FINRA, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to overseeing U.S. broker-dealers to ensure fair and honest financial markets. Operating in the financial regulatory market, FINRA's primary mission is to protect investors and maintain market integrity. It achieves this by enforcing rules and regulations that govern the activities of broker-dealers, ensuring they operate in a fair and transparent manner.

FINRA serves a wide range of clients, including individual investors, brokerage firms, and other financial institutions. Individual investors rely on FINRA to safeguard their investments and provide a platform for resolving disputes. Brokerage firms and financial institutions depend on FINRA for regulatory guidance and compliance oversight.

The organization operates the largest securities dispute resolution forum in the United States, offering arbitration and mediation services to resolve conflicts between investors and brokers. This forum is crucial for maintaining trust in the financial markets by providing a fair and efficient means of resolving disputes.

FINRA's business model is centered around regulatory oversight and dispute resolution. It generates revenue primarily through fees collected from member firms, including registration fees, examination fees, and fines imposed for regulatory violations. These funds are reinvested into the organization to enhance its regulatory capabilities and investor protection initiatives.

In addition to its regulatory functions, FINRA provides educational resources and tools to help investors make informed decisions. It also offers a Securities Helpline for Seniors, providing specialized assistance to older investors who may be more vulnerable to fraud and abuse.

Overall, FINRA plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the U.S. financial markets, ensuring that they operate in a manner that is fair and transparent for all participants.

Keywords: financial regulation, investor protection, broker-dealers, dispute resolution, arbitration, mediation, market integrity, compliance, educational resources, securities helpline.