FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority)

A self-regulatory organization authorized by Congress to oversee U.S. broker-dealers, protect investors, and ensure market integrity. FINRA administers the licensing exams that brokers must pass (Series 7, Series 63, etc.) and operates the BrokerCheck tool where investors can research their broker's disciplinary history. It also enforces the pattern day trading rule requiring $25,000 minimum equity for frequent day traders.