Fiduciary Rule

Contrary to industry chatter, the new standards will likely benefit advisors working with actively managed funds, Michael Kitces writes.

The DoL rule has contributed to both the overall drop and a market shift, say LIMRA experts.

As prospects for the best interest contract exemption fade, the Labor Department is pursuing a "streamlined" exemption for conflict-free mutual fund shares.

Banks need to re-assign some of their wealth management clients, says Arthur Osman, executive VP, institution services at LPL. This can lower costs, help develop new talent and with the right touch, clients won’t feel disconnected from the bank, he says.

The Office of Management and Budget concluded its review of the proposal, a key step in the administrative process, which puts a freeze on further implementing the regulation.

The move will likely be seen as a win by the opponents of the regulation.

The door has closed for public comments on the board’s propositions. While some industry heavyweights commended them, critics call out contradictions.

Regulations can take a long time to reverse.

The products protect clients against losses, but significant caveats emerge in the fine print.