The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority has announced that Penny Pennington, managing partner of Edward Jones, has been elected as a large firm governor on the FINRA Board of Governors.
The election took place at a special meeting of large firm members, held only days after Pennington sat down in New York for an extended interview with ThinkAdvisor, during which she detailed her vision for stewarding the 100-year-old firm's ongoing growth and development.
According to Pennington, advisory firms and their professionals are being called upon to serve clients more responsively and deeply than ever before. Pennington emphasized how investors' needs have moved away from trying to understand stocks and bonds and building a portfolio to instead focus on genuine planning — on creating a relationship with their advisor that is much more comprehensive and holistic.
In a statement about the appointment, FINRA President and CEO Robert Cook says Pennington will contribute meaningfully to the development and execution of FINRA's strategy, programs and operations.
FINRA Chair Eric Noll adds that Pennington's leadership experience and knowledge of the industry will make her a valuable contributor to the Board of Governors' oversight of FINRA's efforts to protect investors and ensure market integrity.
In the statement, Pennington says she is excited to join the FINRA Board of Governors and to share her knowledge and experience to help FINRA fulfill its mission and achieve its objectives.