'Twas the Nightmare Before Year-End: A Compliance Tale 'Twas the week before year-end, and all through the firm, Not a document was...

Clear and accurate fee disclosures are essential for building client trust and meeting regulatory expectations. For Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs), fee transparency isn’t just good business—it’s a legal requirement. With the SEC and state regulators placing increased scrutiny on how fees are described, calculated, and charged, now is the time to revisit your firm’s disclosure practices. --- ### 💡 Why Fee Disclosure Matters Clients need to understand how they’re being

Receiving an SEC or state exam notice can trigger anxiety for any Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), but with the right approach, the process can be manageable and even beneficial. Regulatory exams are a routine part of the compliance landscape—and how you respond can make all the difference. Here’s what to do if your firm receives an exam notice and how to prepare for a successful outcome. --- ### 📬 Step 1: Stay Calm and Read the Notice Carefully Regulatory exams are comm

“Best execution” is a key fiduciary obligation for investment advisers. It refers to your duty to seek the most favorable terms reasonably available when executing client trades. While cost is a major factor, it’s not the only one. The SEC expects Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) to continuously evaluate and document how they achieve best execution for their clients. Failing to do so can lead to examination deficiencies—or worse. --- ### 🎯 What Is Best Execution? Best e