The agency's Standard of Conduct Implementation Committee found content and format problems after reviewing a cross section of filings.
Employees often communicated about business on their personal devices, using text messaging applications, such as WhatsApp. The compliance systems were not keeping up with technological advances, an expert said.
The Government Accountability Office's report analyzed 69 SEC reviews of Finra since fiscal 2018.
The Onyx Advisor Network will launch in January to support advisers of color, women, LGBTQ and others who have had trouble established a foothold in the industry.
Partisan differences will hamstring legislation, as Democrats stress investor protection and Republicans focus on protecting innovation.
The trade association said the regulator has all the tools and authority it needs through Reg BI. It's also pushing agencies to allow remote supervision permanently.
The nominee to head Employee Benefits Security Administration could receive full Senate confirmation later this month.
The legislative highlight of the year was Democrats raising fewer taxes on the wealthy than anticipated.
As the Senate gets to work, advisers will be keeping their eyes on Washington. The tax reform ground could shift again as lawmakers take up the bill.
Many advisers are telling clients to wait until the smoke clears on Capitol Hill before making major tax planning decisions.
