FINRA Provides Guidance on the Use of Negative Consent for Bulk Transfers of Customer Accounts and Discontinues Related Prior Review Process

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (“FINRA”) issued Regulatory Notice 26-03 (the “Notice”) consolidating guidance on the use of negative consent letters for bulk transfers or assignments of customer accounts between FINRA members.  Moreover, the Notice eliminates the current practice of submitting draft negative consent letters to FINRA staff for review; this change will become effective on April 1, 2026.