Finra first attempted to set out guidelines on issues such as record retention early last year to help its members deal with the nascent communications channels.

However, after calls from firms for clarifications on a range of issues, the watchdog set up a new task force on the issue which has now issued a fresh set of rules to follow.

The Finra guidance says staff have to get business-related communications such as blogs pre-approved by their employers but 'unscripted' discussions such as through instant messaging do not need to be vetted, although supervisors have to be told afterwards.

Meanwhile, staff who want to mention their employer on sites such as LinkedIn must get approval first while companies must also supervise and record relevant communications even if they are made by employees' personal devices.

You can read the guidance in full here:» Download the document now 126.5 kb (PDF File)