The FINRA and GNBT position seems to be that the NGIO dividend has no current value and therefore would fall under FINRA Rules Section 11140 (b)(1) instead of 11140 (b)(2).

(1) In respect to cash dividends or distributions, or stock dividends, and the issuance or distribution of warrants, which are less than 25% of the value of the subject security, if the definitive information is received sufficiently in advance of the record date, the date designated as the "ex-dividend date" shall be the first business day preceding the record date if the record date falls on a business day, or the second business day preceding the record date if the record date falls on a day designated by the Committee as a non-delivery date.

(2) In respect to cash dividends or distributions, stock dividends and/or splits, and the distribution of warrants, which are 25% or greater of the value of the subject security, the ex-dividend date shall be the first business day following the payable date.

https://www.finra.org/rules-guidance/rulebook...ules/11140