FINRA is introducing changes that give broker-dealers greater visibility into the examination process, including advance notice of exam timing and the option to receive certain findings before a review is complete.  

The updates are part of FINRA Forward, the organization’s broader initiative focused on improving regulatory effectiveness and efficiency while reducing unnecessary burdens on firms. 

Earlier Visibility into Exam Scheduling 

Beginning in 2026, FINRA started notifying firms not only about upcoming examinations, but also which quarter those exams are expected to occur. 

According to FINRA, the goal is to help firms better plan resources and prepare for examinations while maintaining flexibility for risk-based oversight. 

FINRA noted that it evaluated prior scheduling patterns before implementing the change to ensure firms could reasonably rely on the projected exam timing. 

The organization has already published its 2026 exam schedule after first-quarter exams were announced and is working toward publishing full schedules even earlier in future years. 

Option to Receive Findings Earlier 

FINRA is also giving firms the ability to receive certain exam findings before an examination is completed. 

In longer or more complex examinations, regulators may finalize conclusions on some issues before the broader review is complete. Under the updated process, firms can choose to receive those findings in writing earlier in the examination timeline. 

According to FINRA, the change is intended to: 

  • Increase transparency during examinations  
  • Give firms more time to evaluate corrective action  
  • Allow firms to provide additional context or documentation earlier in the process  

The update may also help firms address potential issues more proactively instead of waiting until the final stages of an examination. 

What This Means for Compliance Teams 

The changes reflect FINRA’s broader effort to create a more structured and collaborative examination process while maintaining risk-based oversight. 

For compliance teams, earlier visibility into exam timing may help support: 

  • Resource allocation and staffing preparation  
  • Internal coordination across compliance and business teams  
  • Readiness for document requests and regulatory inquiries  

Receiving findings earlier may also help firms respond more efficiently during examinations, particularly when firms need to provide additional documentation, clarification, or corrective action. 

At the same time, these changes reinforce the importance of maintaining organized records, clear escalation processes, and consistent supervisory practices. Firms that can respond quickly to inquiries and demonstrate effective controls will be better positioned during examinations moving forward.