Angie · learn
FINRA
The self-regulatory body overseeing broker-dealers and their representatives, operating under SEC authority. It licenses the people who handle your orders.
Updated 2026-09-05
FINRA is the self-regulatory organisation overseeing broker-dealers and their registered representatives, operating under SEC authority. It writes conduct rules, licenses individuals, and disciplines firms.
For an investor the useful part is BrokerCheck, its public database of registered individuals and firms, which shows employment history, licences and any disclosed complaints or disciplinary actions. It is free, and checking it takes a minute.
See also
- SEC — The federal securities regulator. Its disclosure regime is why public financial statements exist at all, and therefore why any of this can be computed.
- SIPC — Insurance that protects up to $500,000 of your assets if your broker fails. It covers the broker failing. It does not cover your investments falling.
Educational content, not investment advice. Angie explains how a valuation is built so you can judge it yourself. What you do with that is your call.
