6260. Review of Direct or Indirect Access Complaints

(1) For the purposes of this Rule, a "direct or indirect access complaint" is a complaint against an ADF Trading Center, as defined in Rule 6220, that alleges a denial or limitation of access in contravention of Rule 6250 or the federal securities laws.

(2) Any registered broker-dealer that wishes to file a direct or indirect access complaint shall submit a written complaint stating the pertinent facts that constitute the grounds for such complaint, via facsimile, e-mail, personal delivery, courier or overnight mail, to FINRA Market Operations and simultaneously serve by the same means the ADF Trading Center in accordance with Rule 9134(b). Officers of FINRA designated by the Chief Executive Officer of FINRA shall have the authority to review and make a determination regarding direct or indirect access complaints.

(3) Based upon a review of the complaint and such investigation that the officer, in his or her sole discretion, may decide to conduct, the officer shall promptly determine whether there has been a denial of access by the ADF Trading Center. If the officer determines that there has been a denial of access in contravention of Rule 6250 or the federal securities laws, the officer shall direct the ADF Trading Center to provide access to its ADF quotes and may limit participation in the ADF by such party if it does not comply promptly with the directive, including the withdrawal of the ADF Trading Center's quotations from the ADF until access is provided. FINRA shall provide to the parties written notification of the determination by the close of business following the day the determination is rendered. The determination shall be sent to the facsimile number listed in the parties' contact questionnaire submitted to FINRA pursuant to Article IV, Section 3 of the FINRA By-Laws or another contact specifically designated by a party. The determination, and any directive to provide access or action to limit participation in the ADF, shall be effective when issued or as specified, and shall remain in effect during any review or appeal. The determination shall not constitute an estoppel as to FINRA nor bind FINRA in any subsequent administrative, civil, or disciplinary proceeding.

(1) Any registered broker-dealer, including an ADF Trading Center, that seeks review of a determination issued pursuant to paragraph (a) hereof, shall submit a written appeal setting forth the grounds for such review. The written appeal shall be submitted via facsimile, e-mail, personal delivery, courier or overnight mail, to FINRA and served by the same means on the opposite party, in accordance with Rule 9134(b), by close of the next business day after receipt of the written determination. Written appeals that are not served upon FINRA and the opposite party by the close of the next business day after receipt of the written determination will not qualify for further administrative consideration, without prejudice as to the rights of a party to submit the dispute to arbitration or another adjudicatory forum.

(2) Once a written appeal has been received in accordance with paragraph (b)(1) above:

(3) Each registered broker-dealer and/or person associated with a registered broker-dealer involved in the review shall provide FINRA with any information that it requests to resolve the matter on a timely basis notwithstanding the time parameters set forth in paragraph (b)(2) above. If a registered broker-dealer does not provide such requested information in a timely manner, FINRA may, in its discretion, consider the matter based upon the information provided. Moreover, if the registered broker-dealer and/or person associated with a registered broker-dealer is a member or person associated with a member, failure to provide requested information can constitute a violation of FINRA rules.

(4) All requests for information pursuant to this Rule shall be sent by the specified means to a receiving location that, from time to time, may be designated by FINRA.

(1) If a party has applied for review of a determination, and the procedural requirements of paragraph (b) above have been satisfied, the determination shall be reviewed and a decision rendered by a three-member subcommittee comprised of current or former industry members of FINRA's Market Regulation Committee. Upon consideration of the record, and after such hearings as it may in its discretion order, the subcommittee, in accordance with the requirements set forth in Rule 6250, shall affirm or reverse the determination of the FINRA officer pursuant to paragraph (a)(3) above.

(2) The subcommittee shall provide written notification of its determination to the parties by the close of business following the day the determination is rendered. The subcommittee's determination shall not prejudice the rights of a party to submit the dispute to arbitration or another adjudicatory forum. The subcommittee's determination, including affirmation of any directive or action rendered in accordance with paragraph (a)(3), shall be effective when issued or as specified, constitute final FINRA action, and remain in effect during any review or appeal. The subcommittee's determination shall not constitute an estoppel as to FINRA nor bind FINRA in any subsequent administrative, civil, or disciplinary proceeding.