On May 8, FINRA filed an expedited request for an immediate rule change that would allow service by email, extensions of time, and video-conference hearings in member-application, disciplinary proceedings and appeals. FINRA notes that the COVID-19 work-from-home (“WFH”) environment makes it “exceedingly difficult to send and receive hard copy mail and conduct in-person meetings and hearings.” The rule change is expected to be temporary through June 15, subject to another later filing extending the provisions if and as necessary.
FINRA previously made similar changes to its Dispute Resolution procedures for arbitrations, cancelling all hearings through July 3 and requiring all filing and service through its web-based DR-Portal.
The proposal, SR-2020-015 is here.
Thomas K. Potter, III (tpotter@burr.com) is a partner in the Securities Litigation Practice Group at Burr & Forman, LLP. Tom is licensed in Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana. He has over 34 years of experience representing financial institutions in litigation, regulatory, and compliance matters. See attorney profile.
- Partner
Tom Potter is a Partner in the firm's Nashville office and has over 35 years of experience representing business interests in securities and corporate disputes.
Tom represents broker-dealers and investment bankers in disputes ...