FINRA launches investor research and fraud protection tools in U.S. markets

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FINRA investor research and fraud tools

Highlights

FINRA launched the Market Data and Investments Explorer, providing free access to market, product, and company data plus educational resources for retail investors.
Updated Risk and Scam Meters deliver personalized fraud vulnerability and red-flag awareness scores based on users’ responses to behavioral and scenario questions.
FINRA’s new tools expand investor protection and education in U.S. markets, reflecting ongoing regulatory efforts to combat scams and misinformation targeting retail investors.

New tools expand market research access

As reported by FINRA, citing the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, the new Market Data and Investments Explorer combines FINRA investor education materials with market, product and company data in a single online resource.

The free tool is aimed at retail investors and includes market indexes and information on current market conditions, as well as data on exchange-traded and over-the-counter equities, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds. It also provides a profile for every exchange-listed company, including business descriptions, share price, valuation, profitability, recent news and SEC filings.

FINRA says the platform builds on its retired Market Data Center and offers a broader experience by linking market and company information with educational resources designed to explain investing terms and market data.

Christine Kieffer, senior vice president of investor education at FINRA and president of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, says investors face a constant flow of financial information and may struggle to judge what is reliable. She says the new tools are intended to give users trusted information, practical insights and more confidence in financial decision-making.

Fraud awareness features add personalized scoring

The updated Risk and Scam Meters are designed to give investors more interactive and personalized educational support as they assess potential exposure to fraud.

The Risk Meter asks users 10 questions about their behavior and circumstances, then generates a personalized fraud vulnerability rating together with practical steps to improve defenses. The Scam Meter uses five real-world scenarios to test how users would respond, providing immediate feedback on common scam tactics and warning signs.

At the end of the scam exercise, users receive a red-flag awareness score and guidance on where their fraud awareness is strongest and where more caution may be needed. The launch adds to FINRA's investor protection efforts in the U.S. financial sector, where regulators and industry groups continue to focus on retail education as a first line of defense against scams.

In our earlier article, we covered the National Stock Exchange of India’s warning to investors about an alleged illegal “dabba trading” operation promoting market tips, account management services, and claims of guaranteed returns across social media channels. We also outlined the potential legal consequences under Section 23(1) of the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, and noted that exchange dispute resolution and investor grievance mechanisms do not apply to disputes arising from such unauthorized activity.

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