11 Most Read Iris Articles of the Week (September 12-16)

Here’s a look at the Top 11 Most Viewed Articles of the Week on Advisorpedia , September 12-16, 2016. Click the headline to read the full article. Enjoy!

1. Why ESG May Finally Gain Traction

Until now, much of the growth in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing has been concentrated among large institutional investors. But the number of financial advisors considering ESG investment products is starting to grow. — Marie Dzanis

2. 4 Market Predictions for the Rest of 2016

As the summer ends, and the air gets heavy with anticipation about presidential politics and the direction of U.S. and global monetary policy, here are my four key views on the markets. — Krishna Memani

3. Is a Rate Hike Coming? Consider Shedding Some Duration

The skepticism surrounding a hike isn’t unfounded. After all, the list of events driving global economic uncertainty is long. Brexit. Terrorist attacks in France. The earthquake in Italy. The China “slowdown”. — Bill Acheson

4. Make the Most out of Every Conference: 5 Steps to Success

Fall is officially here. Labor Day is behind us and students of every age—from kindergarteners to graduate candidates—are back in school and geared up for another year of learning. The same is true for financial services professionals gearing up for the fall season of conferences, and there are a slew of options to choose from. — Mark Petersen

5. The 7 Most Important Financial Planning Tips for Every 40-Something

Many 40-somethings have responsibilities for both growing children and aging parents. It’s no wonder that the majority haven’t saved much for retirement and lack some important financial basics such as an emergency fund or insurance. — B eacon Pointe Advisors

6. Time to Look at Fees: Why Trust is Total Transparency for Financial Advisors

The only constant in the financial industry is change. Adapting to change is the second constant. With the regulatory changes, investors in the future, will see the cost of advice and fees in dollar terms on their statements. — Grant Hicks

7. Referral Requests That Really Work

Ask clients for referrals to their friends and family in a way that is easy, repeatable, and most important, leaves them feeling grateful rather than awkward or annoyed. — Paul Kingsman

8. What The Last 1,095 Days Have Taught Me About Life, Myself, and Being an Entrepreneur

The most successful advisors of the future will crack the code to combining digital solutions with human capital to provide a more comprehensive offering to clients — and achieve greater scale in their practice. — Dr. Kristin Davin

9. The 5 Levels of Discretion: How Much Control Should You Give Your Financial Advisor?

Whenever you start a relationship with a new investment advisor or broker, one of the first things you face is the task of completing all the new account paperwork. Before you sign on ... — Pam Krueger

10. The SEC is at it Again: What Financial Advisors Need to Know of a New Substantial Change

The Securities and Exchange Commission wants access to what they consider is an advisor’s full risk profile…and this includes social media profiles. Advisors need to be aware of this substantial change. — Sheryl Brown

11. Market Downturn? What's Your Price for Protection?

With markets hitting new highs and headlines warning of doom from all corners of the world, investors are rightfully worried about the severity of the next downturn. And the fear is justified given that the largest drawdowns have also been the most recent. — Joseph Hosler