ESI supervisors recently gathered in Addison, Texas, for the 2026 Supervisors Forum—an annual opportunity to strengthen supervisory practices, exchange perspectives and sharpen the skills needed to support advisors while protecting customers and the firm.
This year’s Forum centered on a simple idea: effective risk management starts well before something becomes a problem.
Through case studies, role-play, peer exchange and focused sessions, supervisors worked through real-world scenarios covering fraud red flags, fiduciary responsibilities, advertising reviews, annuity controls, recruiting and branch examinations. The emphasis throughout was on translating regulatory requirements and risk-management principles into practical actions supervisors can apply when working with advisors and their businesses.
A highlight of the Forum was keynote speaker Andy Fastow, former CFO of Enron. Drawing from his experience, Fastow challenged attendees to consider not only whether a decision is technically permitted, but also the broader questions surrounding ethics, culture and incentives—and how those decisions may ultimately be viewed by customers, regulators and the market.
His perspective reinforced a theme that carried throughout the Forum: strong supervision is about more than enforcing rules. It requires asking good questions, recognizing potential concerns early and working together to find the right path forward.
The Supervisors Forum is one of the ways ESI continues to invest in the people responsible for supporting and supervising your business. By giving supervisors opportunities to learn from one another, practice navigating complex situations and strengthen their partnership with ESI’s home office teams, we can create a more proactive and collaborative approach to managing risk.
For advisors, that means having knowledgeable supervisory partners who can help you navigate questions, identify potential issues earlier and keep your business moving forward.