FINRA Launches Program to Boost Crypto and Blockchain Literacy

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has launched the Crypto and Blockchain Education Program, an initiative designed to equip its member firms and their employees with essential knowledge about crypto assets and blockchain technology. The program aims to help financial professionals better understand and navigate the rapidly evolving digital asset space.

The educational resources will include self-paced e-learning courses and a separate in-person applied learning course developed in partnership with Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.

The initial phase of the program, set to roll out in October on FINRA’s Financial Learning Experience, or FLEX, platform, will feature foundational e-learning courses covering a variety of topics, including:

• Crypto and blockchain terminology, on-chain transactions, and the evolution of blockchain technology;
• An overview of different crypto assets, related products, and the broader crypto ecosystem; and
• Key considerations for member firms, including how to identify and combat common crypto-related fraud schemes.

Greg Ruppert, executive vice president of member supervision at FINRA, stated that the program reflects an ongoing commitment to supporting firms as they engage with these new technologies. “Through the Crypto Hub, FINRA has focused on understanding how crypto and blockchains may impact our member firms, reflecting an ongoing commitment to FINRA Forward, by providing educational resources to help them navigate this innovative technology as we collectively build for the future,” he said.

Previously reported by AltsWire, FINRA Forward was launched this spring and in addition to combating cybersecurity and fraud risks, seeks to modernize FINRA rules and support member firms’ compliance.

As more firms become involved with crypto assets and blockchains, the program is expected to expand industry knowledge and provide compliance professionals with the tools to effectively fight fraud. The courses will utilize application-based activities, scenarios, and self-assessment quizzes to make the learning experience interactive and practical.

FINRA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to investor protection and market integrity. It regulates member brokerage firms doing business in the United States and is overseen by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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