According to one new research study from Morningstar. The report, compiled by several of Morningstar's behavioral researchers, summarizes findings from several separate studies the group has undertaken in recent years. In a pair of surveys conducted in 2018 and 2024, Morningstar asked investors to rank common attributes of advisors, from most valuable to least valuable….

Sen. Elizabeth Warren is pressing the national broker-dealer regulator, Finra, on its claim that success in driving bad actors out of the industry explains why enforcement numbers have fallen in recent years. Fines imposed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority have halved recent levels and the number of enforcement actions last year was the lowest…

Merrill Lynch will pay $3 million to settle FINRA allegations that the firm's compliance procedures failed to catch instances of manipulative trading, including wash trading. Beginning in December 2015, Merrill (and later, Bank of America Securities) failed to have a “reasonably designed” system of supervisory procedures to catch potentially manipulative trading. according to the settlement…

Marketing is the secret sauce behind many successful wealth management firms. It starts with developing a unique brand – from creating a brand name and distinctive design to leveraging that brand through various means. Then there are messages – a similar value proposition and supporting content – ​​broadcast to the market. It's how a wealth…

In this fascinating conversation, CIO and Managing Partner of Silvant Capital Management, Michael Sansoterra opens up about why he believes growth investing is a condition, not a category. Michael and Ryan also talk about why investors should focus on investing instead of trading and they answer the question – “Is it time to look beyond…

Raymond James is the latest firm to face legal action over its money laundering program. This week, two investors filed a lawsuit against the brokerage seeking class action, alleging that the Raymond James Bank Deposit Program benefited the company at the expense of customers. Punta Gorda, Fla., resident Toni Conran filed a lawsuit in the…

Brian McLaughlin, who co-founded customer relationship management (CRM) software developer Redtail Technology in 2003, is stepping down from his role as president of advisor technology at Orion Advisor Solutions, effective Sept. 27. The 48-year-old says he has no plans to join another company or start a new venture; he is retiring to take a break…

JPMorgan is asking a federal court to issue a restraining order against a former adviser who left for Wells Fargo but allegedly continues to solicit clients in violation of contracts with his former employer. Wells Fargo is also central to another federal lawsuit filed this week. A former customer service associate claims the bank ignored…

The US Treasury Department finalized new anti-money laundering rules affecting investment advisers registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, although it removed some restrictions from its proposal earlier this year. The department's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) unveiled two final rules to combat money laundering: one for IAs and exempt reporting advisors, and one for…

Arete Wealth, a Chicago-based broker/dealer and investment advisory firm, has added Crux Wealth Advisors, a New RIA launched by advisor Travis Alexanderin its network of branches. Alexander's firm will use Arete's proprietary technology group, Outsource Solutions, and its registered representatives will connect with the firm's broker/dealer. They will also have access to Arete's alternative investment…