Merrill Lynch

• Most advisors want independence, but few make the jump

  By Janet Levaux, AdvisorOne  |  April 10, 2012

  hort-term financial goals keep many advisors in their traditional channels, according to recruiter Mindy Diamond.

• ERISA fiduciary fix offers broker-dealers big opportunity

  By Gil Weinreich  |  April 4, 2012

  A little known Department of Labor regulation has the potential to expand the reach of investment advice, improve its quality and untap a substantial flow of retirement money in motion.

• Tracking different trends

  By Marty Traynor  |  April 1, 2012

  Here's what’s trending in the employee benefit area.

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  Using the 404(a)(5) to add value to your services

  By Charlie Epstein  |  March 2, 2012

  The soon-to-be-mandatory Education Policy Statement should provide 401(k) plan participants with clear objectives, performance standards and results.

• Majority of wealthy Americans think they will live to be 100

  By Paula Aven Gladych  |  February 23, 2012

  With life expectancies on the rise, 58 percent of affluent Americans believe they could live to be 100; the implications on retirement finance are staggering.

• Industry groups to DOL: fiduciary IRA request 'difficult'

  By Melanie Waddell, AdvisorOne  |  January 26, 2012

  Industry trade groups met with the Department of Labor on Tuesday to clarify the department’s request regarding what impact the conflicts of interest faced by brokers who advise IRAs have on IRA investors.

• Merrill Lynch settles with DOL over ERISA violations

  By Paula Aven Gladych  |  December 12, 2011

  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Inc. has settled allegations by the U.S. Department of Labor that the company and one of its employees violated the Employee Retirement Income Security Act by failing to prevent the fiduciaries of two Alabama pension plans from engaging in prohibited transactions.

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  The soon-to-be not-so-hidden secrets of bundled 401(k) service providers

  By Chris Carosa  |  December 7, 2011

  Convenience comes at a price. Sometimes it’s quality. Sometimes it’s cost.

• Merrill Edge Report: Mass affluent seek more advice, tighten wallets

  By Janet Levaux  |  November 30, 2011

  Bank of America (BAC) said Tuesday that its latest Merrill Edge mass-affluent survey found that 63% of the mass affluent are seeking financial information and guidance from established sources, such as financial advisors, versus, 53% in January. About 37% of the mass affluent are turning to their brokerage firm versus...

• Affluent investors report greater financial stability

  By Paula Aven Gladych  |  November 14, 2011

  Affluent pre-retirees now report greater stability with their investment situation than two years ago, according to a new report by Phoenix Marketing International.