FINRA
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The self-regulatory organization overseeing broker-dealers and funding portals in the United States.
Understanding FINRA
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is the largest self-regulatory organization (SRO) in the United States, overseeing broker-dealers, funding portals, and their registered representatives. FINRA operates under the supervision of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and is responsible for writing and enforcing rules governing the securities industry.
Both GigaStar Market and GigaStar Securities are FINRA members. GigaStar Market, as a registered funding portal, is subject to FINRA's rules for platforms facilitating Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF) offerings. GigaStar Securities, as a registered broker-dealer, is subject to additional FINRA oversight related to operating its Alternative Trading System (ATS) for secondary trading of Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs).
FINRA's regulatory role includes conducting examinations of member firms, enforcing compliance with securities regulations, and administering licensing exams for industry professionals. The organization also operates BrokerCheck, a public tool that allows Investors to research the background of firms and individual brokers.
For Investors in CRTs, FINRA membership provides an additional layer of regulatory oversight beyond the SEC. It means that both the primary platform (GigaStar Market) and the secondary trading venue (GigaStar Securities) are subject to ongoing regulatory examinations, reporting requirements, and conduct standards designed to protect Investors.
Investors can verify GigaStar's FINRA membership and review its regulatory history through FINRA's BrokerCheck system at brokercheck.finra.org.
Key Points to Remember
- FINRA is regulated by the SEC under Regulation Crowdfunding
- All investments carry risk — past performance doesn't guarantee future results
- Review all offering documents carefully before investing
Related Terms
Alternative Trading System
An Alternative Trading System (ATS) is an SEC-registered trading venue. GigaStar Securities operates an ATS for secondary Channel Revenue Token (CRT) trading launching March 2026.
Funding Portal
An SEC-registered, FINRA-member entity that facilitates securities offerings under Regulation Crowdfunding (Reg CF). GigaStar Market is a registered funding portal.
GigaStar Market
GigaStar Market is an SEC-registered funding portal and FINRA member where Investors can purchase Channel Revenue Tokens (CRTs) in primary offerings from YouTube Creators.
GigaStar Securities
GigaStar Securities LLC (dba GigaStar Trading), an SEC-registered broker-dealer and FINRA/SIPC member that operates a secondary market Digital Alternative Trading System (ATS) for the trading of Creator securities (CRTs).
SEC
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The federal agency regulating securities markets, including GigaStar's CRT offerings under Regulation Crowdfunding.
SEC Regulation CF
SEC Regulation Crowdfunding (Regulation CF) is the federal securities framework that allows companies like GigaStar to offer CRTs to both accredited and non-accredited Investors, up to $5M annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a funding portal?
A funding portal is an SEC-registered, FINRA-member intermediary that facilitates securities offerings under Regulation Crowdfunding. GigaStar Market is a registered funding portal that hosts CRT offerings, ensuring regulatory compliance, required disclosures, and Investor protections as mandated by the SEC.
How does the SEC protect Investors in crowdfunding?
The SEC requires detailed disclosures through Form C filings, mandates annual investment limits for non-accredited Investors, provides a cancellation period before offering close, requires ongoing reporting from issuers, and oversees funding portals like GigaStar Market. These regulations are designed to provide transparency, though they do not eliminate investment risk.
Is GigaStar legitimate and regulated?
Yes, GigaStar is fully legitimate and regulated. GigaStar Market is an SEC-registered funding portal and FINRA member. GigaStar Securities LLC is an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member of FINRA/SIPC. All Channel Revenue Token (CRT) offerings are conducted under SEC Regulation Crowdfunding with required disclosures, investor protections, and ongoing regulatory oversight. You can verify GigaStar's registrations on the SEC's EDGAR database and FINRA BrokerCheck.