Of course FINRA absolutely can slow down, retard, arrest or even delay-beyond-being-worthwhile any given 211 application.
It's called due diligence.
They don't want any given whacktards just waltzing back into good graces.
They are gate-keepers, for a reason. That's why it's so tough to get back to the OTCBB from the greys.
In this example, however, she makes it sound as though the application itself is being stiff-armed.
There's no reason for that; FINRA has ample powers to question the application, while also revealing that the application has been submitted.