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.

The board will release new proposed revisions and seeks additional public comments.

Harmonizing a potential SEC regulation with that of the Labor Department is tricky business, experts say.

New solutions offer plenty of features but lack focus.

Speaking to hundreds of industry executives, Jay Clayton said his agency can't simply supplant the Department of Labor.

The products protect clients against losses, but significant caveats emerge in the fine print.

Chairman Jay Clayton says the regulator is drafting a rule proposal to harmonize standards for brokers and advisors.

Saving too much for retirement could force clients to take loans or make withdrawals that would carry taxes and penalties.

Moves by Nevada and others threaten to create compliance confusion.

Mounting regulatory concerns and technology pressures have left advisors looking for outside help, new research shows.

Staying current with where the regulation stands can be hard. Here's what advisors need to know now.