News and Insights

FirstMark publishes articles on FINRA, SEC, and other regulatory matters of interest to broker-dealers, investment advisers, and compliance professionals. Topics include rule developments, examination preparation, AML compliance, supervisory controls testing, and membership applications.
Articles are written by Mitchell Atkins, CRCP, drawing on 20 years of experience at FINRA and ongoing engagements with industry firms.
The FINRA CMA – A Comprehensive Guide
The FINRA Continuing Membership Application — commonly called…
May 17, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPFINRA Application Process: Buy or Apply
One of the first decisions a prospective broker-dealer owner…
May 15, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPExchange Act Rule 17a-4 – An Old Rule in a New World
The electronic recordkeeping requirements for broker-dealers…
May 2, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPFINRA Supervisory Controls Testing in the Age of Reg BI: Six Questions That Still Matter
In December 2015, I sat in a hotel ballroom in New Orleans listening…
April 30, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPFINRA Anti-Money Laundering Independent Testing
It is that time of year again. After the calendar winds down,…
April 27, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPWho Must be Fingerprinted at a FINRA Broker-Dealer?
The question of who must be fingerprinted at a FINRA dealer is…
April 23, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPThe FINRA New Member Application – A Comprehensive Guide
A FINRA New Member Application, or NMA, is subject to a process…
April 23, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPFINRA Branch Offices in Executive Suites? Absolutely.
The modern securities professional no longer works exclusively…
April 18, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPFINRA 5 Percent Policy – What Firms Actually Need to Know
A practitioner's guide to FINRA Rule 2121 — covering the…
March 20, 2026/by Mitchell Atkins, CRCPRecent Posts
- The FINRA CMA – A Comprehensive Guide
- FINRA Application Process: Buy or Apply
- Exchange Act Rule 17a-4 – An Old Rule in a New World
- FINRA Supervisory Controls Testing in the Age of Reg BI: Six Questions That Still Matter
- FINRA Anti-Money Laundering Independent Testing
- Who Must be Fingerprinted at a FINRA Broker-Dealer?
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FINRA Compliance Podcasts
- How FINRA Is Enhancing Member Firm Examinations
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SEC News
- SEC Charges 21 Individuals With Alleged Wide-Reaching Insider Trading Scheme
- SEC Divisions of Investment Management and Corporation Finance Issue Staff Guidance Supporting Retirement Plans for Small Businesses
- SEC Proposes Amendments to Permit Optional Semiannual Reporting by Public Companies
- Deputy Director of Enforcement Jason Burt to Conclude His Tenure at the SEC
- SEC and CFTC Jointly Propose Amendments to Reduce Private Fund Reporting Burdens
- Chairman Atkins Launches 'Material Matters' Podcast
- SEC Small Business Advisory Committee to Explore Ways to Encourage More IPOs
FirstMark News & Expert Insights
- The FINRA CMA – A Comprehensive Guide
- FINRA Application Process: Buy or Apply
- Exchange Act Rule 17a-4 – An Old Rule in a New World
- FINRA Supervisory Controls Testing in the Age of Reg BI: Six Questions That Still Matter
- FINRA Anti-Money Laundering Independent Testing
- Who Must be Fingerprinted at a FINRA Broker-Dealer?
FirstMark Regulatory Solutions, Inc.
150 E. Palmetto Park Road, Ste. 800
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 948-6511
https://firstmarksolutions.com
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561) 948-6511
https://firstmarksolutions.com

