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Bank regulators have long kept state officials at arm's length. But the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is forging close relationships with state attorneys general to enforce consumer banking laws.

Still reeling from the bear market of 2008, investors were inclined to head for safety even before the sharp declines suffered by the equity markets last month.

Talks over so-called walk-away rights in stock-swap deals are always touchy. But they are becoming deal breakers after the steep drop in bank stocks in recent weeks.

When it comes to compliance, no one should be hired until they spend a minimum of one year as an advisor. This way they will truly learn how hard it is when dealing with various personalities and all the unique client situations.

Compliance is the new black—it's fashionable and über-ubiquitous. And it's the focus of Bank Investment Consultant this month. The major compliance issue of the day, obviously, is the saga of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which we chronicle once again in "Outlook." But for our cover story, we focused on the lesser-known aspects of Dodd-Frank that affect community banks.

The legislation may be a hit or miss, depending on whom you ask. What's good in this mixed bag for advisors and what should they be mindful of?

The baby boomers who are about to retire get most of the attention—but their younger bretheren are still in their forties and have very different financial needs.

Local revenues are on the rise—the first quarter of 2011 market the sixth consecutive period in which state and city revenues have increased.

There are so many career options today that it can be overwhelming—and far fewer sources of credible information.

Few planners ask their customers to evaluate them. Julie Littlechild is on a mission to change that.