In posting a Targeted Examination Letter (often referred as a sweep letter) on its website earlier this month, FINRA invoked Rule 2210(c)(6), which states that each FINRA firm’s written (including electronic) communications are subject to a periodic spot-check procedure.
FINRA’s sweep letter seeks, among other things, an explanation of how the firm is using social media at the corporate level in conducting its business; the identity of all individuals who post and/or update content; how the firm’s registered representatives and associated persons generally use social media to conduct the firm’s business; written supervisory procedures concerning the production, approval and distribution of social media communications; the measures to monitor compliance with the firm’s social media policies; and a tabular list of the firm’s top 20 producing registered representatives (based on commissioned sales) who used social media for business purposes to interact with retail investors.