Journal of Financial Planning: August 2016
The U.S. government provides several helpful resources for the public and advisers
looking to better understand the DOL’s Conflict of Interest Final Rule (the fiduciary rule), and FPA is providing members with continued learning opportunities and discounts on fiduciary and compliance programs and services.
DOL Resources
- Read the complete Conflict of Interest Final Rule at dol.gov/ebsa/regs/conflictsofinterest.html. This site is also where you can access the Best Interest Contract Exemption, as it was filed with the Federal Register.
- For the basics on the background, parameters, and timing of implementation of the fiduciary rule, see dol.gov/ProtectYourSavings/FactSheet.htm.
- Get answers to frequently asked questions on rule requirements and impacts on the financial services industry at dol.gov/ProtectYourSavings/faqs.htm.
- Find a chart illustrating changes from the 2015 proposed rule to the final rule at dol.gov/ProtectYourSavings/comparison-chart.htm.
- For DOL video clips announcing the fiduciary rule, go to YouTube.com and search “DOL Conflict of Interest Final Rule.”
- For the White House’s information for consumers, see the fact sheet at WhiteHouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/04/06/fact-sheet-middle-class-economics-strengthening-retirement-security, which includes stats from a 2015 analysis by the President’s Council of Economic Advisers.
FPA Learning Opportunities
Virtual Learning
- Discuss the DOL fiduciary rule with your peers by joining FPA’s Public Policy and Regulation Knowledge Circle at Connect.OneFPA.org/communities/public-policy-and-regulation.
- On Aug. 31 at 2 p.m. Eastern, the Public Policy and Regulation Knowledge Circle will team up with the Journal to present a Fiduciary Roundtable Discussion with Journal contributors Ron Rhoades, Blaine Aiken, and others. This deep dive into fiduciary rulemaking will include a Q&A with fiduciary experts.
- Access an on-demand rebroadcast of Blaine Aikin’s 2016 Retreat session “Beyond Compliance: The Nature of Fiduciary Responsibility” in which he provides a rich overview of the DOL and SEC fiduciary rulemaking process, by visiting FPAnet.inreachce.com and clicking on “2016 Retreat Sessions.” $29 for FPA members;
1 CE credit available.
In-Person Learning
- The Public Policy and Regulation Knowledge Circle will meet in person at the FPA Annual Conference—BE Baltimore as part of the Knowledge Circle Summit on Sept. 13. This all-day summit will feature expert speakers, panels, and roundtable discussions. Visit FPA-BE.org/KC-Summit to register.
- ERISA expert Marcia Wagner, J.D, will present the FPA Annual Conference session on post-election regulatory concerns on Sept. 16. Visit FPA-BE.org to register.
Discounts on Programs and Services
FPA members receive discounts on valuable products, programs, and resources to help them succeed through the FPA Member Advantage Program, including these fiduciary and compliance resources:
fi360 helps planners gather, grow, and protect assets through better investment and business decision-making. FPA members save 10 percent off the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) training program and the fi360 Toolkit™.
Compliancedashboard® offers a web-based solution for helping employers comply with the federal laws that govern benefit plans, such as ERISA. FPA members save 15 to 25 percent on select services.
RIA in a Box provides registration and compliance services to registered investment adviser firms. FPA members receive one free month of ongoing compliance service with the purchase of their first one-year subscription.
NRS provides discounted turnkey compliance solutions including advice on how to navigate the DOL rule.
For details on these and other discounts, visit OneFPA.org/MyDiscounts.