Investment adviser

5 Ways The SEC Says "Screw You" to Investors with Regulation Best Interest

5 Ways The SEC Says "Screw You" to Investors with Regulation Best Interest

The recent approval of the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) has killed any hope that financial advisers at Broker/Dealers would finally be required to be fiduciaries for their clients. The SEC went out of its way to create a regulation that would confuse consumers into thinking they have legal protections, when they don’t.

8 Investment & Wealth Management Firms Threaten CFP Board Over Fiduciary Rule

8 Investment & Wealth Management Firms Threaten CFP Board Over Fiduciary Rule

Eight investment management firms threatened to stop using the CFP designation if the CFP Board expanded it’s fiduciary rule. Despite the bullying, the CFP Board still voted to improve the consumer protections in their Standards of Professional Conduct.

What the Broker Protocol Exits Mean for Investors

What the Broker Protocol Exits Mean for Investors

Investors may mistakenly think Morgan Stanley and UBS leaving the Broker Protocol agreement only impacts stock brokers and their employers. The SEC, however, identified the Broker Protocol as an important agreement for both customer choice and privacy.

Is Your Financial Adviser Infested with BICE?

Is Your Financial Adviser Infested with BICE?

The DOL Fiduciary rule is now in force, but there is a loophole for commissioned advisers which can allow them to maintain their current compensation model. Make sure you understand the Best Interest Contract Exemption and the implications it has on potential conflicts of interest which could influence the investment advice you recieve. 

Do You Know How Your Advisor is Licensed

Do You Know How Your Advisor is Licensed

Between the wide range of meaningless job titles and the alphabet soup of certifications and designations, it's easy for an advisor to hide how they truly do business. One thing an adviser can't hide, however, is how they're licensed. Knowing the license will tell you what they can advise on, how they are compensated, and whether they are fiduciaries.

How to Identify Financial Professionals for Individual Tasks

How to Identify Financial Professionals for Individual Tasks

The purpose of personal finance is more personal than finance, but there is value to having an objective financial advisor in your corner. Seeking out professional advisors for individual goals or pieces of your financial plan can save you or earn you thousands of dollars more than you pay for the advice. Identify key advisors and find the answers to these 5 questions.