Advisor Business

Bloomberg Black Financial Advice Platform Launches, Promising To Help Investors Sleep Better

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Yet another online investment advice app has launched, this one from the financial news and data giant, Bloomberg LP.

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When is a Registered Investment Advisor Required to Obtain an ERISA Bond?

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The protection of client assets is critical to securities regulation, especially in the wake of Dodd Frank and the need to boost investor confidence.  The bulk of the regulations fall to “qualified custodians,” who have custody of client assets such as: broker dealers[1], banks[2], savings associations[3] and futures commission merchants. [4] 

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Mass-Affluent-Advisor Shakeout Keeps Rolling Along; CNBC Puff Piece On Financial Advice Apps That Replace Advisors Marks A New Chapter In Financial Planning

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CNBC in a post today reports on Betterment, calling it "one of several relatively new online services offering investors automated financial advice and money management, often at a discount to traditional financial planners." CNBC also mentions and links to Wealthfront, Personal Capital, FutureAdvisor, Hedgeable and Covestor. The story conclusively shows that mass media outlets have discovered the new generation of online financial advice apps that replace advisors, and it marks the opening of a new chapter in the evolution of the American consumer in personal financial management

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Schwab Inks Deal To Make Morningstar A Money Manager Available To 1.6 Million Retirees

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Schwab Retirement Plan Services, a 401(k) provider to 1.6 million workers saving through company retirement plans, today announced the addition of Morningstar Associates, LLC, as a managed account provider for Schwab Index Advantage.

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CFP Board Campaigns Against Advisor Rip-Offs Even As Its Rules Largely Exempt CFPs From Acting As Fiduciaries

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CFP Board of Standards has been on a campaign to warn consumers about bogus advisors who get certifications that are largely marketing ploys. Yet the CFP Board’s own rules about when CFPs are required to act as fiduciaries—and only offer advice in the best interest of clients—exempt CFPs from a duty to act as fiduciaries in most client engagements.

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