Reopening of small-cap funds draws financial adviser interest
A large number of small-cap funds have reopened in recent months and are drawing the attention of financial advisers.
Financial advisers, sponsors offered new yardstick for retirement plan fees
A new software service lets employers benchmark 401(k) plan costs.
SMAs continue to win over advisers despite drop in growth
In the midst of a pause in a decade-long growth spurt, the separately managed accounts industry continues to win over independent financial advisers, many of whom are generally wary of the products' complexity.
Advisers remain guarded on catastrophe bonds
As hurricane season approaches, financial advisers continue to look warily upon catastrophe bonds
LPL offers new custody service
The largest IDB will allow RIAs to hold fee-based assets with outside custodians; it's also rolling out its own custody platform for RIAs later this year.
IRA beneficiary designation mistakes
Advisers must distinguish between their ability to provide financial advice and the client’s need for legal counsel.
Custodians target Bear advisers
Attention, registered investment advisers who keep assets at Bear Stearns: The big custodians are out to bag you.
Debit card allows investors to tap 401(k)s
A deteriorating economy and skyrocketing prices for necessities such as gas and heating fuel are driving consumers to…
Investors tap retirement savings to make real estate bets
Where some see devastation and loss, others see opportunity.
Schwab’s largest bond fund still tumbling
The Charles Schwab Corp.'s largest bond fund has lost more than 80% of its assets over the past 10 months as investors have fled the mortgage-backed securities in which it invested heavily.
Risk management is key to distribution planning
Financial advisers and clients can be their own worst enemies when drafting plans for retirement income, making common — but crucial — errors that can ruin distribution plans, according to an influential academic.
Insurance for Fifi and Fido
Pets Best Insurance Services is bringing coverage to man's best friends through banks and employee benefit providers.
Hiring practices key focus in the wake of scandals
Recent scandals have taught financial services firms to scrutinize the people they hire more closely.
Fidelity’s 401(k) platform raised
A record 516 new plans were funded in 2007, with total plans serviced growing to 2,825, a 15% increase from 2006.
Financial advisers hope to tap timber market for growth
At a time when recession fears are rattling the stock market, some financial advisers are looking to trees for growth.
More ETF liquidations likely to follow Claymore’s
When Claymore Securities Inc. of Lisle, Ill., this month announced that it was liquidating 11 exchange traded funds — the first large-scale liquidation of ETFs since the funds were created — some industry experts said investors should view it as a warning.
Schweiss survives Fiserv sale to TD
Skip Schweiss will stay with the legacy Fiserv Investor Support Services business after all.
Younger millionaires drawn to alternative investments
The rich are different from you and me, according to F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Ameriprise earnings jump on popularity of proprietary funds
Despite a tough stock market and a $3 million bond write-off, Ameriprise Financial Inc. managed to increase its earnings substantially last quarter — thanks in part to sales of proprietary products.
Some advisers are buying stocks despite rockiness of the market
Many financial advisers are in a mood to buy stocks despite the drubbing their portfolios have taken in the first few trading sessions of 2008.