Filing an investor regulatory complaint and filing for arbitration with FINRA are two distinct processes. Arbitration is aimed at resolving monetary disputes between investors and broker-dealers or firms affiliated with FINRA. It allows you to seek compensation for losses incurred due to fraudulent actions, omissions, or other misconduct of a broker.
On the other hand, an investor regulatory complaint serves as a means for investors to inform FINRA of suspected fraudulent activities or misconduct by a member broker or firm. While FINRA investigates these complaints and can impose regulatory sanctions such as fines, suspensions, or expulsions, an investor complaint will not result in personal financial compensation.