Financial regulations

The proposal, which would allow more consumers to join class-action lawsuits over disputes, could drive up compliance costs. Agency director Richard Cordray wants more accountability.

Investment professionals foresaw the greatest risks in flawed algorithms, according to a global survey.

How have other countries that introduced fiduciary standards before the U.S. fared? Toronto-based adviser Trevor Parry gives the long view.

The debate has spread far beyond planners and regulators, suggesting to some that public consciousness, and widespread change, might be on the rise.

"Direct-to-consumer is not our model," says Scott Curtis, president, Raymond James Financial Services.

The new rules aren't the bonanza for lawyers first imagined from the DoL's fiduciary efforts.