Regulation

Though many firms have abandoned commission-based models, they can still be found in certain parts of the country.

The Milwaukee-based broker charged over 4,600 clients a minimum $100 fee, plus a handling fee, on small transactions; "not fair and reasonable," FINRA said.

After a watchdog found problems with the regulator's examinations, the agency has repeatedly refused FP's requests for the details of them.

Midsize wealth manager Kovack Securities and its CEO settled two matters last month dating to his time as a member of FINRA's Board of Governors.

IFS Securities once had about 150 financial advisors and 20,000 clients. Now it's seeking millions it owes third-party firms three years after it shut down.

The firm terminated the longtime financial advisor. But experts say that isn't always a best practice, and many female professionals continue to report abuses.

Alpine Securities has added to its long docket of run-ins with regulators over the last several years, alleging the SEC is piling on.

The company's CEO offered a rare perspective on what the industry can learn from it.

Reformers and supporters of the existing system are already lining up on either side of the fight as the regulator follows up on its pledges to pursue changes.

Securities arbitration experts say the Investor Justice Act would represent the SEC's first recurring grants for free counsel that's sorely missing.