In a June 2 “Journal Reports” article that would be more at home in the left-leaning New York Times or Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal — once known as a conservative voice — delivered a liberal’s pipedream prescription for fixing what ails the 401(k). Couching the solution in the form of a... READ MORE

The issue of increasing disparities in wealth and income has become a focus in Washington. President Obama has said that increasing inequality and decreasing social mobility present “the defining challenge of our time,” and that “making sure our economy works for every working American” would be a... READ MORE

What are the top things that wholesalers do that bug plan advisors the most? As opposed to best practices, bad practices are guaranteed to put a wholesaler in the penalty box — and keep them there. They hurt the provider even if their products, services and funds are top performers.The most recent... READ MORE

vWise has hired Danny Streiff as Senior Vice President of Sales – Mid-Market. Streiff is the former founder and president of Matrix Communications Technologies (now part of Broadridge). He started MCT in 2003 and sold it to Matrix Financial Solutions in late 2007. Most recently Streiff had great... READ MORE

Voya Financial’s Retirement Solutions business has announced two new hires to support the company’s Large Corporate retirement plans market: • Peter Southard joins the firm as a senior account executive, National Accounts. Southard brings more than 25 years of industry experience, with a strong... READ MORE

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management has announced the launch of a technology-driven set of retirement tools to help advisors talk about goals-based financial planning with clients.The technology used in the new Merrill Lynch "Clear” facilitates iPad-driven conversations with applications involving... READ MORE

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) has created a task force to explore how his state can improve retirement security for private sector employees, with an eye toward recommending further action.According to a press release, the task force will meet this year “to conduct a comprehensive examination... READ MORE

Retail investors are not being fleeced by high-frequency traders using programs to jump ahead with buy and sell orders that fetch better prices, SEC Chair Mary Jo White asserted April 29. “The markets are not rigged,” White told a hearing held by the U.S. House of Representatives’ Financial Service... READ MORE

Last week’s top five most-read posts on NAPA Net reflected keen interest in employee benefit brokers expanding into the 401(k) market as Obamacare affects their practices, plan advisors’ effect on DC plans, Don Trone’s commentary on the role of rank-and-file participants on investment committees,... READ MORE