Most read stories forthe week include an article on why a Pennsylvania insurer decidedto voluntarily surrender its certificate of authority and a report on howprofessionals across the financial advisory space view the Conflict of InterestRule.

Facing talentcrunch, small Pa. insurer to transfer business, surrender license

Myriad challenges confront small property and casualtycarriers in the current environment, and the recent decision by a westernPennsylvania insurer to voluntarily surrender its certificate of authorityafter 156 years in business highlights at least one of them.

JMP makesvertical leap

JMP SecuritiesLLC launched coverage of alternative energy earlier in Septemberwith equity research analyst Joseph Osha's initiation on six solar companies.

Conflict ofInterest Rule met with support, doubt from industry

Professionals across the financial advisory space view theConflict of Interest Rule as correcting unethical practices and benefitingconsumers — but that view is far from universal.

Insurers pushfor broader liquidity buffer, stress-test tweaks in Fed's proposal forSIFIs

Insurers deemed systemically important financialinstitutions and their state regulators took aim at liquidity rules by theFederal Reserve Board as part of its proposed rulemaking.

3 specialtyfinance i-bankers depart Raymond James

Specialty finance investment bankers Keith Meyers, MichaelJones and James Chester left Raymond James & Associates Inc., FINRA records show.