The FINRA is an organization that assists with ensuring fairness in the investment industry. It is not government-associated, but it does help to uphold the law and has regulatory authority granted to it by the government.
According to the FINRA, you should always first take a complaint to the firm with which you have the issue. You should try to allow the firm to resolve the issue prior to making any formal complaint with the FINRA. Only after you have tried this approach and not gotten an agreeable resolution should you file your FINRA complaint.
FINRA complaint process
You can file your complaint with the FINRA online using the complaint form. You may also print this form and fax or mail it. Online is the fastest option.
You will need to provide information about yourself, the professional and the investment. You also need to give information about the firm and a description of your issue and any steps you have taken to resolve it.
The FINRA will investigate your situation. If it finds wrongdoing, then it can issue disciplinary actions, such as suspensions and fines.
FINRA jurisdiction
The FINRA cannot handle every issue associated with investments and brokers. It will handle issues such as retirement plans, account transfers, buy or sell orders, financial planning, security price or volume manipulation and insider trading.
It cannot handle issues with SEC filing or reporting, public companies, transfer agents or commodities and futures. For those issues, you may need to seek help from the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or the National Futures Association.