Practice

Morningstar today published its inaugural issue of Financial Services Observer, a research report examining the competitive shifts in the U.S. wealth management industry, companies responses to industry changes following the financial crisis, and which companies Morningstar equity analysts think are poised to be a boon for shareholders.

Rex Staples, the director of investigations for the beleaguered CFP Board of Standards, is stepping down.

Bloomberg -- Bank of America Corp. is seeking approval of a $160 million settlement from a judge who thrice rejected requests by black financial advisers at its Merrill Lynch unit to sue as a group over alleged racial discrimination.

Strategic marketing customized for female clients helped one longtime planner build her own practice up to $100 million in AUM.

Bank of America is seeking approval of a $160 million settlement from a judge who thrice rejected requests by black financial advisers at its Merrill Lynch unit to sue as a group over alleged racial discrimination.

Regulatory reform is likely to continue on its current path if Janet Yellen, the Federal Reserve Board's vice chairman, is tapped to lead the central bank. The future is decidedly murkier if Larry Summers wins the post.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's surprise criticism of President Obama's plan to unwind Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has upset the conventional wisdom surrounding housing finance reform.

Our stories about HSBC's compensation changes received a great deal of attention. Here is a sampling of opposing views on the subject.

Under a new compensation structure implemented at the beginning of the year, advisors are paid a salary plus a quarterly discretionary bonus, marking a major shift from being paid solely on commission.

Welcome to the biggest issue of Bank Investment Consultant that we've put together in my time here. Fittingly, it's also one of the most important. Last year I proclaimed our annual retirement issue to be the most important of the year. This year, we've packed even more important — and actionable — information into an even bigger volume.