Practice

Legislation that would streamline the registration process for broker-dealers and advisors in Florida is one step closer to becoming law, with the state senate following the lower chamber in voting to approve the measure, which now awaits the governor's signature.

With the tax season behind us, what accountant mistakes or issues have you come across?

The forces of global regulatory change are in high gear, and mutual fund firms need to brace themselves for the new mandates barreling in from different parts of the world. Firms need to have the regulatory and compliance resources in place to tackle these demands, but they also need to think about rebranding themselves as more than just domestic vehicles, and nurturing a new identity that conveys a fortitude to brave international regulatory waters.

Old assumptions about referrals are mostly wrong, Julie Littlechild told advisors. Here are some of the myths that need busting -- plus four good ways to stimulate referrals.

The Securities and Exchange Commission named Andrew J. Bowden director of its national exam program, replacing Carlo V. di Florio who is leaving next month to join the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

SEC chairman Mary Jo White made no comment Friday on what new reforms for the money market fund industry will come out of her administration, except that its proposal will be “appropriate and balanced.”

Putnam Investments has some advice on what not to say on Twitter to avoid regulatory scrutiny.

The human side of financial planning has been somewhat overlooked among some advisors who have tended to limit their interactions with clients to providing financial advice. The high-touch approach could become a "growing market niche" for advisors.

The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged the trustees, chief compliance officer and fund administrator of a pair of mutual fund trusts with causing untrue or misleading disclosures about the factors they considered when approving or renewing investment advisory contracts on behalf of shareholders.

Creating a will is not a last-minute endeavor, but one that requires deliberate planning.