Category Archives: RIA

Is ERISA Section 408(b)(2) the New 401(k) Fiduciary’s Achilles’ Heel

On July 1st, the disclosure requirements of ERISA 408(b)(2) go into effect with regard to plan providers and plan sponsors.  Disclosure requirements between plan sponsors and plan participants are scheduled to go into effect at the end of August. Plan … Continue reading

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Five Legal Decisions Every RIA and Fiduciary Should Know

In his most recent book, “The New Wealth Management, “ respected industry expert Harold Evensky noted that investment advisers have an obligation to understand both their professional duties and their legal responsibilities.  While compliance violations often result in fines, legal … Continue reading

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Running the Investment Compliance “Gauntlet”

As most people know, I focus on helping RIA professionals with both compliance and risk management issues.  Far too many times I have performed compliance audits where the RIA has all of the required files and manuals, but a poor … Continue reading

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New Compliance and Liability White Paper

With the new year comes the renewal of the debate over one universal fiduciary standard for those providing investment advice to the public.  What many compliance professionals do not realize is that many jurisdictions already impose a fiduciary standard on … Continue reading

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That Dog Won’t Hunt

First, my apologies for the delay between posts.  It has been incredibly busy between helping advisers prepare for the conversion to state supervision, helping new RIAs set-up their practices and performing fiduciary audits.  I think RIA firms are finally getting … Continue reading

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3 FAQs on RIA Ks

I recently received a call from an RIA firm that had been cited during an audit for having an improper RIA client contract.  The CEO explained that they had tried to save some money by copying an advisory contract from … Continue reading

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Don’t Go There!

My clients are familiar with several pet phrases that I use to state my opinion in a short, yet definitive manner.  One of those phrases that I find myself using a lot is “don’t go there.”  As a compliance consultant … Continue reading

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The RIA’s Achilles’ Heel

As an attorney and a compliance consultant, I realize the difference between RIA compliance and RIA risk management.  I also realize the importance of both.  Unfortunately, I see far too many cases where RIA firms have unnecessary liability risk exposure … Continue reading

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Due Diligence Doldrums

Whether you are a registered representative, an investment advisory representative, or both, you have a legal obligation to do your due diligence regarding the suitability of any investments you intend to recommend to your clients.  What many brokers and advisory … Continue reading

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Investment Advisers and Outsourcing

Outsourcing is definitely one of the hot topics with investment advisers.  Most investment advisers I talk to about outsourcing feel that outsourcing asset management and/or compliance responsibilities will allow them to concentrate more on building up their assets under management and, consequently, their fees. … Continue reading

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