The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has posted a webpage with frequently asked questions regarding the switch of investment advisers with less than $100 million of assets under management…

The Department of Labor (DOL) has proposed changes to the fiduciary definition under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. This change has far-reaching implications for your retirement plan and individual…

An actively involved and voting shareholder constituency is the cornerstone to effective corporate governance. The powers vested in the shareholders to select board members by vote helps to ensure that…

Financial markets and the financial services industry in general operate on some of the most sophisticated technology currently available. Technology has allowed greater transparency, lower costs, increased client access and…

Being a CCO is a very demanding job. CCOs have to balance being the bad guy with remaining open so that people feel comfortable interacting with them. They have to…

On June 6, 2011, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) charged a long time employee at Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (“BMIS”) with “aiding and abetting violations of…

Hedge fund founder Raj Rajaratnam was found guilty on five counts of conspiracy and nine counts of securities fraud involving insider trading. This is a big victory for the government…

The Securities and Exchange Commission today provided public notice of its intention to raise certain dollar thresholds that would need to be met before investment advisers can charge their clients…

There have been a lot of discussions lately regarding the regulatory landscape in the financial services sector. I know everyone has Dodd-Frank on the mind these days; however another significant…

The 2011 Renewal Program begins on November 15, 2010 when FINRA releases the Preliminary Renewal Statements on Web CRD/IARD. Firms should note the following key dates for the renewal process:…

The Department of Labor is working to reduce the fees and costs in 401(k) plans and make these fees totally transparent. The DOL has broadened the definition of fiduciary, which means…

The Securities and Exchange Commission requires registered investment advisers to file certain disclosure forms. Advisers are now being required to explain the training requirements for any professional designation included in…