RIA Platform Failed to Disclose Mutual Fund Revenue Sharing

An investment adviser platform was fined and censured for receiving fund revenue sharing from a custodian and clearing firms it recommended without proper disclosure.  The platform had more than 150 independent investment adviser representatives and 200 registered representatives working out of more than 100 offices.   The SEC criticizes weak disclosure that failed to fully describe the conflict of interest when the firm recommended a custodian that kicked back 2 basis points on assets.  The SEC also maintains that the firm violated disclosure, fiduciary and best execution obligations when it recommended mutual fund share classes that paid back 12b-1 fees to the firm and its reps when lower fee share classes were available.  The firm did not meet its obligations with vague website disclosure that described how the firm “may” receive compensation but failed to fully inform all clients about how fees were paid or calculated.

OUR TAKE: The RIA platform business is extremely competitive, with many firms competing to recruit successful RIA teams.  The real cost of an enforcement action like this is the reputational and competitive threat during the recruiting process.  Also, as platforms compete for business and margins shrink, the incentives to accept (questionable) revenue sharing increases.