SEC and FINRA Sponsor Outreach Compliance Program

The SEC and FINRA announced a new initiative to further promote strong compliance practices at broker-dealer firms for the protection of investors.  The CCOutreach BD program will help broker-dealer chief compliance officers (CCOs) ensure effective communication about compliance risks, maintain effective compliance controls, and foster strong compliance programs within their firms.

The SEC's Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations, in coordination with the Division of Market Regulation, will sponsor the CCOutreach BD program together with FINRA. The program will feature a National Seminar at SEC headquarters in Washington, D.C., tentatively scheduled for March 2008, as well as regional compliance seminars across the country. These meetings will provide the opportunity for open discussions on effective compliance practices and timely compliance issues in ever-changing markets.