Week ending May 5th, 2017

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Happy Friday, readers! This week brought the appointment of a new Chair at the Securities and Exchange Commission, Jay Clayton. Under the outgoing chair’s leadership the SEC took a more direct and aggressive role in policing the retirement investment marketplace. It remains to be seen what approach Clayton will take as chair, but it stands to reason that, as a Republican-appointed official, he will be more laissez faire in his approach to government intervention in the client-adviser relationship. Stay with www.planadviser.com for the latest coverage of SEC, DOL, FINRA and more.

Editor's choice

Jay Clayton Named SEC Chair At Pivotal Time For Industry

President Donald Trump nominated Clayton on January, 20, 2017, and he was confirmed by the Senate on May 2. The nomination by President Trump sends a clear signal to advisers about the likely style and character Clayton will bring to the Commission, especially compared with the ostensibly aggressive approach outgoing Obama-era Chair Mary Jo White brought to the role. Read more >

Mandatory RIA Succession Planning in the Works at SEC

The Securities and Exchange Commission is proposing a new rule and rule amendments under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 aimed at bolstering advisory industry succession planning. Read more >

Broad SEC Initiative Targets RIAs and Brokers

SEC staff intends to revamp focus on registered investment advisers and broker/dealers selling investment products to retail investors and retirement savers. Read more >

Inside Look At SEC Deficiency Letter Trends

A new publication from the SEC outlines the five most frequent compliance topics identified in deficiency letters sent to SEC-registered investment advisers. Read more >

Rumbles of SEC Uniform Broker Standard Growing Louder

The Securities and Exchange Commission has given several signs that it could soon introduce a uniform standard of client care for registered brokers and advisers. Read more >

MOST POPULAR STORIES

Stimulus Bill Extends Some Provisions of the CARES Act

It also provides a way for retirement plan sponsors to avoid a partial plan termination.

Coronavirus Hardship Withdrawals, Taxes and Your Retirement Plan Clients

Coronavirus-related withdrawals made in 2020 were a financial lifeline for some, but they could also turn into a major tax headache for others.

Warn Your Clients: Don’t Abuse Coronavirus Hardship Withdrawals

Though retirement plans can allow individuals to self-certify that they qualify for a penalty-free coronavirus-related distribution, should the IRS discover otherwise during a future audit, a participant can be subject to substantial penalties.

Many Near-Retirees Don't Understand Social Security Benefits

More than one-third failed a basic Social Security quiz administered by MassMutual.

The Most Common Retirement Plan Testing Mistakes

By alerting plan sponsors to the issues they see most often, advisers can help their clients navigate IRS testing rules.

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