While the rival commissions slog it out over the coming months, power in Los Angeles will remain as shadowy and unaccountable as ever.

ECONOMIST: Los Angeles

Its idle rich gave him lucrative commissions, while the mob provided constant stimulation and a plentiful supply of models.

ECONOMIST: Caravaggio

Another interesting result of the survey was that 47% of those surveyed said that they preferred paying commissions, while only 27% indicated that they preferred paying a fee based on assets under management.

FORBES: Do Your Clients Understand Their Fees?

In this symbiotic relationship Schwab gives the referrals and handles the adviser's back-office functions, while pocketing the revenue from commissions, mutual fund fees and interest spreads.

FORBES: Charles Schwab, Version 4.0

Several were critical of Obama's decision to suspend military commissions at Guantanamo Bay while the administration reviews what to do with each detainee.

CNN: Sept. 11 families: Keep Guantanamo Bay open

Many have fallen short of their high promised yields while layering on management fees and bestowing large broker commissions.

FORBES: Investment Conflicts SEC Should Police First

Evolution's commissions revenue rose 10% that year, while many competitors were down by 50%.

FORBES: Magazine Article

Marsh, he says, solicited false quotes from insurers in order to pretend that the bid process had been competitive, while simply channelling business to insurers that promised it the biggest commissions.

ECONOMIST: The insurance industry

While not charged directly, the cost of advisor acquisition ultimately is paid for by inflated client fees and commissions.

FORBES: What To Do When Your Financial Advisor Switches Firms