Fiduciary Rule

As the financial planning industry nears a fee-only, fiduciary world, independent broker-dealers will face some important choices about their future business models.

IBDs and regional firms are making the biggest changes, but RIAs have room for growth as well.

Instead of harmonizing standards of client care across the industry, it may be better to re-differentiate them in light of the fiduciary rule's recent court loss.

After a federal appeals court strikes down the fiduciary rule, a legal path forward seems uncertain, but the regulation has already made its mark.

Merrill Lynch, UBS and others made considerable alterations to policies and procedures in order to be compliant with the Labor Department regulation.

Even after a federal appeals court struck down the rule, more clashes over the regulation of sales versus advice are inevitable.

Seniors should consider designating joint agents, reviewing the security features on their financial accounts, and having their names removed from credit card solicitations.

Industry insiders see the agency proceeding with its rule to harmonize standards for brokers and advisors.

The Department of Labor has an incentive to defend its rule-making authority even though it is considering revisions to the regulation.

A federal court has struck down the rule and the industry’s top online advice executives are speaking out.

Focus turns to the SEC as it considers creating its own higher standard of client care.

With the SEC and Labor Department rethinking their approach to a higher standard, a court's recent ruling may not have a lasting impact.

Some are calling for the CFP Board to get tough on conflicts and compensation as it finishes revisions to its standards of conduct.

"I think it's something that the market needs. I think it's something that regulators need," Jay Clayton says.

Sales dropped by 8% last year, but LIMRA finds reason for optimism in 2018.

Massachusetts regulators accuse the firm of running afoul of the impartial conduct standard by holding sales contests.

The good, the bad and the downright inexplicable in the suggested changes.

Industry leaders see an opportunity to reshape debates that determine wealth management's future.

Parker’s candid responses to Financial Planning’s rapid-fire queries on new digital tools, sexual harassment, Social Security planning, deal-making, how (not) to talk to clients about the stock market run-up and more.

CEO Jim Cracchiolo says the firm’s headcount is poised for growth again following a stagnant year.