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This page includes links guidance regarding the PFRD system and making electronic filings.
Form PF
PFRD System Reference Tools & Job Aides
- Form PF: Filing Online Reference Guide (PDF 755 KB)
- Form PF: XML Upload Reference Guide (PDF 283 KB)
- PFRD System Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 274 KB)
Form PF Schema Files & Release Notes
The ZIP file below provides sample Form PF XML files and explanatory information. These documents are updated periodically to reflect changes made to the Form PF form filing schema. System changes that do not impact the schema are documented in the release notes.
Form PF filings submitted via XML upload must also comply with the completeness checks and business rules applied to the Web form version of Form PF.
- Form PF Sections 1-4 Schema Documentation (ZIP file 1 MB – last updated 6/15/2024)
- Form PF Sections 5-6 Schema Documentation (ZIP file 230 KB – last updated 1/27/2024)
- System Release Notes
PFRD Web Service Accounts (create account or modify access)
Firms that choose to submit Form PF filings via data file transfer (i.e., machine-to-machine) are able to establish a Web Services account with FINRA for this purpose. To do so, firms are now required to telephonically request from FINRA a PFRD Web Services Entitlement Form (Entitlement Form). This form is no longer publicly available. To obtain this form, an Authorized Signatory of your organization must contact the IARD Call Center at (240) 386-4848. An Authorized Signatory is defined as the Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) or Additional Regulatory Contact (ARC) listed on your firm's current Form ADV.
Process Steps:
- Once a request is received to establish a Web Services Account, the FINRA Entitlement Group will confirm that the identity of the requester (Authorized Signatory), matches the contact information filed on your firm's most recently filed Form ADV.
- FINRA will then generate an Entitlement Form. This form will include pre-populated information such as Firm CRD number, name, etc., as well as a unique identifier assigned by FINRA.
- FINRA will send the Entitlement Form to the Authorized Signatory's email address, facsimile number or physical location as listed on your firm's latest Form ADV.
- Upon receipt of a completed Entitlement Form, FINRA will create a Web Services Account for your firm. It may take up to four business days to create an account.
Note: Due to the unique environment for data file transfers, only FINRA can create or modify Web Service Accounts - Super Account Administrators or Account Administrators cannot create or modify this type of account. Subsequent changes to your firm's Web Service Account must be made through the process listed above. However, firms cannot re-use an Entitlement Form as each form contains a one-time use unique identifier.
For questions or to request an Entitlement Form, contact, the IARD Call Center at (240) 386-4848.
PFRD Other Helpful Information
- SEC Division of Investment Management
- IARD System Availability Schedule/Calendar
- Supported Web Browsers
Contact Information for Help with PFRD
Questions regarding Form PF filing requirements or policy issues should be directed to the SEC at (202) 551-6999 or [email protected].
Technical questions regarding the PFRD system should be directed to FINRA at (240) 386-4848 or [email protected].