Practice management

Bloomberg introduced what it called a “step change” in its core business, known as the Bloomberg Professional market data service.

The new design emphasizes simplicity. Bloomberg has cut the 30,000 functions available in its previous desktop product by about half.

Bock will lead the firm’s business consulting, relationship management and education teams.

While planners may know what different client segments they serve, too often they aren’t using that information to change their practices accordingly, says Matt Matrisian, director of practice management for Genworth Financial Wealth Management.

LPL Financial has appointed Joan Khoury, a former Merrill Lynch Wealth Management executive, to the role of managing director and chief marketing officer.

FINRA is seeking input regarding changes it is weighing with respect to BrokerCheck. The proposed changes prompted a swift and strong response from readers on Financial Planning’s discussion boards.

The new regulations follow a model that the North American Securities Administrators Association passed in December.

BATS Global Markets said the SEC's Division of Enforcement is looking at its methods for developing new order types as well as how it develops its information technology systems.

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission voted to approve new rules governing, among other things, when swaps dealers can delay reporting on the size and price of their block trades.

New information FINRA is exploring adding to the BrokerCheck system could include the reason for and comments related to a broker’s termination as well as scores on industry qualification exams.

Fidelity Investments reported strong sales growth last year of defined contribution plans to small and midsized employers in 2011.

The capital markets industry will increase its spending 8.5 percent a year on technology that combats financial crimes, through 2015.

About 60% of those with SIMPLE-IRAs were not aware that employer tax filing is not required.

“With our economy in the shape it’s in, and saving for retirement more difficult than ever, it was critical that this troubling provision be stripped from the bill,” according to a statement from FSI President and CEO Dale Brown.

Wells Fargo is using Twitter to spread the word about saving for retirement. The banking giant has been promoting “America Saves Week” by using its Twitter account, @Ask_WellsFargo.

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority arbitration panel ordered Memphis-based Morgan Keegan & Co. to pay a Birmingham investor $1.95 million for misrepresenting that the Jefferson County, Ala., sewer bonds he purchased were safe, liquid and tax-free investments.

As the Baby Boom generation heads for retirement, the traditional notion that turning 65 automatically triggers retirement is changing.

A sports agent, whose company represents star clients including Denver quarterback Tim Tebow, won $400,000 in a ruling against brokerage Morgan Keegan & Co., due to personal losses from bad bond investments.

Almost three-quarters (71%) of target-date fund investors say that target-date funds have made them feel more confident they were making good investment decisions, according to a study.

Deutsche Boerse Group said it will be “gradually expanding” its global network this year.