The largest self-regulatory organization (SRO) for securities firms doing business in the US and currently the only designated national securities association, FINRA oversees brokerage firms, their branch offices and registered representatives, and regulates the conduct of its broker-dealer member firms. Section 15A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 gives FINRA the authority to discipline its member firms and certain individuals for violations of the securities laws and rules administered by FINRA.

FINRA was created in July 2007 through the consolidation of the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) and the member regulation, enforcement and arbitration functions of the NYSE.