Scott Brown victory in Massachusetts could delay – even derail – financial reforms
The upset election of Scott Brown to the U.S. Senate seat from Massachusetts will have a more modest impact on financial services regulatory-reform legislation than on health care reform. But the stunning result in Massachusetts will give Republican members of the Senate Banking Committee a stronger hand in shaping financial reform.
Sparks fly over ‘hat-switching’ provision
A one-sentence provision buried in the sweeping financial services reform legislation passed by the House this month has once again pitted investment adviser groups against brokerage groups.
SEC’s Schapiro: One fiduciary standard needed for all securities professionals
Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro today called for subjecting all securities professionals to the same standards of conduct and licensing requirements.
Fighting Finra’s grab for advisers
The most important issue that Congress needs to get right in overhauling financial services regulation is reform of the over-the-counter-derivatives market, investor advocate Barbara Roper believes.
Senators aiming to put the squeeze on Antigua over Stanford’s assets
Eight U.S. senators want Congress to oppose International Money Fund and World Bank loans to the government of Antigua and Barbuda until that government compensates victims of Stanford Financial Group.
SEC to use outside auditors to confirm advisory firm records
Securities and Exchange Commission examiners will turn to outside auditors and other third parties to help verify records at investment advisory and broker-dealer firms, an agency official said today at the first “CCOutreach” conference for advisers, brokers and mutual fund professionals.
ICI: Transaction tax would take big bite out of fund returns
High on the mutual fund industry's “to do” list is defeating legislation that would impose a $150 billion-per-year tax on securities transactions.
Wells Fargo to return $1.3B to auction-rate investors
Wells Fargo Investments LLC will return about $1.3 billion to investors who suffered losses in the auction-rate-securities market, according to the North American Securities Administrators Association Inc.
Sen. Kohl targets target date fund managers
Legislation that in some cases would require target date fund managers to take on fiduciary responsibilities will be introduced by Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Herb Kohl, D-Wis.
Healy resigns post as NAIFA chief
John Healy has resigned his position as chief executive of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, the organization announced today.