On October 30, FINRA announced the revision of the process by which member firms submit annual audited financial statements pursuant to Rule 17a-5(d) under the Exchange Act. Member firms, for which FINRA is the designated examining authority, will be required, pursuant to NASD Rule 3170, to submit their annual audit reports in electronic form. The new requirements will be effective November 8 and will be applicable to annual audit reports with a fiscal year end on or after September 30. FINRA Notice.