FINRA requires member firms to provide customers with business continuity plan (BCP) disclosures that explain how the firm will respond to significant business disruptions, including natural disasters, technology failures, or other emergencies that could affect operations. The disclosure must outline the firm’s emergency contact information, backup office locations and communication methods, procedures for accessing customer accounts and funds during disruptions, alternative trading arrangements and order execution capabilities, and the firm’s plan for continuing critical business operations including customer service and transaction processing. Firms must also disclose any limitations on services during emergencies, arrangements with clearing firms or other service providers to maintain operations, procedures for customers to access their securities and funds if the firm cannot continue operations, and contact information for regulatory authorities if customers cannot reach the firm, with the disclosure updated as material changes occur to the business continuity plan and made readily available to customers through the firm’s website or upon request.
