Practice

Whereas a year ago, 64% of American workers expected to work at least another three years to recoup the losses taken in their retirement accounts as a result of the financial crisis, 80% now are planning to remain in the workforce another three years to age 70 or older.

Four former Financial Industry Regulatory Authority officials who left the agency in 2008 each received between $2.74 million and $4.43 million in reportable compensation and benefits that year, according to the latest form the nonprofit self-regulator filed with the Internal Revenue Service.

The Hartford Financial Services Group has launched a new educational program to encourage participation in 401(k)s and other defined contribution plans.

When the bill was signed into law by President Obama in July, an era marked by a flood of federal investigations sparked by bounty-hunting employees looking to cash in on rewards that, in some cases, could turn them into instant millionaires began.

The Internal Revenue Service has issued final regulations under a law change that will require reporting of basis and other information by stock brokers and mutual fund companies for most stock purchased in 2011 and all stock purchased in 2012 and later years, making it easier for investors to report their gains and losses next year on their tax returns.

The American Institute of CPAs has told the Securities and Exchange Commission that accountants need an adequate transition period if the SEC decides next year to incorporate International Financial Reporting Standards into the U.S. financial reporting system.

Angelo Mozilo, the former chief executive of mortgage lender Countrywide Financial, has agreed to pay $22.5 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the largest-ever financial penalty for a public company senior executive.

Aim is to help investors readily compare fees.

France, Germany and others, meanwhile, are uncomfortable with the powers of the EU’s new securities regulator.

Under existing rules, a bank with a 4 or 5 Camels rating cannot make such payments to parties terminating their affiliation with the institution.