On September 25, 2014, FINRA published its third quarter “Neutral Corner,” a newsletter designed to give practitioners, investors, and arbitrators updates on FINRA news. In the newsletter, FINRA officially announced the retirement of Linda Feinberg, President of FINRA Dispute Resolution. Ms. Feinberg has worked with FINRA since 1996. In addition, the newsletter highlights increased arbitrator disclosures. As of 2013, FINRA has increased its scrutiny of arbitrator disclosure by conducting internet searches of all arbitrators before having them appointed to panels.
Finally, FINRA highlights its new DR Portal – a web-based program designed to streamline the arbitration process for both attorneys and arbitrators. This is part of FINRA’s initiative to go paperless in the 21st century.