14 April 2021
By Ellen BessnerFrom my defence of advisors over several decades, it is obvious to me that there are too many rules for any one person to remember. The circumstances advisors face in real life often fall into a grey zone that requires them to interpret rules and make a judgment, sometimes in just a few seconds. This means navigating the rules can be very difficult.
2 February 2021
By Ellen BessnerThis pandemic has made it crystal clear that we need to take care of ourselves before we are able to take care of others. But how do you rationalize putting yourself first when the regulators’ message — as evidenced in the client-focused reforms — has consistently been that you need to put clients first? The purpose of this article is to explain how adherence to regulations and your internal dealer policies might not always mean putting clients’ wishes first. If you find this confusing, read on…
1 December 2020
By Ellen BessnerWhat do foam rollers, apple pies and plants have in common? They are all small things that make me happier.
16 October 2020
By Ellen BessnerIf your client, Mary, has a 100% medium risk profile and her portfolio is a blend of medium and low-risk investments, does that make her account unsuitable? Word has it that the regulators’ answer might be yes.
18 September 2020
By Zachary Pringle, Ellen BessnerInvestment suitability is most often the basis for client complaints. Like clockwork, my law firm will receive a spike in calls from advisors and firms seeking advice about upset clients because of a market downturn. This was no different following the recent downturn in March (however brief) caused by Covid-19.
26 May 2020
By Ellen BessnerThe goal of Ellen’s Positive Notes is to lighten the mood during these difficult times of Covid-19 and to provide you with tools to help you. If you have colleagues in the financial services industry, who do not subscribe to my e-alerts, please pass this along and ask them to email me so we can add them to our list: (ebessner@babinbessnerspry.com) or Michelle (mdaley@babinbessnerspry.com). I invite any feedback or questions or comments or other ideas you have for this new weekly column. Here it is… and stay safe – please!
19 May 2020
By Ellen BessnerThe goal of Ellen’s Positive Notes is to lighten the mood during these difficult times of Covid-19 and to provide you with tools to help you. If you have colleagues in the financial services industry, who do not subscribe to my e-alerts, please pass this along and ask them to email me so we can add them to our list: (ebessner@babinbessnerspry.com) or Michelle (mdaley@babinbessnerspry.com). I invite any feedback or questions or comments or other ideas you have for this new weekly column. Here it is… and stay safe – please!
12 May 2020
By Ellen BessnerThe goal of Ellen’s Positive Notes is to lighten the mood during these difficult times of Covid-19 and to provide you with tools to help you. If you have colleagues in the financial services industry, who do not subscribe to my e-alerts, please pass this along and ask them to email me so we can add them to our list: (ebessner@babinbessnerspry.com) or Michelle (mdaley@babinbessnerspry.com). I invite any feedback or questions or comments or other ideas you have for this new weekly column. Here it is… and stay safe – please!
5 May 2020
By Ellen BessnerThe goal of Ellen’s Positive Notes is to lighten the mood during these difficult times of Covid-19 and to provide you with tools to help you. If you have colleagues in the financial services industry, who do not subscribe to my e-alerts, please pass this along and ask them to email me so we can add them to our list: (ebessner@babinbessnerspry.com) or Michelle (mdaley@babinbessnerspry.com). I invite any feedback or questions or comments or other ideas you have for this new weekly column. Here it is… and stay safe – please!
28 April 2020
By Ellen BessnerThe goal of Ellen’s Positive Notes is to lighten the mood during these difficult times of Covid-19 and to provide you with tools to help you. If you have colleagues in the financial services industry, who do not subscribe to my e-alerts, please pass this along and ask them to email me so we can add them to our list: (ebessner@babinbessnerspry.com) or Michelle (mdaley@babinbessnerspry.com). I invite any feedback or questions or comments or other ideas you have for this new weekly column. Here it is… and stay safe – please!