FINRA stands for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, a private, non-profit organization that acts as a self-regulator for U.S. broker-dealers and registered brokers. It operates under the oversight of the federal Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to protect investors and keep the securities markets fair. Core functions include writing and enforcing rules that govern ethical behavior and business practices of member brokerage firms, administering licensing exams (such as the Series 7) and qualifies individuals working in the securities industry, market surveillance, and dispute resolution.