529 Conf: Advertising Regulation Overview

Paul Curley is Director of Savings Research at ISS Market Intelligence, where he oversees data, research, consulting and events on 529 savings plans, 529 prepaid plans and ABLE accounts for institutional clients. He is also the Editor of the 529 Dash e-newsletter and 529 Insiders website for advisors, accountants and estate planners.

Amy C. Sochard is the Vice President of FINRA’s Advertising Regulation Department. The department helps protect investors by ensuring members of FINRA use advertisements, social media posts, and other communications that are fair, balanced, and not misleading. Ms. Sochard oversees the department’s regulatory review programs and business operations, including the development of technology to facilitate the review of communications. Ms. Sochard provides expertise and policy guidance to other FINRA departments concerning FINRA, SEC, MSRB and SIPC rules pertaining to communications with the public. She also oversees the development of new rules, published guidance, and interpretations regarding communications, and she routinely speaks at industry events on these topics. Prior to joining FINRA, Ms. Sochard worked with a real estate syndication firm in Washington, DC. She received a bachelor’s degree with distinction in English from the University of Virginia and studied poetry writing at Columbia University.

Derek Ashworth is Associate Director in FINRA’s Advertising Regulation Department. The department protects investors by ensuring broker-dealer members of FINRA use communications that are fair, balanced and not misleading. Mr. Ashworth’s primary responsibility is managing staff members dedicated to the routine review of member firm communications. Mr. Ashworth also participates in the Department’s outreach efforts including serving as a panelist in prior FINRA conferences and presenting during selected FINRA Compliance Boot Camps. He has been with the Advertising Regulation Department for 20 years. Prior to joining FINRA, Mr. Ashworth was a program manager for a business and education partnership at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Previous to this role, he was a specialty banker and registered representative with First Union in West Palm Beach, FL. Mr. Ashworth received his bachelor’s degree from Stetson University and completed his M.B.A. at Johns Hopkins University.