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From improving communication with clients to placing a bigger emphasis on risk management, advisors from wirehouses and regional firms share how they’re navigating the rebounding market environment and how their practices have evolved as a result of hard lessons learned during the financial meltdown of 2008.

(Bloomberg) -- Bank of America Corp. will pay $39 million to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought on behalf of women employees at its Merrill Lynch unit, according to court filings.

The expansion-focused $6 billion wealth manager has added Santa Barbara-based Pacific Pointe to its roster, making it the fifth firm in Beacon Pointe’s growing stable, and the fourth in California.

The worst rout in the $3.7 trillion municipal-bond market in more than two years is proving a gift for wealthy investors buying through brokers and professional asset managers who see a chance to make long-term money.

From improving communication with clients to placing a bigger emphasis on risk management, advisors from wirehouse and regional firms share how they’re navigating the rebounding market environment and how their practices have evolved as a result of hard lessons learned during the financial meltdown of 2008.

With heavyweights like Pacific Investment Management Company (PIMCO) throwing its hat into the managed futures mutual fund ring, interest from both investors and asset management in this investment vehicle appears to be rising.

When it comes to the gender of those in professional roles, people say they would feel most comfortable with women financial planners (this is second only to their preference for female doctors), according to a recent poll by 60 Minutes and Vanity Fair.

Bank of America Corp. will pay $39 million to settle a discrimination lawsuit brought on behalf of women employees at its Merrill Lynch unit, according to court filings.

A $495 million competitive sale of Arkansas general obligation bonds will lead primary market activity this week in the municipal bond market as long-term volume increases after last week’s holiday lull.

Regions remains on the hook for litigation tied to Morgan Keegan, which it sold last year to Raymond James Financial.