By Alan R. Palmiter & Ahmed E. Taha — Despite the fact that mutual funds’ past performance is not a good predictor of future returns, mutual fund companies routinely advertise the returns of their best funds.
Research
On the Regulation of Investment Advisory Services: Where do we go from here?
On July 14, 2011 SIFMA submitted comments to the SEC on a proposed framework for establishing a uniform fiduciary standard of conduct for broker-dealers. SIFMA’s proposal departs from the fiduciary standard as set forth under the Advisers Act of 1940 and, if adopted, would be particularly harmful to retail investors.
Fiduciary Law in the 21st Century
By Tamar Frankel — This paper was presented as part of a conference on fiduciary law at Boston University on October 29, 2010.
Comments on Definition of Fiduciary Proposed Rule
Disclosures and client consent are insufficient – by themselves – to satisfy the fiduciary standard. Investors must be able to rely on and have confidence in the expertise of their advisor. This can only be accomplished by applying a standard that prohibits all conflicts of interest.
The Regulation of Brokers, Dealers, Advisors and Financial Planners
By Tamar Frankel — The SEC, authorized by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, should impose a fiduciary duty on all brokers (and similar financial professionals) who suggest specific securities to clients.
An Investment Adviser’s Fiduciary Duty
By Lorna A. Schnase — An investment adviser’s fiduciary duty derives primarily from common law and federal statutory law. There are two basic duties, those of care and loyalty. Some authorities list additional duties such as a duty of obedience, a duty to act in good faith, and a duty of disclosure.
