Tax help for clients comes to the fore at Carson Group; broker hit with nearly $18M FINRA decision; advisors plan big tech spends, Orion survey says

Carson Group launches tax program led by veteran planner: One of the biggest hybrid RIAs has started a “tax solutions” unit, recognizing that more clients are interested in tax planning services.?

Broker must pay his old firm $17.7M to cover REIT settlements: A FINRA arbitration panel has ordered an ex-National Securities (now part of B. Riley) broker to pay millions in damages and more.

Tech spending on the rise while advisors use just 60% of their tools: A new Orion survey of financial advisors shows more than half plan to increase their investments in technology this year, even though many of them don’t take advantage of their current tech stacks.

Heads up, RIA compliance teams: It's past time to green-light testimonials: The SEC marketing rule may be tricky to navigate, but firms that don’t?use client reviews as a way to grow risk being left behind by rivals.?

Clearing firm to pay $3.2M for not paying client fees on borrowed securities: For its alleged failure to ensure clients received fees from its securities lending program, Apex Clearing will pay more than $3M.?

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