The United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) has had a very active summer regulating the securities industry. Yes, you heard it right, the DOL has made certain pronouncements that have considerable effect on the securities industry.
Initially, the DOL allowed 401(k) plans to invest in private equity funds so long as they are managed by
The SEC recently published its latest investor bulletin. The SEC publishes these from time to time to bring awareness to the investing public on certain issues.
The current bulletin notes that the investor.gov web page provides a number of resources for the investing public, which include:
The SEC recently commenced an enforcement action against an investment advisory firm and its principal in connection with the failure to disclose material conflicts of interest in connection with new mutual funds that the firm recently created and managed. The SEC is seeking disgorgement and an injunction against the firm and its principal.
Clients of
It was great speaking at the May 17 New York NSCP regional conference on risk issues facing firms where Ernie Badway and I discussed cyber-security, risk issues, regulatory matters, issues involving elder clients and ways compliance personnel can protect themselves. For those of you who could not make the conference, these topics are frequently discussed
On Tuesday, May 17, Ernie Badway and I are the keynote speakers at the NSCP Spring Conference in New York, entitled “Juggling Compliance Risks — Maintaining the Balance“. 
Among other things, Ernie and I will be speaking about cybersecurity, risk avoidance techniques, government regulations, elder client issues and compliance. We hope to see
The SEC recently charged four investment advisors who allegedly used free dinners to entice older clients to their firm. At these dinners, these individuals allegedly provided fraudulent marketing materials to the attendees and ultimately did not invest all of the money that they were given.
Granted these four advisors may just be bad apples and
It is no secret that FINRA and the SEC are sharply focused on issues regarding elder clients, including severe disciplinary action. There is another elder “issue” that must be kept in the forefront as well; senior designations.
Senior designations are “certifications” that financial advisors tag onto their other designations like CFA, etc. Such designations
With the exception of those of you who have literally been asleep for the last few years, you are well-versed in the attention FINRA and the SEC are giving to issues surrounding elder investors. Among other things, there is a real focus on elder abuse.
Some commentators believe that all of this attention may inevitably
Those famous words of the immortal Yogi Berra hold true when it comes to the SEC exam priorities for 2016. Among those at the top of the list are two familiar friends; protecting retail investors and investors saving for retirement.
It is clear that the SEC is looking in particular toward how retail firms are
Most people say that New Year resolutions are only as good as the paper on which they are written. Notwithstanding that ringing endorsement, I will give it a shot.
Here are some things that you should be resolved to doing in the New Year: