2023 Compliance Roundup Shows RIAs How to Steer Clear of Problems

It has been a busy year for the SEC from a compliance perspective. You should think about these compliance events as you conduct your annual review of your firm’s policies and procedures. An adviser’s policies and procedures should reflect the firm’s business model,...

SEC Sanctions RIA for Charging Excessive Advisory Fees

On August 25, 2023, the SEC accused a dually registered investment adviser/broker-dealer with overcharging thousands of clients. The firm overcharged approximately 10,945 investment advisory accounts by more than $26.8 million in advisory fees. The firm agreed to pay...

Fee Mistakes Will Cause Problems for Advisers

RIA Compliance Group has observed that SEC and state examiners are scrutinizing advisory firms’ fee arrangements and disclosures. Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) must ensure that they have fully disclosed all of their fees in Form ADV including, but not limited...

Another SEC Action Related to Mutual Fund Share Classes and Best Execution

On April 27, 2022, the SEC announced that it settled charges against a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA) in Downers Grove, Illinois. The SEC alleged that the RIA breached its fiduciary duty to advisory clients by failing to: Fully disclose its conflicts of interest;...