During the past decade, 401(k) plans have elbowed defined benefit plans to become the primary retirement vehicle for most Americans.
Expect continued asset growth, more industry consolidation, competition and investment choices as well as broader participation in Section 529 college savings plans in the future, say state administrators of the programs, financial service executives and industry observers.
Over the past 10 years, the world of independent-contractor broker-dealers has been turned on its ear.
The custody business has evolved over the last decade.
The grandest prediction being made about financial adviser technology is that in the next few years, much of the industry's software will speak the same language.
"The marketplace always drives Washington," said Duane Thompson, managing director of the Financial Planning Association's Washington office.
Aug. 17, 2006, was probably the happiest day in the history of the Section 529 college savings plan business.
Despite all the noise coming from lawmakers calling for increased regulatory oversight of hedge funds, many involved in the nearly $2 trillion industry don't think that regulators are ready, willing or able to try to get their arms around this increasingly diverse investment category.
Competition is stiffening among firms that keep assets under custody — and that situation could lead to cheaper, faster and better business for independent registered investment advisers.
