SEC's office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations

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  Raymond James Introduces New Comp Model for Hybrid Reps

  By James J. Green, AdvisorOne  |  March 18, 2013

  Model seeks to help retain Raymond James Financial advisors exploring RIA option; available to reps with $100M or more in discretionary AUM.

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  SEC to Launch Sweeps of Funds’ Distribution Fees, Alternative Mutual Funds

  By Melanie Waddell, AdvisorOne  |  March 8, 2013

  The SEC will begin next week an exam sweep of mutual funds' distribution fees, Andrew Bowden of the SEC's inspection office said Friday.

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  To Thwart SRO, Rep. Waters Introduces User Fee Bill

  By Melanie Waddell, AdvisorOne  |  July 25, 2012

  Maxine Waters, D-Calif., introduced on Wednesday a bill that would allow the SEC to collect user fees from advisors to fund their exams in lieu of an SRO.

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  Use and Misuse of Social Media

  By Les Abromovitz  |  January 1, 2012

  Social media is an inexpensive and effective way to communicate with established and prospective clients.  Nevertheless, when RIAs utilize social media to promote their advisory practices, they risk compliance problems for their firms.

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  Where Are We Headed?

  By Les Abromovitz  |  January 1, 2012

  The ultimate compliance goal is to help ensure that everyone associated with an advisory firm acts ethically at all times.  Advisors and RIAs should do the right thing, even when regulators are not looking over their shoulders.

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  Do’s and Don’ts of Advisory Contracts

  By Les Abromovitz  |  January 1, 2012

  In preparation for a compliance exam, securities regulators typically will ask to see copies of an RIAs advisory agreements. An RIA must be able to produce requested contracts and the contracts must comply with applicable SEC or state rules.

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  Regulatory Oversight of Investment Advisors

  By Les Abromovitz  |  January 1, 2012

  Although the regulatory environment is in a state of flux, it is imperative that RIAs adhere to their compliance obligations. To ensure compliance, RIAs and IARs must fully understand what those obligations are.