Federal Court Rules in Favor of FPA

A federal appeals court has ruled in favor of the Financial Planning Association in its suit to overturn the SEC exemption from fiduciary responsibility for broker/dealer reps known as the “Merrill Lynch rule.” In a statement following the ruling, the FPA characterized the decision as a victory for consumers and urged the SEC not to take the case to the next level–the U.S. Supreme Court.

“Finally, there is hope that the consumer will be able to cut through the thick fog of confusion shrouding their financial advisor,” said FPA Chair Dan Moisand, in the statement. “This ruling means the Securities and Exchange Commission can bring clarity to the financial services marketplace,” Moisand added.

The appellate court ruling concludes a lawsuit filed by FPA against the SEC in July 2004. FPA also urged the SEC to limit an expected transition rule for the estimated $300 billion in fee-based accounts to three months. FPA President Nick Nicolette noted that the SEC had extended the effective date of the original rule to nine months, due to the need to adjust to a new regulation.