Investment Advisor January 2011

Revolution and Reform

By Savita Iyer-Ahrestani, AdvisorOne

For weeks, news stories about strikes and protests in France over President Nicolas Sarkozy’s unwavering decision to change the country’s pension system dominated the headlines.

Right on Target

By John Sullivan, AdvisorOne

The sunny view from Scott Wolle’s high-rise office in downtown Atlanta is an apt—if somewhat obvious—metaphor for his view of the retirement fund space as a whole, and Invesco’s place in it.

Eat the Rich

By John Sullivan, AdvisorOne

I shouldn’t have to say this, but I will: Rich people, by definition, are not evil.

New Year Will Likely Include New Tax Scheme

By Melanie Waddell, AdvisorOne

At press time in mid-December, all odds were in favor of both the House and Senate passing the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010.

First Allied's Campanale on Products to Get Retirement Back on Track: Weekend Interview

By John Sullivan, AdvisorOne

If legendary financial services chief Jamie Dimon relies on your advice, it’s safe to say you probably know what you’re talking about.

For Real Estate Investors, Growth Is Overseas

By Vaughan Scully, Standard & Poor's

Since the financial crisis erupted in 2008, the resulting wave of loan foreclosures and the plunge in housing prices served to dim investor interest in real estate.

The Good, The Bad and Reg D

By Jeff Joseph

The availability of risk capital for early-stage ventures has proven itself to be remarkably resilient.

Asset Allocation: January 2011

By Editorial Staff

In 2011, business leaders, policymakers, and investors will play important roles in shaping the investing environment.

The Day You Call It A Day

By Mark Tibergien

FINRA Jockeys for SRO Spot as SEC Report to Congress Nears

By Melanie Waddell, AdvisorOne

As the Jan. 21 deadline approaches for the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to deliver its report to Congress, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) is engaged in a full-court press to convince the SEC that it should be the SRO for advisors.

Better Advising Through Technology

By Bob Clark, AdvisorOne

When I give speeches these days, one of the things I like to talk about is how technology has driven independent financial advice.

What’s Money Got to Do With It?

By Lewis Schiff

Even shrewd, calm Warren Buffet can be trapped by his emotional need to buy only bargain stocks.

If You Want Something Done, Ask a Busy Person

By Angie Herbers

When I work with advisors on consulting projects, I have only one requirement: You have to talk to me over the phone every other week for one hour.

Is Your Technology Plan Ready For 2011?

By Dan Skiles

The start of a new year usually brings a new set of plans, ideas, goals and objectives to achieve in both your business and personal life.

Keeping Political Contributions Compliant

By Thomas D. Giachetti

I recently sat down with my partner, Paul Lieberman, who has considerable expertise on the new Advisors Act Rule 206(4)-5 regarding political contributions by investment advisors.

Facebook and the End of “Push” Marketing

By Peter Montoya

Despite my constant harping, financial advisors still ask about lead generation, aka “push” marketing techniques, following my presentations.

Investing in Commodities and Futures

By Alan Snyder

Some of the smartest investors realized years ago that commodities and financial futures belonged in their portfolios.

There’s An App For That

By Marlene Y. Satter, AdvisorOne

If you’ve had a client meeting interrupted by the insistence of a smart phone, you know how ubiquitous they are and how intrusive they can be.

Hold That Hyperbole!

By James J. Green, AdvisorOne

In the journalism dodge, we like to say we are writing the first draft of history.

The New School

By Megan Bader

I need a job: simple problem. No simple solution, I’ve been surprised to find.

Sitting Tight

By Marlene Y. Satter, AdvisorOne

The end of 2010 was welcome to broker-dealers and recruiters.

State of Regulation: A Conversation with FSI’s Dale Brown

By John Sullivan, AdvisorOne

As always, when looking to make sense of the regulatory environment, we turn to Dale Brown, president and CEO of the Financial Services Institute.

IRS Issues Guidance on In-Plan Roth Rollovers

By Melanie Waddell, AdvisorOne

In late November, the law firm Sutherland Asbill & Brennan alerted us to the following: The IRS issued Notice 2010-84, providing guidance regarding in-plan Roth rollovers.