Category Archives: RIA

Financial Plans v. Investment Policy Statements: One, None or Both?

As an investment adviser consultant, one of the first things I ask new adviser clients is whether they prepare financial plans for clients. If so, I advise them not to do so going forward. Simply put, a financial plan in … Continue reading

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Incredible Marketing Opportunity for RIAs

I recently read an article in which SEC Commission Gallagher stated that he is not convinced that a universal fiduciary standard is needed. He also stated that he needed to see more evidence of the need for such a standard. … Continue reading

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Social Media and the Investment Adviser

I could write a new blog entry, but why do so when Financial Planning just wrote an excellent article on the subject. http://www.financial-planning.com/news/practice_management/social-media-and-regulatory-compliance-5-rules-2689208-1.html Without question, the continued use of Facebook “likes” and LinkedIn “recommendations are the most common violations. The … Continue reading

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The Investment Adviser’s Achilles’ Heel v. 2.0

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently released a notice regarding the use of testimonials and social media. Investment advisers are generally prohibited from using client testimonials. While the SEC has allowed the use of third-party ratings as long as certain requirements are met, … Continue reading

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Quantum Meruit and “Other” Compliance Challenges

When I was a compliance director, my biggest frustration was not being able to share certain legal information with the broker-dealer’s registered representatives and those who maintained independent RIAs. I understood the BD’s position, namely that volunteering such information potentially … Continue reading

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Creative Chaos – Creating a Win-Win Situation for Investors and Investment Advisers

Having been involved in the quality of investment advice arena for twenty-five years in some capacity (e.g., securities attorney, RIA consultant, B/D compliance director), I have seen numerous changes in both the industry and the surrounding legal/regulatory environment. There is … Continue reading

Posted in 401k, 401k compliance, 401k investments, compliance, fiduciary compliance, fiduciary law, investments, retirement plans, RIA, RIA Compliance, securities compliance | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Has Schwab Opened Pandora’s Box for RIAs? – Part Two

In a recent post, I suggested that the recent court decision upholding Schwab’s class action waiver in customer’s contracts could have potential liability implications for RIAs and other fiduciaries that recommend or use Schwab, or for that matter any other … Continue reading

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Gifts and Conflicts of Interest

I received a call yesterday from an RIA firm that had been providing magazine subscriptions and other gifts to clients that referred new clients to the firm.  The managing member of the RIA firm said that he had attended a … Continue reading

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“The 401(k)/403(b) Investment Manual”

My new book, “The 410(k)/403(b) Investment Manual” is now available from both Amazon and CreatSpace. The manual is intended to provide both plan participants and plan sponsors with valuable information to allow them to properly evaluate the investment options within … Continue reading

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Fiduciaries, We Ain’t No Stinkin’ Fiduciaries: Help for Fiduciaries and Unsuspecting Fiduciaries

As a securities attorney that represents investors and provides consulting and compliance services to RIA firms, I can honestly say that one of the most common problems I encounter with RIA firms is a failure to develop an effective risk … Continue reading

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