Industry lawyers are watching closely how New York’s highest court will settle a long - simmering battle over how much legal protection brokerage firms should have for statements made on so-called U-5 termination forms.
NEW YORK — The impending private-equity buyout of Texas’ largest electricity producer may give rise to more deals in which environmental lobbyists are invited to sit at the negotiation table.
A newfangled model for helping independent investment advisory firms transition ownership to the next generation of employees has attracted two of the industry’s more established financial planning businesses.
IRVINE, Calif. — In response to complaints from brokers, Smith Barney has tweaked the final version of its new pay plan.
After eight months of negotiations, LPL Financial Services Inc. last Thursday finalized the details of its acquisition of three broker-dealers owned by Pacific Life Insurance Co. of Newport Beach, Calif.
NEW YORK — Advisers with clients who need life insurance for tax minimization and wealth transfer may want to consider a new policy geared to that market.
WASHINGTON — The life insurance industry is concerned that a bill which would eliminate federal antitrust immunity for insurance could lead to unfavorable attention from the Federal Trade Commission.
After eight months of negotiations, LPL Financial Services Inc. this morning finalized the details of its acquisition of the majority of the broker-dealers owned by Pacific Life Co. of Newport Beach, Calif.
Yet another chief executive of a Pacific Select Group LLC broker-dealer is leaving his respective firm, making for a near-complete overhaul in top management of the four broker-dealers in the Pacific Select network.
Industry leaders are concerned that insurance companies are taking on too much risk from annuities that offer guaranteed-withdrawal benefits for the life of the client. Financial services leaders worry that if baby boomers live longer than projected or a downturn hits the market, the financial strength of insurance companies could be threatened.
Add class action litigation to the regulatory controversies, bad press and other woes plaguing insurers that sell equity index annuities.
At least seven members of Congress, including the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, are planning to reintroduce legislation that would require many small businesses not offering retirement plans to enroll their employees in individual retirement accounts automatically.
WASHINGTON — As a result of rising securities trading volumes, the Securities and Exchange Commission is cutting the fees it charges for trades and registration filings by more than 50% for the remainder of the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30.
WASHINGTON — Department of Labor guidance allowing money managers to offer investment advice directly to 401(k) plan participants could squeeze the bottom lines of leading independent-advice providers Financial Engines Inc. and Morningstar Associates LLC, but it’s a big win for mutual fund companies.
NEW YORK — Citigroup Inc. and Blackstone Group Holdings LP have launched a $5 billion fund to invest in India’s infrastructure — a positive development for a country that lags behind China in attracting foreign investment, one observer says.
NEW YORK — Asset management firms that employ wholesalers are not reaching their full sales potential and can do a lot more to form stronger relationships with financial advisers, according to a report released earlier this month by kasina LLC.
SAN FRANCISCO — Thomson Financial’s recent acquisition of a Belgian software company is a clear indication of its desire to appeal to higher-end financial advisers, analysts say.
NEW YORK — The Hartford (Conn.) Financial Services Group Inc. wants more financial advisers to sell retirement plans.
NEW YORK — In light of new regulations requiring greater disclosure on executive pay, directors are scrambling to justify every nickel spent on perks for the top ranks.
