Technology, Training & Compliance in Light of the Fiduciary Standard
31 January 2017
Kelley Byrnes
Capturing retirement assets is paramount for brokerages. When thinking about the word saving, it is hard not to think about retirement. Brokerages are constantly looking for rollover assets, and as baby boomers retire, this search has never been more significant -- which is why, when the DoL Fiduciary Rule was proposed, brokerages quickly reacted. April 10, 2017, when Phase 1 of the DoL Fiduciary Rule goes into effect, is quickly approaching. My latest report, The Quest for Retirement Assets: When the Light Shines on the Fiduciary Standard, explores ways that brokerages are reacting to the DoL rule. Brokerages continue to rethink their operating model. Brokerages are questioning their existing technology: Can it support a new business model? How should training be embedded and amended to support compliance with the DoL Rule? In my report I lay out some of the challenges facing brokerages, as well as best practices for compliance and training.
Regardless of whether the DoL rule is delayed, changed, or repealed, advisors need to know how to clearly communicate their offering to clients as it relates to the fiduciary standard. Investors are more aware than ever of the fiduciary standard. Even if the DoL relaxes its stance, there is no doubt that investors will continue to pressure advisors to act as fiduciaries. It won’t be long before clients ask for proof that portfolio transactions and ideas are made in their best interest.
Regardless of whether the DoL rule is delayed, changed, or repealed, advisors need to know how to clearly communicate their offering to clients as it relates to the fiduciary standard. Investors are more aware than ever of the fiduciary standard. Even if the DoL relaxes its stance, there is no doubt that investors will continue to pressure advisors to act as fiduciaries. It won’t be long before clients ask for proof that portfolio transactions and ideas are made in their best interest.