Securities and Exchange Commission lawsuits against investment advisors and advisory firms plummeted by nearly half, from 35 in fiscal 2012 to 21 in fiscal 2013.

The number of individuals and companies charged in the actions went from 81 to 61, according to the SEC.

Administrative proceedings rose slightly, from 112 to 119, with the number of advisors and businesses accused going149 to 163.

SEC lawsuits against broker-dealers stood at seven for both years, with the number of brokers and brokerages named as defendants falling from 27 to 16. Administrative proceedings by the SEC in this segment of the financial services industry declined from 127 to 114, with the number of broker-dealers and their employers named dropping from 162 to 131.

Investor complaints about 401(k)s or other retirement plans increased 7.3 percent to 454.

The federal fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year.