Regulation

Merrill and a partner firm were accused of running a complicated yield enhancement strategy, or CYES plan, of the type that has long been in regulators' crosshairs.

A pair of SEC commissioners say the treatment of the brokerage firm Qatalyst shows industry watchdogs expect nothing short of perfection with regulatory matters.

Large exchanges argue some of the changes could make it more costly for them to offer rebates to brokers in return for order flow.

Regulators allege First Horizon Advisors violated Reg BI when it continued recommending complex investments even though it was struggling to bring over customer information from a recent acquisition.

The SEC head said artificial intelligence is promising for innovation and greater access to financial markets, but there's a need to ensure diversity of algorithms and guard against fraud.

If successful, previously banned brokers might be free to "fleece your grandma" again, an expert warned.

Demand from retail investors for the closed-off securities has boomed, with private markets now worth more than $13 trillion.

A FINRA settlement accuses the firm of failing to supervise a broker who recommended frequent purchases and then resales of various investment products.

The proposed changes, including to brokers' "payment for order flow" practices, laregly come in response to frenzied trading in so-called meme stocks.

Lawyers note the kinds of grievances the firm allegedly withheld are what potential clients look at when choosing advisors.