Fiduciary standard

The impact of commoditization, fee compression and consolidation on RIAs in 2018 cannot be understated.

"Maybe commissions aren’t so evil after all?"

Technology has transformed the industry, but personal relationships are still crucial.

One expert suggests the SEC could develop a new system to evaluate firms' conflicts, assigning scores similar to those from Consumer Reports.

Some advisors are holding out in case the technology changes.

In the wake of the DoL fiduciary rule, documenting client profiles and recommendations boosts compliance.

Survey shows advisors accept fiduciary mindset but do not see major impact on product choices yet.

Financial advisors can still be held liable for violating impartial conduct standards even though the fiduciary rule has been delayed until 2019.

The regulation's enforcement provisions will not take effect until July 1, 2019, the Labor Department said.

Secretary Alexander Acosta told lawmakers that the department will pursue actions against advisors and firms for egregious best-interest advice violations.