TRAQS and API Testing

Currently, FINRA TRAQS and Reference Data API users are required to download a digital certificate and present verified user id and password credentials to access the website and the API.   As part of its Transparency Services improvement initiatives, FINRA is introducing a new method for users to gain secure access to the TRAQS website and will be introducing a new system infrastructure. 

Beginning in January 2021, FINRA will replace digital certificates with Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) for access to the TRAQS website.  Multi Factor Authentication is a secure, robust entitlement process, ensuring data and user access protection by requiring the user to submit two separate values to identify themselves.  Access to the API reference data will continue to be supported by digital certificates until the second quarter in 2021 when MFA will be introduced for the API.  

FINRA has updated the TRAQS User Guides and has also produced a dedicated TRAQS Multi Factor Authentication User Guide. FINRA recommends that users review these guides to familiarize themselves with the new processes for continued TRAQS secure system access.¹

To access the TRAQS website, users will need to be entitled to use the product, have an assigned user name (Email address) and password, answer security questions and have at least one second factor authentication method. Users will be required to enroll in MFA in the NTF and/or production environments as the environments become available for enrollment.  

The available second factor authentication methods include: 

• Okta Verify;
• Google Authenticator;
• SMS Authentication; and 
• Voice Call Authentication. 

Signup and usage of these methods are illustrated in the TRAQS Multi Factor Authentication User Guide. Existing, active users will be emailed automatically when MFA is implemented.  

To establish a new TRAQS user name, a person with administrator access to the FINRA Order Form must complete the FINRA Order Form.  
An email will then be sent to the user containing an invitation to access the NASDAQ MFA service.  

API 

Although using digital certificates for access to the API reference data files will remain, users are encouraged to test API access and data in the new infrastructure to ensure file continuity. Please use the links in the table below for access instructions. 

Testing via NTF: 

From Thursday, November 12, 2020, through Friday, January 22, 2021, FINRA users are encouraged to test the Multi Factor Authentication entitlement process, and TRAQS and the API via the NASDAQ Testing Facility (NTF).

Users may test data in both the new infrastructure and the current infrastructure by accessing the links below. 

Users may test free of charge in NTF for 30 calendar days. Users must notify [email protected] at the commencement of testing. Once a user informs the NASDAQ test team, the testing free period will continue uninterrupted for 30 calendar days. After the 30-day period ends, normal NTF fees will apply for connecting and testing. Questions regarding NTF fees can be directed to NASDAQ Technical Services at (212) 231-5180.

FINRA will issue a separate notice alerting users of the requirements to access TRAQS in the production environment and a listed schedule of User Acceptance Tests (UATs) in a separate notice.

Please contact FINRA Product Management or call (866) 899-2107 with questions regarding this notice.

1. Separate API User Guides supporting Multi Factor Authentication will be furnished prior to when Multi Factor Authentication for the API reference data is deployed.