FINRA issues guidance on broker-dealers using generative AI tools | Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP

On June 27, FINRA issued Regulatory Notice 24-09 that discussed the implications to broker-dealers in their use of artificial intelligence (AI), including large language models (LLMs) and other generative AI tools. Although FINRA stated that while AI offered broker-dealers opportunities to improve their services and enhance their operational and compliance efficiencies, it also reminded firms that its rules and federal securities laws continue to apply. In discussing use cases, FINRA noted that AI tools can analyze financial data, summarize documents, and assist in investor education, but also raise concerns about accuracy, privacy, bias, and security.

When using these tools, FINRA reminds firms that: (1) they must have appropriate supervisory systems and governance in place, whether those tools are developed in-house or provided by third parties; and (2) they should evaluate AI tools before use to ensure compliance with FINRA rules. FINRA also stated that in some instances, it could issue further guidance for specific use cases. FINRA encouraged firms to seek interpretive guidance where ambiguous rule applications may exist and have ongoing discussions with their Risk Monitoring Analyst.