New adviser rules may bolster retirement plans
New rules for financial planners advising retirement plans and Health Savings Accounts could have an unexpected benefit for small businesses. The rules, from the U.S. Department of Labor, place new “fiduciary” responsibilities on financial advisers and consultants. They must pick the most economical plans – without regard to their own compensation — when advising clients. Read More →
Global warming aside, biggest need is housing
The climate change accords signed in Paris this month have been a vindication of Gov. Jerry Brown’s view of a less carbon intensive economy. That is no small accomplishment, which vindicates San Luis Obispo County’s decision to embrace “Big Solar” and efforts in Ventura County to combine industrial-scale solar with waste recycling to reduce carbon Read More →
Rabobank wants to be tops in ag, small biz lending
After a series of branch consolidations and a strategic rethinking, Rabobank will focus its California lending on business banking, agribusiness and renewables in its core markets in the Central Valley and on the Central Coast. The Netherlands-based banking giant has set a goal to be the global leader in food and agriculture lending as Read More →
