Offerings Violations
Sales of Unregistered Securities

87 TOC INDIVIDUAL III. Distributions of Securities Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Nature of restricted accounts involved. Consider whether the
account is absolutely or conditionally restricted.
Whether the respondent has any interest in the restricted
accounts or has made false statements or omitted information in connection with the account.
Whether the case involves a bona fide dispute regarding normal
investment practice, proportion of allocation, or size of allocation.
Whether the respondent engaged in misconduct for the purpose
of improperly conferring financial benefit on another person or entity. Monetary Sanction Fine of $2,500 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or a bar. Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Equity Public Offerings Violations FINRA Rules 5130 and 2010

88 TOC INDIVIDUAL III. Distributions of Securities Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the respondent’s unregistered securities sales resulted
from an intentional act, recklessness, or negligence.
Whether the respondent sold before the effective date of a
registration statement.
Share volume of transactions, dollar amount of transactions,
and amount of compensation earned by the respondent or the respondent’s firm on the transactions involved.
Whether the sales of unregistered securities were made in
connection with an attempt to evade regulatory oversight.
Whether the respondent disregarded “red flags” suggesting the
presence of an unregistered distribution.
Whether the respondent’s conduct involved a high volume
of, or recurring transactions in, penny stocks as defined in
Section 3(a)(51) of the Exchange Act or Exchange Act Rule 3a51-1.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to $20,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Where the respondent’s conduct involved a high volume of or recurring transactions in penny stocks: fine of $5,000 to $40,000 or higher where aggravating factors predominate. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to six months. Where aggravating factors predominate, or where the respondent’s conduct involved a high volume of, or recurring transactions in, penny stocks, suspend the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years or impose a bar. Sales of Unregistered Securities
Section 5 of the Securities Act of 1933 and FINRA Rule 2010

89
IV. Financial and Operational Practices

Net Capital Violations
Recordkeeping Violations

90 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the firm continued in business while the respondent
knew of deficiencies or inaccuracies or the respondent caused the firm to voluntarily cease conducting business because of the deficiencies or inaccuracies.
Whether respondent attempted to conceal deficiencies or
inaccuracies by any means, including “parking” of inventory and inflating “mark-to-market” calculations. Monetary Sanction Fine of $2,500 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or a bar. Net Capital Violations FINRA Rules 4110(b) and 2010 and Exchange Act Rule 15c3-1 INDIVIDUAL IV. Financial and Operational Practices

91 TOC INDIVIDUAL IV. Financial and Operational Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-8 and G-9.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and materiality of the inaccurate or missing
information.
2. The type and number of records at issue.
3. Whether the inaccurate or missing information was entered or
omitted intentionally, recklessly, or as the result of negligence.
4. Whether the violations occurred over an extended period of time
or involved a pattern or patterns of misconduct.
5. Whether the violations allowed other misconduct to occur or to
escape detection.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to $40,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to three months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or a bar. Recordkeeping Violations Exchange Act Rules 17a-3 and 17a-4 and FINRA Rules 4511 and 20101

92
V. Impeding Regulatory Investigations

Failure to Respond, Failure to Respond Truthfully, Providing
a Partial but Incomplete Response, or Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner to Requests Made Pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210
Settling Customer Complaints Away from the Firm

93 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Failure to Respond or to Respond Truthfully
1. The importance of the information requested as viewed from
FINRA’s perspective.
Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response
1. The importance of the information requested that was not
provided as viewed from FINRA’s perspective, and whether the information provided was relevant and responsive to the request.
2. The number of requests made, the time the respondent took to
respond, and the degree of regulatory pressure required to obtain a response.
3. The reasons offered by the respondent to justify the partial but
incomplete response.
Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner
1. The importance of the information requested as viewed from
FINRA’s perspective.
2. The number of requests made, the time the respondent took to
respond, and the degree of regulatory pressure required to obtain a response. Monetary Sanction Failure to Respond or to Respond Truthfully Fine of $10,000 to $50,000. Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response Fine of $5,000 to $20,000. Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner Fine of $2,500 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions If the respondent did not respond in any manner, a bar is standard. Where the respondent provided a partial but incomplete response, a bar is standard unless the person can demonstrate that the information provided substantially complied with all aspects of the request. Where mitigation exists, suspend the respondent in all capacities for up to two years. Where the respondent failed to respond in a timely manner, consider suspending the respondent in all capacities for a period of three months to two years. Failure to Respond, Failure to Respond Truthfully, Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response, or Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner to Requests Made Pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210 FINRA Rules 8210 and 2010 INDIVIDUAL V. Impeding Regulatory Investigations

94 TOC INDIVIDUAL V. Impeding Regulatory Investigations Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the respondent provided the employer member firm with
notice of settlement and the employer member firm acquiesced, or whether the respondent deceived the employer member firm.
Whether the actions delayed or prevented the filing of required
Forms U4 or U5 or FINRA Rule 4530 reports.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to $20,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Settling Customer Complaints Away from the Firm FINRA Rule 2010

95
VI. Improper Use of Funds/Forgery

Conversion; or Improper Use of Funds or Securities
Forgery, Unauthorized Use of Signatures, or Falsification of
Records

96 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Monetary Sanction Conversion2 No fine recommended because a bar is standard. Improper Use Fine of $5,000 to $40,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Conversion Bar the respondent regardless of amount converted. Improper Use Consider a bar. Where the improper use resulted from the respondent’s misunderstanding of the intended use of the funds or securities, or other mitigation exists, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of three months to two years and thereafter until the respondent pays restitution. Conversion; or Improper Use of Funds or Securities FINRA Rules 2150 and 20101 INDIVIDUAL VI. Improper Use of Funds/Forgery

This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-25.
Conversion generally is an intentional and unauthorized taking of and/or exercise of ownership over property by one who neither owns the property nor is entitled to possess it.

97 TOC INDIVIDUAL VI. Improper Use of Funds/Forgery Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The nature of the documents signed or falsified.
Whether the respondent had a good-faith, but mistaken, belief of
express or implied authority.
Whether the customer possessed or saw the document before the
customer’s signature was affixed to it.
If the document pertained to a transaction, whether the
transaction was authorized.
Whether the customer re-signed the document or otherwise
approved the signature after the fact.
Whether the respondent’s misconduct assisted a customer’s or
third-party’s wrongdoing.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $40,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Where mitigating factors predominate— including, for example, signatures and falsifications in connection with authorized transactions and instances when the customer re-signed the document or otherwise approved the signature after the fact—consider suspending the respondent in all capacities for a period of 10 business days to six months. Where some aggravating factors exist, consider suspending the respondent for a period of two months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, particularly in cases resulting in customer harm, consider suspending the respondent for a period of six months to two years or barring the respondent. Forgery, Unauthorized Use of Signatures, or Falsification of Records FINRA Rule 2010

98
VII. Qualification and Membership

Cheating, Including Using an Impostor, or Violating the Rules of
Conduct in Qualification Examinations or in the Firm Element or Regulatory Element of Continuing Education
Disqualified Person Associating with Firm Prior to Approval
Registration Violations
Unapproved Changes in Ownership, Control, or Business
Operations

99 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether respondent’s misconduct occurred during a qualification
examination or while completing continuing education.
2. The nature of the unauthorized materials or devices that the
respondent possessed or used.
3. In Firm Element or Regulatory Element Continuing Education
matters, whether the respondent recruited others to complete requirements and the degree of pressure exerted. Monetary Sanction Qualification Examination For cheating or using an imposter, no fine recommended because a bar is standard. For unauthorized possession that does not rise to the level of cheating, fine of $5,000 to $40,000. Continuing Education Fine of $2,500 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Qualification Examination A bar is standard for cheating or using an imposter on a qualification exam. For unauthorized possession or violations of the rules of conduct that do not rise to the level of cheating, consider a lesser sanction, such as suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years and requiring the respondent to requalify. Continuing Education Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of one month to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Additionally consider requiring respondent to complete appropriate continuing education. Cheating, Including Using an Impostor, or Violating the Rules of Conduct in Qualification Examinations or in the Firm Element or Regulatory Element of Continuing Education FINRA Rule 2010 and FINRA Rule 1210 Supp. Material .051 INDIVIDUAL VII. Qualification and Membership
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-3.

100 TOC INDIVIDUAL VII. Qualification and Membership
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-4.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and extent of the disqualified person’s activities and
responsibilities.
2. Whether a Form MC-400 application was pending.
3. Whether disqualification resulted from banking, insurance, or
securities misconduct.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $20,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Supervisory Principal Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the supervisory principal in any or all capacities for up to two years or barring the supervisory principal, particularly where he or she knowingly allowed a disqualified person to become associated. Disqualified Person Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a bar. Disqualified Person Associating with Firm Prior to Approval FINRA Rules 1210 and 2010 and Article III, Section 3 of the FINRA By-Laws1

101 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the respondent filed a registration application.
2. The nature, extent, and duration of the respondent’s
responsibilities while unregistered.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to $20,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to six months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or a bar. Registration Violations FINRA Rules 1210, 1220, and 20101 INDIVIDUAL VII. Qualification and Membership
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-2 and G-3.

102 TOC INDIVIDUAL VII. Qualification and Membership Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the respondent caused the firm to breach a material
provision of the agreement.
Whether the respondent caused the firm to breach a provision of
the agreement that contained a restriction that was particular to the firm.
Whether the firm had applied for, was in the process of applying
for, or had been denied a waiver of a restriction at the time of the misconduct. Monetary Sanction Fine of $2,500 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors exist, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Unapproved Changes in Ownership, Control, or Business Operations FINRA Rule 2010

103
VIII. Quality of Markets

Best Execution
Marking the Open or Marking the Close

104 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature of the best execution violation (i.e., whether the
execution was at an inferior price or was untimely).
2. For securities with limited quotations or pricing information
available, whether the character of the market for the security was reasonably assessed, including an analysis of price, volatility and relative liquidity, and whether reliable sources of pricing information or potential liquidity were considered.
3. The number of affected customers and customer harm.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $50,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent for a period of 10 business days to two months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of two months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Best Execution FINRA Rules 5310 and 20101 INDIVIDUAL VIII. Quality of Markets
1. This guideline also may be appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-18 and G-30.

105 TOC INDIVIDUAL VIII. Quality of Markets
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of Sections 10(b) and 15(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and MSRB Rules G-17 and G-47.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the misconduct resulted in protecting a securities
position or enhancing size.
2. Whether the respondent received a benefit from the misconduct,
including but not limited to increased valuation of inventory, avoidance of margin calls, or impact on month-end performance.
3. Whether the activity affected the market at a particularly sensitive
time, such as on the expiration date of an option or the end of the month.
4. Whether the misconduct was an isolated incident involving one
stock or a systemic pattern of behavior involving multiple stocks. Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $100,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of one month to two years. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Strongly consider barring the respondent. Where mitigating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of six months to two years. Marking the Open or Marking the Close FINRA Rules 5210 and 20101

106
IX. Reporting/Provision of Information

FOCUS Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and Filing False,
Inaccurate, or Misleading Reports
Forms U4/U5—Late Filing of Forms or Amendments; Failing to
File Forms or Amendments; and Filing of False, Misleading or Inaccurate Forms or Amendments

107 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The number of days late the respondent filed reports.
Whether the respondent filed late to delay reporting a
recordkeeping, operational, or financial deficiency.
Whether the respondent included inaccurate information in
the FOCUS report, the nature of the inaccurate information, and whether the respondent was aware at the time that the information was inaccurate. Monetary Sanction Late or Inaccurate Filing Fine of $5,000 to $20,000. Failure to File or Filing False or Misleading Reports Fine of $10,000 to $40,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Late or Inaccurate Filing Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to 10 business days. Failure to File or Filing False or Misleading Reports Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years. FOCUS Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and Filing False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reports FINRA Rules 4511 and 2010 INDIVIDUAL IX. Reporting/Provision of Information

108 TOC INDIVIDUAL IX. Reporting/Provision of Information
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-7.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and significance of information at issue.
2. The number, nature, and dollar value of the disclosable events at
issue.
3. Whether the omission of information or the inclusion of false
information was done in an intentional effort to conceal information or in an attempt to mislead.
4. The duration of the delinquency.
5. Whether the failure to disclose or timely disclose delayed a
regulatory investigation.
6. Whether a lien or judgment that was not timely disclosed has been
satisfied.
7. Whether the failure resulted in a statutorily disqualified individual
becoming or remaining associated with a firm.
8. Whether the respondent’s misconduct resulted directly or
indirectly in injury to other parties, including the investing public, and, if so, the nature and extent of the injury. Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to six months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension in any or all capacities of up to two years or, where the respondent intended to conceal information or mislead, a bar. Forms U4/U5—Late Filing of Forms or Amendments; Failing to File Forms or Amendments; and Filing of False, Misleading, or Inaccurate Forms or Amendments FINRA Rules 1122 and 2010 and Article V of the FINRA By-Laws1

109
X. Sales Practices

Arbitration Award—Failure to Honor or Failure to Honor in a
Timely Manner
Borrowing From or Lending to Customers
Churning, Excessive Trading, or Switching
Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with
Approval, Review, Recordkeeping, and Filing Requirements
Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with
Content Standards
Discretion—Exercise of Discretion Without Customer’s Written
Authority
Fraud, Misrepresentations, or Omissions of Material Fact
Pricing—Excessive Markups/Markdowns and Excessive
Commissions
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Relationships,
Information Barriers, and Potential Conflicts
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Research Report
Disclosure Requirements
Research Analysts and Research Reports—Restrictions on
Personal Trading
Suitability—Unsuitable Recommendations
Unauthorized Transactions and Failures to Execute Buy or Sell
Orders

110 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the respondent has paid any portion of the arbitration
award.
2. Whether the respondent has made a good-faith attempt to satisfy
the award in whole or in part. Consider the promptness of any such good-faith effort.
3. Whether the respondent negotiated a settlement or payment
schedule with the arbitration claimant and then failed to abide by
the terms of the agreement.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to $20,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions2 Where the respondent failed to pay the arbitration award in a timely manner, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to 10 business days. Where the respondent fails to honor the arbitration award, suspend the respondent in any or all capacities until the respondent satisfies the arbitration award (by payment or fully paid settlement) plus at least an additional six weeks. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or a bar. Arbitration Award—Failure to Honor or Failure to Honor in a Timely Manner FINRA Rules 10330 and 20101 INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-35.
2. In addition, FINRA Rule 9554 indicates that FINRA also may suspend or cancel the registration of a person for failure to honor an arbitration award or settlement agreement related to an arbitration or mediation under
Article V, Section 3 of the FINRA By-Laws.

111 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The purpose of the loan.
The number of loans at issue.
The number of customers involved in the respondent’s borrowing
or lending arrangements.
Whether the loan was documented through a loan agreement or
other written instrument.
The dollar amount, duration, interest rate, repayment schedule,
and other terms of the loan and whether they are reasonable.
Whether the respondent made payments in conformance with the
loan agreement and has repaid, or attempted to repay, the loan.
The age, financial condition, and financial sophistication of the
customer.
Whether the respondent made any misrepresentations to the
customer.
Whether the respondent misled his or her employer member firm
about the existence of the loan or otherwise concealed the activity from the firm. Monetary Sanction Fine of $2,500 to $50,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent for a period of 10 business days to three months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of up to two years or a bar. Borrowing from or Lending to Customers FINRA Rules 3240 and 2010

112 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $50,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Suspend the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of one month to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a suspension of two years or a bar. Strongly consider a bar for reckless or intentional misconduct (e.g., churning). Churning, Excessive Trading, or Switching FINRA Rules 2020, 2111, and 2010 and Exchange Act Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI)1 INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices

This guideline also is appropriate for variable annuity and mutual fund-related violations, violations of Sections 10(b) and 15(c)(1) of the Exchange Act, the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and violations of
MSRB Rule G-17.

113 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations involving institutional communications and for violations of MSRB Rule G-21.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and extent of failure to review or approve
communications.
2. Whether the failure to review or approve communications resulted
in the distribution of false or misleading communications.
3. Whether the respondent failed to file or untimely filed
communications with the Advertising Regulation Department as required by the rules. Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two months. Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with Approval, Review, Recordkeeping, and Filing Requirements FINRA Rules 2210 et seq. and 20101

114 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations involving institutional communications and for violations of MSRB Rule G-21.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. The nature and significance of false, misleading, or omitted
information.
2. Whether the violative communications with the public were
circulated widely.
3. Whether the misconduct was the result of an intentional act,
recklessness, or negligence.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $40,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions In cases involving negligent use of misleading communications, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to two months. In cases involving intentional or reckless use of misleading communications with the public, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to 18 months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years or barring the respondent. Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with Content Standards FINRA Rules 2210 et seq. and 20101

115 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-8(a)(xi)(I) and G-17.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether customer’s grant of discretion was express or implied.
2. Whether the firm’s policies or procedures prohibited the
respondent’s discretionary trading.
3. Whether the firm prohibited the respondent from exercising
discretion in customer accounts.
4. Whether the respondent’s exercise of discretion went beyond time
and price discretion.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $2,500 to $10,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to two months. Discretion—Exercise of Discretion Without Customer’s Written Authority FINRA Rules 3260(b) and 20101

116 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices

This guideline also is appropriate for violations of Sections 10(b) and 15(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Section 17(a) of the Securities Act of 1933, the applicable rules and regulations thereunder, and
MSRB Rules G-17 and G-47.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Monetary Sanction Negligent Misconduct Fine of $5,000 to $50,000. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Fine of $10,000 to $100,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Suspend the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of one month to two years. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Strongly consider barring the respondent. Where mitigating factors predominate, suspend the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of six months to two years. Fraud, Misrepresentations, or Omissions of Material Fact FINRA Rules 2020 and 20101

117 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether as a result of the respondent’s conduct, the firm
dominated and controlled the market in the subject security or securities.
2. Whether respondent had discretion as to the amount of markups,
markdowns, or commissions on each trade.
3. The number of harmed customers and the customer harm.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $100,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to two months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of two months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Pricing—Excessive Markups/Markdowns and Excessive Commissions FINRA Rules 2121 and 2010 and FINRA Rule 2121 Supp. Material .01 and .021
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-30.

118 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

Whether the respondent’s misconduct resulted in publication of
research reports that omitted material information or contained misleading information.
Whether respondent was responsible for systemic problems or
widespread conflicts in the firm.
Whether respondent was registered or functioning as a principal at
the firm.
Monetary Sanction
Negligent Misconduct
Fine of $5,000 to $40,000.
Intentional or Reckless Misconduct
Fine of $10,000 to $77,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of two months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Research Analysts and Research Reports—Relationships, Information Barriers, and Potential Conflicts FINRA Rules 2241, 2242, and 2010

119 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The nature of respondent’s disclosure failures.
The number of respondent’s research reports in which there were
disclosure failures.
The duration of respondent’s disclosure failures.
Whether respondent was registered or functioning as a principal at
the firm.
Whether respondent had a financial interest in the issuer.
Whether respondent raised price targets, revenue and earnings
estimates, or otherwise adjusted research to seek favor with the investment banking department or issuer. Monetary Sanction Negligent Misconduct Fine of $5,000 to $40,000. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Fine of $10,000 to $77,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of two months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Research Analysts and Research Reports—Research Report Disclosure Requirements FINRA Rules 2241(c), 2242(c), and 2010

120 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section

The nature of trading restriction violated.
The number of trades respondent executed in violation of trading
restrictions.
Whether respondent was registered or functioning as a principal at
the firm.
Monetary Sanction
Negligent Misconduct
Fine of $5,000 to $20,000.
Intentional or Reckless Misconduct
Fine of $10,000 to $77,000.
Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Negligent Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two months. Intentional or Reckless Misconduct Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of two months to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider barring the respondent. Research Analysts and Research Reports—Restrictions on Personal Trading FINRA Rules 2241(b)(2)(J), 2242(b)(2)(J), and 2010

121 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section Monetary Sanction Fine of $2,500 to $40,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Suspend the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, strongly consider a bar. Suitability—Unsuitable Recommendations FINRA Rules 2111 and 2010

122 TOC INDIVIDUAL X. Sales Practices
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rules G-17 and G-19.
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the respondent reasonably misunderstood his or her
authority or the terms of the customer’s orders.
2. The number of customers affected and the magnitude of the
customers’ losses.
3. The number and dollar value of unauthorized transactions or
failures to execute buy or sell orders.
4. Whether the respondent attempted to conceal the trading or to
evade regulatory investigative efforts.
5. Whether the unauthorized transactions were made in furtherance
of or in connection with another violation (e.g., conversion, improper use of funds, churning, etc.). Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $30,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions For failures to execute orders, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to one year. For unauthorized transactions, consider suspending the respondent for a period of one month to two years. Where aggravating factors predominate, strongly consider barring the respondent. Unauthorized Transactions and Failures to Execute Buy or Sell Orders FINRA Rule 20101

123
XI. Supervision

Supervision—Failure to Supervise
Supervision—Systemic Supervisory Failures
Supervisory Procedures—Deficient Written Supervisory Procedures

124 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the respondent ignored “red flag” warnings that should
have resulted in additional supervisory scrutiny.
2. Whether individuals responsible for underlying misconduct
attempted to conceal misconduct from the respondent.
3. The nature, extent, size, and character of the underlying
misconduct.
4. The quality and degree of respondent’s implementation of the
firm’s supervisory procedures and controls.
Monetary Sanction
Fine of $5,000 to $30,000.
Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in all principal capacities for up to two months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to two years or barring the respondent. Supervision—Failure to Supervise FINRA Rules 3110 and 20101 INDIVIDUAL XI. Supervision
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-27.

125 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether the deficiencies allowed violative conduct to occur or to
escape detection.
2. Whether the respondent failed to timely correct or address
deficiencies once identified, failed to respond reasonably to prior warnings from FINRA or another regulator, or failed to respond reasonably to other “red flag” warnings.
3. The number and type of customers, investors, or market
participants affected by the deficiencies.
4. The number and dollar value of the transactions not adequately
supervised as a result of the deficiencies.
5. The nature, extent, size, character, and complexity of the
activities or functions not adequately supervised as a result of the deficiencies.
6. The extent to which the deficiencies affected market integrity,
market transparency, the accuracy of regulatory reports, or the dissemination of trade or other regulatory information.
7. The quality of controls and procedures available to the respondent
and the degree to which the respondent implemented them. Monetary Sanction Fine of $10,000 to $50,000. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider a higher fine. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of 10 business days to six months. Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for a period of six months to two years or barring the respondent. Adjudicators should use this Guideline when a supervisory failure is significant and is widespread or occurs over an extended period of time. While systemic supervisory failures typically involve failures to implement or use supervisory procedures that exist, systemic supervisory failures also may involve supervisory systems that have both ineffectively designed procedures and procedures that are not implemented. Supervision—Systemic Supervisory Failures FINRA Rules 3110 and 20101
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-27.
INDIVIDUAL XI. Supervision

126 TOC
Principal Considerations in Determining Sanctions See Principal Considerations in Introductory Section
1. Whether deficiencies allowed violative conduct to occur or to
escape detection.
2. Whether the deficiencies made it difficult to determine the
individual or individuals responsible for specific areas of supervision. Monetary Sanction Fine of $5,000 to $20,000. Suspension, Bar, or Other Sanctions Where aggravating factors predominate, consider suspending the respondent in any or all capacities for up to one year. Supervision—Deficient Written Supervisory Procedures FINRA Rules 3110 and 20101 INDIVIDUAL XI. Supervision
1. This guideline also is appropriate for violations of MSRB Rule G-27.

127
INDEX

FIRM INDIVIDUAL
128
Index
TOC
Accounts at Other Broker-Dealers and Financial Institutions 78 Anti-Money Laundering—Deficient AML Compliance Program 17 84 Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Provide for Independent Testing, Designation of Responsible Individuals, or Training 18 85 Anti-Money Laundering—Failure to Reasonably Monitor to Report Suspicious Transactions 16 83 Arbitration Award—Failure to Honor or Failure to Honor in a Timely Manner 110 Best Execution 39 104 Borrowing from or Lending to Customers 111 Branch Offices—Failure to Register 34 Cheating, Including Using an Impostor, or Violating the Rules of Conduct in Qualification Examinations or in the Firm Element or Regulatory Element of Continuing Education 99 Churning, Excessive Trading, or Switching 60 112 Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with Approval, Review, Recordkeeping, and Filing Requirements 61 113 Communications with the Public—Failure to Comply with Content Standards 62 114 Consolidated Audit Trail System (CAT)—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; False, Inaccurate or Misleading Reporting; and Clock Synchronization Failure 40 Conversion; or Improper Use of Funds or Securities 32 96 Corporate Financing Rule—Failure to Comply with Filing Requirements 20

FIRM INDIVIDUAL
129
Index
TOC
Corporate Financing Rule—Unfair or Unreasonable Underwriting Compensation 21 Customer Account Transfer Contracts 63 Customer Confirmations 25 Customer Protection Rule 26 Discretion—Exercise of Discretion without Customer’s Written Authority 115 Display of Customer Limit Orders 41 Disqualified Person Associating with Firm Prior to Approval 100 Escrow Violations—Prohibited Representations in Contingency Offerings; Transmission or Maintenance of Customer Funds in Underwritings 22 Extended Hours Trading Risk Disclosure 42 Failure to Respond, Failure to Respond Truthfully, Providing a Partial but Incomplete Response, or Failure to Respond in a Timely Manner to Requests Made Pursuant to FINRA Rule 8210 30 93 Firm Allowing Disqualified Person to Associate Prior to Approval 35 FOCUS Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and Filing False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reports 54 107 Forgery, Unauthorized Use of Signatures, or Falsification of Records 97 Forms U4/U5—Late Filing of Forms or Amendments; Failing to File Forms or Amendments; and Filing of False, Misleading, or Inaccurate Forms or Amendments 55 108 Fraud, Misrepresentations, or Omissions of Material Fact 64 116

FIRM INDIVIDUAL
130
Index
TOC
Locking or Crossing Quotations 43
Marking the Open or Marking the Close 44 105 Net Capital Violations 27 90 Options Exercise and Positions Limits 45 Options Positions Reporting—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; and False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reporting 46 Outside Business Activities 13 79 Pricing—Excessive Markups/Markdowns and Excessive Commissions 65 117 Recordkeeping Violations 28 91 Registration Violations 36 101 Regulation M Reports—Late Filing; Failing to File; and False or Misleading Filing 56 Reportable Events Under FINRA Rule 4530—Late Reporting and Failing to Report 57 Reports of Execution Quality and Order Routing 47 Request for Automated Submission of Trading Data—Failure to Respond in a Timely and Accurate Manner 58 Research Analysts and Research Reports—Relationships, Information Barriers, and Potential Conflicts 66 118 Research Analysts and Research Reports—Research Report Disclosure Requirements 67 Research Analysts and Research Reports—Restrictions on Personal Trading 68

FIRM INDIVIDUAL
131
Index
TOC
Restrictions on the Purchase and Sale of Initial Equity Public Offerings Violations 87 Sales of Unregistered Securities 23 Selling Away (Private Securities Transactions) 14 80 Settling Customer Complaints Away from the Firm 94 Short Interest Reporting 48 Short Sale Violations 49 Suitability—Unsuitable Recommendations 69 121 Supervision—Failure to Supervise 73 124 Supervision—Systemic Supervisory Failures 74 125 Supervisory Procedures—Deficient Written Supervisory Procedures 75 126 Telemarketing—Failing to Comply With Time of Day Restrictions and Do-Not-Call Lists; Failing to Establish and Maintain Procedures 70 Trade Reporting and Compliance Engine (TRACE)—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; and False, Inaccurate, or Incomplete Reporting 50 Trade Reporting—Late Reporting; Failing to Report; and False, Inaccurate, or Misleading Reporting 51 Trading Ahead of Customer Orders 52 Unapproved Changes in Ownership, Control, or Business Operations 37 102 Unauthorized Transactions and Failures to Execute Buy or Sell Orders 71 122

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