Effective Date Set for FINRA Amendments to Filing and Service Processes for Disciplinary Proceedings

FINRA amended its rules on method of service and filing of documents in disciplinary proceedings and appeals. These amendments make permanent a number of temporary changes adopted during COVID that provide for electronic service and filing of documents. The amended rules become effective on August 22, 2022.

As previously covered, the rule change (i) permits FINRA to serve documents via email, provided that if the intended recipient's email address is unverifiable, FINRA may use alternative approved methods until it can be verified and (ii) requires parties in Office of Hearing Officers proceedings to include a current email address in any initial filings as well as notify all other relevant parties of a change in email address.