Investment advisors are familiar with the need to have difficult conversations with clients. Any number of anticipated or unforeseen situations, such as the loss of a job or a serious family illness, can prompt the need to revisit a client’s investment plan and tailor their asset allocation plan to deal with significant life changes.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Division of Examinations (“EXAMS” or the “Division”) released its annual priorities on March 3, 2021 in a 42-page report of exam priorities. Among other things, the list includes an ongoing emphasis on the overall strength of financial advisers’ compliance programs and a growing interest in the evolving risks to investors related to relevant climate and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds.
In today’s remote work environment, cybersecurity has become one of the Industry’s largest vulnerable components when servicing clients. As majority of the Industry has migrated to remote work and new communication technologies, this has forced more data and information to be susceptible to risk. In this blog post, we will discuss material nonpublic information and how we believe this will be an area of additional focus as the Industry gears up for 2021.
Stress created by high jobless rates. Acrimonious political debate over acceptable levels of federal assistance. Rampant fear and uncertainty while awaiting the arrival of an effective coronavirus vaccine.
Since March 2020, the Securities Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has been responding to the unexpected COVID-19 global pandemic by quickly issuing guidance, orders, FAQ’s and No-Action letters addressing the hardships that face investment companies and investment advisers. … Read More
CEO and Managing Partner Michelle Jacko was featured in a CNBC article, “So Your Financial Advisor Took a PPP Loan. Here’s What That Means For You,” on May 14, 2020. In the article, Michelle discusses the circumstances surrounding disclosures of … Read More
The COVID-19 Coronavirus has created unexpected and unique challenges for financial industry participants. Employee illness, unpredictable financial markets and client fears are just a few of the new issues that have had an impact on investment advisors, broker-dealers and their personnel. … Read More
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has announced that it will provide conditional regulatory relief for companies affected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Dedicated to investor protection and still fully operational nationwide, the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections Examinations (“OCIE”) announced that examinations will continue via online and virtual correspondence, in their most recent updated announcement on March 23, 2020.
A month ago, it was unclear of how much COVID-19 (the “coronavirus”) would impact all of us in every facet of our lives. For some, we are indefinitely “sheltered in” and are working remotely where possible. Others must take care … Read More