Wealth Think

If a potential breakaway broker of a larger firm were to sit down and think of all the negative considerations in starting his own RIA firm, it would be hard to imagine that any sensible person would venture into that type of quagmire. However, with all these potential risks facing a prospective breakaway broker, there exists an opportunity for the established RIA firm.

As Wall Street firms continue to consolidate, many financial professionals are losing their jobs. Others are having a difficult time finding work. Very few have been able to walk away from the financial crisis completely unscathed.

Ask Ed Slott: Your IRA Expert answers readers’ questions about possible tax implications for retirees as a result of health care reform legislation.

The new suitability and Know-Your-Customer rules will present FINRA with the opportunity to bring a variety of enforcement actions against both firms and registered representatives. The types of cases will likely be similar to enforcement actions that FINRA has brought under the existing rules.

Legacy expert attorneys Danielle and Andy Mayoras say the untimely death and shoddy estate planning efforts of renowned artist Thomas Kinkade serve as a prime example of why clients should update their wills on a regular – and sober – basis.

FINRA Rule 2090 will impose a new requirement on many firms, that of “knowing your customer.” Firms that have not previously been subject to a Know-Your-Customer requirement are determining what facts it deems essential in connection with servicing an account.

Steve Wershing, "The Referral Doctor," says it’s not your people that make clients happy but what your people do. And understanding that distinction is crucial for firms that want to add and retain clients and the staff to service them.

The time has finally arrived. FINRA’s new suitability and know-your-customer rules take effect today.

Ask Ed Slott: Your IRA Expert answers readers’ questions about stretch IRAs for beneficiaries and required minimum distributions.

Marketing expert Marie Swift says that if you believe that your brand of personal advice and investment acumen needs to find its way into the lives of more right-fit clients, stop procrastinating and pick a couple marketing initiatives to start now.