The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) issued a request for comments as part of its efforts to support dialogue for greater diversity and inclusion within the financial industry. NAIFA submitted comments to Regulatory Notice 21-17 that highlighted our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) as part of the NAIFA 2025 strategic plan, the mission of our DEI Council, and the importance of cooperation among the industry to drive change.

NAIFA also offered FINRA more detailed recommendations on where regulators could adjust current policies and practices. These recommendations covered licensing exam availability, U5 filing time restrictions, public disclosures, background reporting, and marketing and communications material compliance.

NAIFA looks forward to continuing this important dialogue with FINRA as part of the industry’s collectively work towards enacting policies that foster a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive financial services workplace.