Marron also has a complaint pending with the NASD in which Charles Schwab (nyse: SCH - news - people ) is accused of wrongful variable annuity sales practices and abuse of elderly clients.

FORBES: Morgan, Merrill Face Lawsuits Over Annuities

One exception: Fidelity Investments led a coalition, including Charles Schwab (nyse: SCH - news - people ), that pushed for states to conform with the 2001 pension legislation, and all states came on board.

FORBES: The States Rebel

As individual investors sat on the sidelines amid market volatility in the third quarter, online brokerage firms like Charles Schwab (nyse: SCH - news - people ) got crunched, reporting a 51% year-over-year decline in earnings.

FORBES: Be Bullish On Merrill

"The last few years have been difficult in the securities markets, and I accept the board's decision that it's time for me to step aside, " Pottruck was quoted saying in a Schwab (nyse: SCH - news - people ) press release.

FORBES: Back To The Future