The DOL has proposed an initial 15-day public comment period on the issue of whether to delay the April 10 implementation date of the DOL fiduciary rule, which, if ever effective, would subject large amounts of IRA rollover advice, and other retirement advice, to a fiduciary standard. After the 15 days, the DOL has proposed another 45 days during which the DOL is to analyze the economic impact of the Rule on investors and the marketplace.

Specifically, in his February 3, 2017 memorandum, President Trump directed the the DOL “to examine the Fiduciary Duty Rule to determine whether it may adversely affect the ability of Americans to gain access to retirement information and financial advice.” Accordingly, it is likely that the Rule, as is or amended, will not become effective for some time. Meanwhile, many broker dealers, registered investment advisers, and the representatives they employ have already spent thousands of hours in training and millions of dollars preparing to comply with the Rule.

Stay tuned.