NASD Ponders Flu Pandemic Emergency Guidelines

The National Association of Securities Dealers is trying to prepare for an influenza epidemic that could force as many as half of member firms’ employees to stay home for extended periods.

The NASD, Washington, has issued a request for comment about the types of regulatory relief that it ought to offer firms facing a major flu epidemic.

The self-regulatory group notes that member firms have suggested that they might respond by letting employees work at home, shifting work to overseas affiliates, or even arranging for other companies to handle their operations.