With the recent publication of FINRA”s Regulatory Notice 19-31 concerning Disclosure Innovations in Advertising and Other Communications with the Public, even seasoned attorneys need an update. This CLE course will offer insights by industry and FINRA experts on how firms can facilitate simpler and more effective disclosure in digital marketing and other forms of advertising. Presenters will review how firms are using technology to transform their customer interactions within the compliance rules of FINRA and the SEC. The course will present these challenges and others and explain how to communicate effectively in the digital age within the required boundaries.
Amy C. Sochard is the Senior Director in FINRA’s Advertising Regulation Department. The department protects investors by ensuring broker-dealer members of FINRA use advertisements and other sales communications that are fair, balanced and not misleading. Ms. Sochard leads the department’s investigative and targeted examination activities. She also serves as liaison to other FINRA departments involved in examinations, including the departments of Enforcement and Member Regulation.
In addition, Ms. Sochard oversees staff dedicated to the routine review of advertisements and other sales communications filed with the department by broker-dealers. Ms. Sochard assists in the development of rules and interpretations for communications with the public and social media, and she routinely speaks at industry events on these topics. Prior to joining FINRA’s predecessor (NASD),
Ms. Sochard worked with a real estate syndication firm in Washington, DC. She received a bachelor’s degree with distinction in English from the University of Virginia and studied poetry writing at Columbia University.
Head of Retail Advertising and Communications at Vanguard Past Associate Counsel/Manager at Vanguard, Compliance Analyst at Vanguard, Actuarial Manager at Vanguard Education Widener University School of Law, Pennsylvania State University
Thomas A. Pappas is Vice President of the FINRA Advertising Regulation Department, which regulates the advertisements, sales literature and correspondence used by FINRA member firms. His responsibilities include rule development, management of the filing and surveillance programs and related enforcement activities. He served in the same role at NASD before its 2007 consolidation with NYSE Member Regulation, which resulted in the formation of FINRA. He was previously registered with Davenport & Company LLC. He received a bachelor’s degree from The University of Richmond and an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University.