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1. DOL Releases Final Fiduciary Rule
The rule, which would have taken effect in September, “protects the retirement investors from improper investment recommendations and harmful conflicts of interest,” according to Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su.
2. How Paul Atkins Could Move SEC’s Enforcement Spotlight from Firms to Individuals
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According to one expert, President-elect Donald Trump’s SEC Chair nominee may pursue cases where there is “fraud or harm” to investors rather than situations where firms fail to follow compliance policies.
3. SEC Charges 26 Firms for Off-Channel Communications Violations
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More than two dozen broker/dealers and RIAs agreed to pay a combined $392.75 million in penalties, including Raymond James, LPL, Edward Jones and Osaic, among others.
4. The Non-Compete Revolution Begins
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RIAs are especially vulnerable to the potential changes stemming from the FTC’s rule.
5. SEC Fines 5 More Firms For Ad Rule Violations
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The firms will collectively pay $200,000 to settle the charges, which focused primarily on their use of hypothetical performance.
6. FINRA Says It Can 'Address' Court's Demands in SEC Oversight Ruling
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The regulator said the ruling in the case concerning Utah-based brokerage Alpine Securities won’t affect day-to-day operations. However, those closely watching the case believe it could challenge FINRA’s legal foundation.
7. FINRA Fines M1 Finance in First Charges Involving Social Media Influencers
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The settlement follows a 2021 targeted exam looking into how firms work with social media influencers.
8. Supreme Court Decision Weakening SEC Could Boost Settlements, State Regulators' Roles
Last week, the Court ruled that the commission’s use of in-house administrative law judges violated the Constitution’s guarantee of a jury trial in certain cases. That may change the landscape for financial advisors defending themselves against SEC charges and civil penalties.
