Time frames can be especially important in an investment dispute when a party’s age or health makes a lengthy arbitration difficult. FINRA’s accelerated-processing rules, Rules 12808 and 13808, create a faster procedural track for qualifying cases.

The rules apply to cases filed on or after March 30, 2026. They shorten certain deadlines and direct arbitration panels to work toward resolving eligible cases sooner. They do not guarantee a hearing date, award, settlement, or recovery.

Who may qualify?

A party may request accelerated processing if they are at least 70 years old when they make the request, or if they submit the required certification about a medical diagnosis and prognosis.

The request may be made when starting an arbitration or filing an answer. For a health-based request, the certification must explain why accelerated processing is needed to avoid prejudice to the party’s interests. It does not require disclosure of the specific diagnosis or prognosis.

Rule 12808 applies to customer arbitrations. Rule 13808 applies to industry arbitrations.

What changes under the rules?

In an eligible case:

  • The respondent generally has 30 days to answer the claim, rather than 45 days.
  • Parties generally have 10 days to return arbitrator rankings, rather than 20 days.
  • In customer cases, responses to document production lists are generally due within 35 days of the answer deadline.
  • Responses to other discovery requests are generally due within 30 days.

FINRA also sends arbitrator lists as soon as practicable after the last answer is due. The panel is directed to endeavor to issue an award within ten months of the eligibility determination. That is a target, not a guaranteed deadline.

What the rules mean for investors

Accelerated processing can shorten important steps in arbitration and help qualifying parties seek a more timely resolution. The rules do not eliminate procedural disputes or determine whether a claim will succeed. The outcome and schedule will depend on the case and the panel.

A request should be prepared carefully and filed at the appropriate stage. If you or a family member are considering a FINRA arbitration and age or health may affect participation, Sonn Law Group can discuss the circumstances and potential next steps. No particular result or timetable can be guaranteed.

Official FINRA sources