Notice to FINRA: Overview, definition, and example
What is notice to FINRA?
Notice to FINRA refers to the requirement that certain issuers or underwriters notify the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) about specific securities offerings or transactions. This notice is typically required when a public offering involves a FINRA-member firm and helps FINRA review underwriting arrangements, compensation, and potential conflicts of interest under its corporate financing rules—especially FINRA Rule 5110.
Why is notice to FINRA important?
Notice to FINRA is important because it allows FINRA to monitor fairness and compliance in securities offerings involving its member firms. The notice process ensures that underwriting compensation is reasonable, disclosure is adequate, and conflicts are properly managed. Failing to notify FINRA when required can delay or invalidate an offering, and may lead to regulatory consequences for the issuer or underwriter.
Understanding notice to FINRA through an example
A company plans a public offering of common stock through a FINRA-member investment bank. Before filing the registration statement with the SEC, the underwriter must submit a notice to FINRA with details of the underwriting agreement, compensation structure, and any affiliations between the issuer and underwriter. This filing enables FINRA to complete its review before the offering goes effective.
Example of how a notice to FINRA clause may appear in a contract
Here’s how a notice to FINRA clause may appear in an underwriting or securities purchase agreement:
"The Company shall cooperate with the Underwriter in filing all required notices with FINRA in connection with the offering, including providing all information necessary to comply with FINRA Rule 5110, and shall promptly respond to any FINRA comments or inquiries."
Conclusion
Notice to FINRA is a key procedural step in securities offerings that involve FINRA-member firms. It promotes transparency, fair dealing, and regulatory compliance in capital markets transactions. Issuers and underwriters should coordinate early to ensure timely submission of required information, avoiding delays in the offering process and maintaining alignment with FINRA rules.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.