Sexual harassment is not primarily about attraction—it is about power.  Give more power to women, the reasoning goes, and sexual harassment gradually dies out.  Unfortunately, this logic is not borne out in the real world.  Just look at Fidelity. To read the full article in FinancialPlanning, click: Four Ways to Help Rid Wealth Management of Sexual Harassment. ...

The number of deals involving firms with over $100 million dropped 25% last year to 104 deals, from 130 in 2015, according to Fidelity’s 2016 Wealth Management M&A Transaction Report.  Charles Paikert, senior editor for Financial Planning, looks at why the big RIA buyers are becoming more discerning. To read the full article in FinancialPlanning, click: How the Big Time M&A Game is Changing. ...

Looking Beyond the 401(k) to Save for Retirement If proposals to curb the size of individual retirement accounts and 401(k)s take effect, clients with large IRAs and 401(k)s will need to consider alternate methods of saving for retirement.  Darla Mercado, Personal Finance Writer, discusses a few options including, deferred compensation plans, health savings accounts, and after-tax contributions to 401(k)s. ...

As mutual fund flows continue to favor passive strategies, some active fund managers are beginning to look to alternative asset classes to augment returns and generate sustainable alpha.  Travis W. Harms Mercer Capital’s Financial Reporting Valuation Group lead, discusses how the inclusion of illiquid venture capital investments in liquid funds shines a brighter spotlight on fair value measurement. To read ...

There seems to be an imbalance between the public and private markets.  Holding private capital markets more desirable than public markets expresses and illiquidity preference.  Madeleine L. Harrigan, financial analyst with Mercer Capital, notes this is at odds with basic investment logic and the requirements of portfolio management and why it cannot continue. To read more about the results of this report i ...

Are you looking for new ways to evolve your own financial planning business?  Michael Kitces, Partner and Director of Research for Pinnacle Advisory Group, discusses the innovative and inspiring ideas found in Chris Anderson’s book, “Free: The Future of a Radical Price”. To find out more on the Nerd’s Eye View article, click: Freemium Pricing Models For Financial Advisors | Kitces.com. ...