If your firm offers a wrap fee program to clients or recommends that clients participate in a wrap program, now is an opportune time to review your fee disclosures and billing practices and best execution protocols. In July 2021, the U.S. … Read More
The fiduciary standard of care required by investment advisers is well established and is a major component of every client relationship. Investment advisers are tasked with the financial health of their clients and safe keeping of nest eggs built over … Read More
A recent filing by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) against a California-based advisory firm should serve as a cautionary tale for compliance officers. It provides keen insight into the SEC’s ongoing effort to seek enforcement action against firms … Read More
At the beginning of 2021, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) released its exam priorities report for the year.[1] In the release, the SEC stated the following: “The Division will continue to review the compliance programs of RIAs, including whether … Read More
Market gains since the Great Recession have rewarded investment firms with record assets under management. And the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have changed the way many of us work, perhaps for a long time.
The continued growth of investor assets participating in wrap fee programs has prompted regulators to maintain a sharp focus on the programs as part of an ongoing assessment of market-wide risks and matters of importance to retail investors saving for … Read More
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler has directed the Commission to consider whether it should revisit 2019 guidance and 2020 rule amendments regarding proxy voting advice[1]. In a related move, the SEC has suspended enforcement of rules … Read More
A growing interest in funds focused on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) assets has prompted the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to see that investors are better informed regarding ESG-related risks. There just happens to be a difference in … Read More
The 1,700 market participants who heard new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Gary Gensler’s remarks at the remote annual meeting of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) on May 20, 2021, came away with a clear vision for … Read More
On Episode 86 of the CCO Buzz, Managing Director of Consultation Services, Tina Mitchell joins us to discuss the new ERISA exemption for financial professionals.