The Daily Brief

University professor argues for British-style ban on commissions, parents are taking on their children's college debt and a DOL ruling allows select cities to launch IRA programs.

REITs may perform well in 2017, apathy could kill the advisory business, and the SEC warns investors about potential scams.

Military families shun stocks, The Financial Times identifies the financial services industry as being under serious threat from advances in technology, and college students create their own index.

A list of end-of-year to-dos for retirees, Artnet calls 2016 "The Year of the Fake" and Charles Schwab forecasts a record-setting 2017.

Bitcoin has a strong run and a former SEC official is accused of not showing up for work.

Orion launches a fee-benchmarking tool, the stock market is taking a holiday break, and collectors must beware of purchasing stolen goods.

Americans think the "long-term" is 4.4 years, Prince's estate owes money for 2006 divorce, and two brokers and a former New York state pension fund official are charged with fraud.

TD has new app for long-term investors, Americans are racking up credit card debt, and a Texas wealth manager is arrested on fraud charges.

One woman conned four professional athletes in a case of financial fraud, investors consider the financial impact of the election, and an Ameriprise advisor leaks client information.

Despite volatility, self-directed investors are happy with their returns this year, MMI predicts rapid growth for advisory firms, and TD Ameritrade builds a "skill" for Amazon's Alexa.