Beginning on June 5, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Dispute Resolution Services (FINRA DRS) will permit in-person hearings to resume at most of its hearing locations for in-person arbitration and mediation proceedings. In-person hearings scheduled for Augusta, Boca Raton, Buffalo, Detroit, Philadelphia, Providence and Wilmington are postponed through July 30 and all affected parties will be contacted by FINRA DRS to discuss virtual hearing options or to reschedule in-person hearings.

FINRA DRS also detailed safety protocols to be implemented at each in-person hearing venue. For example, hearings will be held in venues large enough to allow for social distancing and cleaning, and sanitizing stations will be located in each room. Masks will be required for all participants. Plexiglas dividers or face shields will also be provided in the event testifying witnesses need to remove their masks. Participants will be required to complete a written health questionnaire.

FINRA DRS will continue to monitor the public health conditions in each of its 69 hearing locations. FINRA DRS Reopening Announcement.