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WFN QUICK BRIEF · UNDER 1 MIN
The short version
MODE 2 OF 2
What the primary record establishes
Rule 3270 requires prior written notice for covered outside business activities by registered persons. Passive investments and Rule 3280 activities are excepted. FINRA Rule 3270 — Outside Business Activities ↗
What the distinction changes
WFN interpretation: receiving a notice and evaluating the activity are different events. A workflow showing only a submitted timestamp cannot explain which concerns were considered or what conditions were attached.
What to check before drawing a conclusion
If the activity changes, compare the actual conduct with the facts used for the assessment. A role that is promoted to customers differently from its original description can raise a different operational question.
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WFN STORY COMPASS
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Original WFN vector illustrationWFN · 30 October 2026
Editorial noteSource-based explanation with original WFN analysis. Historical records retain their dates; numerical examples are illustrative. The original vector illustration is conceptual and is not documentary evidence.
WFN REALITY LEDGER
What is on the record?
Primary-source explainer
Primary-source explainer
Primary record / reference periodExisting FINRA rule; checked 30 October 2026
The linked source supports the documented record; WFN interpretation and illustrative examples are separate.
Documenting an external role requires more than a yes-or-no field. The firm must be able to explain how it assessed the proposed activity.
01 · VERIFIED RECORD
What the primary record establishes
Rule 3270 requires prior written notice for covered outside business activities by registered persons. Passive investments and Rule 3280 activities are excepted. FINRA Rule 3270 — Outside Business Activities ↗
WFN interpretation: receiving a notice and evaluating the activity are different events. A workflow showing only a submitted timestamp cannot explain which concerns were considered or what conditions were attached.
A useful review describes the role, compensation or expected compensation, customer-facing presentation and potential overlap with the firm’s work. That gives later reviewers context for understanding the decision without reconstructing it from memory.
03 · REVIEW POINTS
What to check before drawing a conclusion
If the activity changes, compare the actual conduct with the facts used for the assessment. A role that is promoted to customers differently from its original description can raise a different operational question.
Finally, check whether the activity belongs under the separate outside-securities framework referenced by the rule. This article describes process design around an existing provision; the full text and the actual facts govern any particular classification.
