FINRA is an independent, not-for-profit regulator authorized by Congress to oversee the broker-dealer industry. The FINRA Investor Education Foundation develops and distributes tools and resources to help investors make informed financial decisions and avoid financial fraud. One such tool is FINRA BrokerCheck, a free tool to research the background and experience of financial brokers, advisers, and firms. FINRA and the FINRA Foundation do not sell investment products, promote products or firms, or offer specific investment advice.