FINRA Regulatory Notice 25-01: 2025 Broker-Dealer & Investment Adviser Renewal Guide As the new year begins, regulatory compliance remains a top priority for Broker-Dealers (BDs), Investment Advisers (IAs), and related entities. FINRA’s Regulatory Notice 25-01 (Regulatory Notice 25-01 | FINRA.org) outlines critical information about the 2025 renewal process, including final statements, payment deadlines, and procedures for addressing discrepancies. Staying informed is essential to ensure seamless registration renewals and avoid penalties. What is Regulatory Notice 25-01? Issued by FINRA, this notice provides guidance for the 2025 renewal cycle, covering registration fees for broker-dealers, investment adviser firms, agents, representatives, and branches. The notice aims to help firms navigate the Final Statements available on January 2, 2025, reconcile fees, and complete payments accurately and on time. (https://www.finra.org/filing-reporting/e-bill/user-guide#Renewal_Alert) Key Dates and Deadlines January 2, 2025: Final Statements became available in E-Bill, (https://ews.finra.org/auth/logon?realm=ews&goto=https://gateway.finra.org:443/app) reflecting any adjustments since the Preliminary Statements issued in November. January 24, 2025: Deadline to pay any outstanding fees or report discrepancies to FINRA. Payment and Refund Processes Firms must review their Final Statements and ensure all fees are paid by the January 24 deadline. Payments can be made through: ( https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/broker-dealers/annual-renewal/payment-options ) E-Bill (preferred) Wire transfer Check Overpayments have been credited to firms’ Flex-Funding Accounts, and refund requests can be submitted after January 27, 2025. (https://www.finra.org/industry/e-bill-user-guide#Refunds) Renewal Reports CRD/IARD systems provide detailed renewal reports, which include registrations renewed for 2025. Firms should carefully examine these reports to verify registration accuracy and include them in their permanent records. (https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/broker-dealers/annual-renewal#reports) Reporting Discrepancies If discrepancies are identified, firms must report them in writing to FINRA by the January 24 deadline. Supporting documentation, along with the Final Statement, should be sent to FINRA’s Registration & Disclosure – Regulatory Services & Operations office. Takeaways The 2025 renewal process is well underway, and adhering to deadlines is crucial for maintaining compliance. Firms should review their Final Statements, confirm payments, and address discrepancies promptly to avoid any interruptions in their operations. For additional information, refer to FINRA’s Renewal Program resources or contact their Support Center at (301) 869-6699. You can find additional resources on the following webpages: FINRA’s Renewal Program page (for BDs) IARD Renewal Program page (for IAs) Additional contact information is as follows: FINRA Registration & Disclosure – Regulatory Services & Operations 9509 Key West Avenue Rockville, MD 20850 Phone: 301.869.6699 Website: https://www.finra.org/

 With the start of 2025, compliance obligations once again take center stage for Broker-Dealers (BDs), Investment Advisers (IAs), and associated firms. FINRA’s Regulatory Notice 25-01 (Regulatory Notice 25-01 | FINRA.org) provides important direction on the renewal cycle, addressing final invoices, due dates, and how to resolve discrepancies. Keeping current with these requirements is essential to maintain registration and prevent penalties.



Understanding Regulatory Notice 25-01

Published by FINRA, this notice outlines the procedures for the 2025 renewal cycle, covering fees for broker-dealers, advisory firms, agents, representatives, and branch offices. The purpose is to help entities manage the Final Statements issued on January 2, 2025, reconcile charges, and make timely payments. (https://www.finra.org/filing-reporting/e-bill/user-guide#Renewal_Alert)

Key Dates and Deadlines

Payment and Refund Options

Firms should carefully review their Final Statements and complete payments no later than January 24. Accepted methods include: ( https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/broker-dealers/annual-renewal/payment-options )

  • E-Bill (recommended)

  • Wire transfer

  • Check

Excess payments have been placed in each firm’s Flex-Funding Account. Refund requests may be submitted beginning January 27, 2025. (https://www.finra.org/industry/e-bill-user-guide#Refunds)

Renewal Reports

The CRD/IARD systems release detailed renewal reports identifying all registrations renewed for 2025. Firms must thoroughly review these reports to confirm accuracy and archive them in their permanent compliance files. (https://www.finra.org/registration-exams-ce/broker-dealers/annual-renewal#reports)

Handling Discrepancies

If any errors appear, firms must inform FINRA in writing no later than January 24. Documentation supporting the correction, along with the Final Statement, should be forwarded to FINRA’s Registration & Disclosure – Regulatory Services & Operations team.

Key Takeaways

The renewal cycle for 2025 is already active, and adherence to deadlines is critical for ongoing compliance. Firms need to validate their Final Statements, process payments, and resolve discrepancies quickly to avoid disruptions. For additional support, consult FINRA’s Renewal Program resources or contact their Support Center at (301) 869-6699.

You may also access further resources via:

  • FINRA’s Renewal Program page (for BDs)

  • IARD Renewal Program page (for IAs)

Contact Information:
FINRA Registration & Disclosure – Regulatory Services & Operations
9509 Key West Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301.869.6699
Website: https://www.finra.org/

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