What is a FINRA arbitration award?

Asked by: Chasity Cummings IV  |  Last update: April 1, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (7 votes)

Arbitration awards are legally binding and final unless there is a court challenge. There is no internal appeals process at FINRA. A party can challenge an award in court by filing a motion to vacate, which is a request that the court set aside the award.

What is a FINRA arbitration?

FINRA's Dispute Resolution Process. 2. Arbitration. Arbitration is similar to going to court, but is usually faster, cheaper and less complex. The parties present the issues through the use of witness testimony and documentary evidence much as they would in court.

How does an arbitration award work?

The arbitrator's final decision on the case is called the “award.” This is like a judge's or jury's decision in a court case. Once the arbitrator decides that all of the parties' evidence and arguments have been presented, the arbitrator will close the hearings. This means no more evidence or arguments will be allowed.

What happens after an arbitration award is confirmed?

Once an arbitral award is confirmed, the judgment is docketed, which means that it has the same force and effect as any other civil judgment. In most cases, arbitration awards are confirmed and entered as judgments without adverse party opposition.

How much can you make as a FINRA arbitrator?

The estimated total pay range for a Arbitrator at FINRA is $43–$72 per hour, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average Arbitrator base salary at FINRA is $51 per hour. The average additional pay is $4 per hour, which could include cash bonus, stock, commission, profit sharing or tips.

What is your experience with FINRA arbitrations?

24 related questions found

How hard is it to become a FINRA arbitrator?

You must score 80% or higher on both the Basic Arbitrator Training Assessment and the Expungement Assessment to be eligible to serve as a FINRA arbitrator. You have two opportunities to pass the Basic Arbitrator Training Assessment; you may take the Expungement Assessment as many times as needed.

Who qualifies as an arbitrator?

Arbitrators are usually lawyers, business professionals, or retired judges with expertise in a particular field. As impartial third parties, they hear and decide disputes between opposing parties. Arbitrators may work alone or on a panel with other arbitrators.

Is an arbitration award final?

(1) The LRA provides that an arbitration award issued by a commissioner is final and binding and it may be enforced as if it were an order of the Labour Court in respect of which a writ has been issued, unless it is an advisory arbitration award.

What happens if you lose in arbitration?

What Happens If You Lose in Arbitration? Losing in arbitration means the arbitrator's decision goes against you and the arbitrator may issue an award. This could involve paying money damages, returning property, paying the other party's arbitration or legal fees, or taking some other action.

Can you fight an arbitration award?

Under California law, arbitration decisions are generally not reviewable for errors of fact or law. There is, though, an exception to this general rule. Courts can vacate arbitration awards if the arbitrator exceeds its powers and the award cannot be corrected without affecting the merits of the decision.

Who usually wins in arbitration?

An empirical study conducted by economic firm ndp | analytics and released by ILR shows that employees and consumers win more money, more often, and more quickly in arbitration than in a lawsuit. Employees were more likely to win in arbitration (almost 38 percent) than in a lawsuit (almost 11 percent).

How often do FINRA arbitrators work?

Arbitrators may receive one to two cases each year, but service may be less frequent.

What is the effect of an arbitration award?

The award will often entitle one of the parties to a sum of money, providing damages pursuant to a claim or counterclaim. Or the award may deny all of the parties' claims, but nonetheless award one of the parties a right to recover various costs associated with the arbitration.

How much does FINRA arbitration cost?

FINRA Arbitration Filing Fees

Claim for up to $1,000: $50. Claim for $1,000.01 to $2,500: $75. Claim for $2,500.01 to $5,000: $175. Claim for $5,000.01 to $10,000: $325.

Is arbitration a good thing?

Quicker Resolution: One of the biggest benefits of arbitration is how quickly disputes can be settled. Without the need for a drawn-out litigation process, parties can expect a faster resolution. Lower Cost: Arbitration is generally considered less expensive than going through the courts.

What is the time limit for FINRA arbitration?

Code of Arbitration Procedure Rule 12206 for Customer Disputes and Rule 13206 for Industry Disputes outline the time limits for submitting a claim in arbitration. These rules allow a claim to be filed within 6 years of the occurrence or event giving rise to the cause of action.

What happens after an arbitration award?

The Notice of Award will provide the next court date for the case. On that status date, if no rejection is filed, a party must move for entry of judgment on the award or enter a dismissal order. If a rejection has been filed, the Court will set the case for trial.

Is Finra arbitration mandatory?

Arbitration is a compulsory process requiring FINRA members to answer claims. In mediation parties jointly select an independent mediator who assists the parties in reaching a negotiated resolution. Mediation is voluntary and both sides must agree before a session can commence.

What are two disadvantages of arbitration?

If one party feels the decision is erroneous, there is very limited opportunity to correct it. There are many cases in which arbitration can become more expensive than court proceedings. Quality arbitrators can demand substantial fees that would not apply in court.

What happens if I win arbitration?

If you win the case

You may also be entitled to any interest on the claim. This will be paid from the date the award is made until the date the money is paid to you. The award can be registered in court and you'll then be able to force the other party to pay any money due to you.

Can you rescind an arbitration award?

Section 144 deals with the rescission of arbitration awards and rulings. Any award may be varied or rescinded by the commissioner who issued the award or by any other commissioner appointed by the Director to do so.

What is the next step after arbitration?

After the hearing, the tribunal will produce its award. This will set out the decisions it has reached on the issues between the parties. Unless the award is challenged, it determines the rights and obligations of the parties.

How much does an arbitrator cost?

Your Arbitrator

This person serves as a neutral third party who will ultimately make a binding or non-binding decision in your case. Private arbitrators in California can charge anywhere from $200 to $1,000 per hour. If they have to travel, you may also be obligated to pay related expenses.

Who picks the arbitrator?

If the parties have not appointed any arbitrator(s) and have not provided another method of appointment, then generally the case manager submits a list of potential arbitrators to the parties, who then may strike any names and rank the remaining in order of preference.

What are some of the problems with arbitration?

One of the biggest faults I see in arbitration is that it is strictly adversarial, meaning that there is a person, or in some cases a panel of people, whose job it is to make a decision. They must determine a winner in a dispute.