The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has launched a new portal aimed at improving coordination on cybersecurity and fraud threats across the securities industry, including risks that affect retail investors.Singapore Summit: Meet the largest APAC brokers you know (and those you still don't!).The launch comes as retail investor exposure to scams and high-risk offers remains elevated. Earlier FINRA-backed research found that 72% of social media users and about half of US retail investors are open to engaging with risky investment opportunities.Regulator Expands Information Sharing for FirmsAgainst this backdrop, the platform, called the Financial Intelligence Fusion Center, is designed as a secure channel for member firms to share intelligence and coordinate responses. It will collect, analyze, and distribute information to help firms identify risks and respond more quickly.The initiative builds on broader efforts to support firms in addressing cyber and financial crime risks. The portal will also incorporate input from government and private sector partners through existing relationships. It was developed under FINRA Forward, a set of internal initiatives focused on improving operational effectiveness and regulatory outcomes.As a self-regulatory organization, the regulator works directly with member firms to oversee compliance and market conduct. This position allows it to facilitate information sharing across the industry to mitigate risks and protect investors.Portal “Enhances Cyber and Fraud Monitoring”The FIFC was tested in a pilot program last year with a group of firms of varying sizes. Participants used the platform to access intelligence and share information on cybersecurity and fraud risks. Feedback from this phase was used to refine the system’s functionality.Firms are now being encouraged to join the platform to access centralized intelligence and contribute to industry-wide monitoring.The new portal expands existing resources for member firms, including guidance on cybersecurity programs, identifying vulnerabilities, and addressing emerging fraud schemes.Greg Ruppert, Executive Vice President and Chief Regulatory Operations Officer at FINRA, said the center will act as a “powerhouse” for intelligence sharing. He added that “timely intelligence sharing” is important as threats continue to evolve, and said coordination with member firms is “essential” to building resilience and protecting investors. This article was written by Tareq Sikder at www.financemagnates.com.

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