Finra's Watch Over Funds

The firm is seeking regulatory approval to make financial advisors dual employees of its bank subsidiary in addition to the broker-dealer as it increases mortgage lending, a person briefed on the matter said

A unit set up by the IRS to improve international tax compliance by individuals is paying off, according to a new government report, enabling IRS auditors to assess an additional $36 million in taxes for fiscal years 2011 to 2013.

White: No Timeframe for Fiduciary Standard

Activities unfolding within 3 separate industry rulemakers -- the SEC, FINRA and the Labor Department -- suggest changes ahead for both brokers and advisors.

Firms should reach out to clients early to pre-empt potential downturn in their portfolios, FINRA said.

The use of social media within an advisory practice has been the subject of much debate within the industry, but one of the most common arguments for advisors limiting or altogether barring sites like Facebook and YouTube within the firm -- compliance -- might be dramatically overstated.

Fidelity, BlackRock, Pimco Fight Back on 'SIFI' Label

Deciding whether to impose a uniform fiduciary standard for brokers and investment advisors was a “high priority” for the SEC, but there is no timeframe for a rule, Commission Chair Mary Jo White said.

The three asset management firms are among those attempting to discount the credibility of a report released by the Office of Financial Research last month that argued such companies potentially pose a threat to the economy.

The Financial Stability Board lowered the proposed surcharge on globally systemically-important banks for Citigroup and Bank of New York Mellon, leaving JPMorgan Chase as the only U.S. institution to face the highest 2.5% capital buffer.

New registrants with the SEC or veteran advisors who haven't been examined in many years can expect to hear from regulators in short order, a prominent securities lawyer told attendees at Schwab Impact conference.

In a business update to CFP holders, the board presents research on its Let's Make a Plan campaign, clarifies its fee-only position -- and skips a discussion of recent controversy.

Despite a recent show of political opposition, the Labor Department seems poised to press ahead with a proposal to broaden the definition of fiduciary to cover advisors working in the retirement plan segment, a leading opponent of the measure warns.

BofA Should Pay $863 Million in Fannie Mae Case, U.S. Says

FINRA's Watch Over Funds

Bank of America should pay the maximum penalty of $863 million for selling defective loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, given the egregiousness of the fraud, U.S. prosecutors told a federal judge.

Firms need technology resources and budget allocation if they want to create a social media program for their advisors.

A former JPMorgan Chase banker who managed Bernard Madoff’s account said the con man was on track to receive a $200 million loan less than a month before his arrest if the request hadn’t been dropped.

Janet Yellen, vice chair of the Federal Reserve Board and President Obama's pick to run the central bank, will appear before the Senate Banking Committee on Nov. 14.