FINRA And Its Relentless Attack on Excessive Fees

A recent article in Investment News reported the planned crackdown on excessive fees charged by the brokerage industry, but how can FINRA regulate their own source of revenue?

About syndicated columnists

Syndicated Columnists is a National organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management. Providing original content aimed at the financial market, their articles are diverse, easy to understand, and targeted to the average reader. These columnists pool and share article information to provide the highest quality experience for their readers.

Let’s see…..hmm. The Commissioner of Baseball is also one of the franchise owners

The NFL is a nonprofit organization that pays its commissioner $44 million a year…….hmm

The securities (brokerage) industry to slow federal oversight, declared itself a self-regulating industry.
Hmmmmm…..the brokerage industry earns compensation for actions, sales, management, etc.
So….NASD (National Association of Security Dealers) was renamed FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) to appear to be more regulatory.

The SEC (Security and Exchange Commission) has complained for years to FINRA that oversight was too narrow.
FINRA announced it would slow down (corral) excessive fees.

http://www.finra.org/web/groups/corporate/@corp/@about/@ar/documents/corporate/p534386.pdf

Hmmmmm…where does FINRA get its financial budget? A: The brokerage industry.
How much is their annual budget (2019)? A: $1,050,000,000
How much did FINRA overspend (loss) in 2019? A: $68,400,000 (loss)
How many people does FINRA employ? A: 3,500 (2019).

So….a self-regulating industry, with a budget of $1 billion, overspent regulating an industry (by $68 million) that FINRA has decided is charging too much in fees…..hmm.

Let’s summarize:

  • FINRA regulates the brokerage business.
  • FINRA is supported by the brokerage industry.
  • The brokerage industry earns its income from fees.
  • FINRA wants to reduce the fees the brokerage industry charges.

Am I nuts or do I see a problem?

A recent article in Investment News reported the planned crackdown on excessive fees charged by the brokerage industry.

Here is the link: http://www.investmentnews.com/article/20150123/FREE/150129955/regulators-bare-their-teeth-on-excessive-fees

About syndicated columnists

Syndicated Columnists is a National organization committed to a fully transparent approach to money management. Providing original content aimed at the financial market, their articles are diverse, easy to understand, and targeted to the average reader. These columnists pool and share article information to provide the highest quality experience for their readers.

View The Best Annuity Rates Available Now

Annuities are a safe and reliable investment. They can transform your savings into a more predictable income. Speak with one of our qualified financial professionals today to find out how an annuity can offer you guaranteed monthly income for life.

Our unique system of “Pooled and Shared” articles by our authors, our outside contributors, and writing assistants provides efficiency, enhanced collaboration, and greater topic accessibility. This allows for a better utilization of content and productivity while delivering meaningful content to our readers.

Content in our posted articles is deemed to be accurate but topics, facts and laws can change. It is always a good idea to verify facts before making decisions. Always seek authorized and professional advice regarding financial decisions which includes investing, annuity purchases, tax planning, changes in a financial portfolio and retirement planning.

Share This Entry:

In This Article

Protect Your Retirement

Our 20th edition of The Safe Money Guide, the standard of the industry.

Recent Posts

Archives