Regulatory reform

With the SEC and Labor Department rethinking their approach to a higher standard, a court's recent ruling may not have a lasting impact.

Citing mounting investor losses from unpaid arbitration awards, investor advocates see a role for Congress to force FINRA's hand.

The regulator proposed rule changes that will make it considerably more difficult for advisors to erase customer complaints from their disciplinary records.

The new law will affect how financial advisors and clients evaluate the pros and cons.

Expenses are rising, but revenue is flat as the regulator holds off on raising member fees.

Critics say the practice of using non-attorneys, some with criminal records, to represent investors often makes their problems worse. Advocates say it's cheaper.

"Maybe commissions aren’t so evil after all?"

Advisors have gotten caught in the crossfire: politicians have errantly assumed that 100% of advisory firm earnings are wage compensation .

The industry has resisted the SEC’s Consolidated Audit Trail surveillance system ― dubbed CAT ― in its current form based on cybersecurity concerns.

"Sunlight is the best disinfectant," investor advocate says of regulator's move to keep disciplinary problems in public view.