State insurance commissioners are wrestling with whether to adopt a ‘best-interest’ standard, either explicitly or implied. What would the implications of that move be?

The Massachusetts decision to charge Scottrade with Department of Labor fiduciary rule violations shows the lengthy reach of the DOL rule. Our Kim O’Brien explains the rule’s chilling potential.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is again being pressured to limit who can call themselves an “advisor.” Does it even matter anymore? Our Kim O’Brien wonders about that.

What is in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ proposed “Best Interest” Revisions to NAIC Annuity Suitability Regulation? Our Kim O’Brien breaks it down.

Our Kim O’Brien explores further what the Department of Labor means by ‘best’ interest. Advisors need to know this to sell products under the DOL fiduciary rule mandates that went into effect June 9, 2017.

Portions of the Department of Labor fiduciary rule went into effect June 9, 2017. But what is meant by acting in the “best interest” of clients? Our Kim O’Brien tries to sort through the language.

Many agents and marketing organizations in absolute denial about the changes required to ensure they are following impartial conduct standards, our Kim O’Brien writes. The fiduciary standard is here to stay, she adds.

Despite dreary annuity sales data from the most recent reports, Americans for Annuity Protection (AAP) is confident that the downward trend will turned around in 2018. Our Kim O’Brien explains.

Americans for Annuity Protection are among those fixed annuity defenders who are fighting for fair treatment of fixed products in the Department of Labor fiduciary rule. Our Kim O’Brien explains the campaign.

Agents/advisors should be aware by now that the Department of Labor fiduciary rule took effect June 9, our Kim O’Brien writes. What does it mean for sales of financial products going forward?

Understanding “reasonable compensation” is an important key to abiding by the Department of Labor fiduciary rule. Our Kim O’Brien gets in the weeds on this important issue for agents/advisors.

The best offense against the Department of Labor fiduciary rule liability is a good defense. That means a system to consistently and thoroughly record transactions to show compliance, our Kim O’Brien writes.

Ken Fisher is again campaigning against annuities. But does he really hate the product, as his famous ads claim? Our Kim O’Brien updates a 2015 column outlining her suspicions.

Employee 401(k) accounts seems to be the preferred choice of those behind the Department of Labor fiduciary rule. Does that mean 401(k)s are doing a good job? Our Kim O’Brien tries to answer that question.

There’s been a flurry of legal activity recently around the Department of Labor fiduciary rule. What does it all mean? Our Kim O’Brien breaks it down and finds it’s not all the good news that’s being reported.

New Department of Labor fiduciary rules that went into effect June 9 require only “reasonable compensation” for sales of products into retirement accounts. What is “reasonable?” Our Kim O’Brien tries to answer that question.

How do commission-based annuity sales compare with fee transactions? Our Kim O’Brien takes a side-by-side look and the results may surprise you.

The new Department of Labor fiduciary rules could have implications for cyber-security systems if they are not strong enough. Client personal information must be securely protected under the rule’s Impartial Conduct Standards.

Commentary As you read this, most of you are aware that the Comment Period on delaying the DOL Rule was…

What licenses do you need to sell various financial products in a Department of Labor fiduciary rule world? Our Kim O’Brien discusses the various licenses and dismisses some incorrect information.