Industry

The deal to buy Natixis' overlay management services comes amid a general push by the St. Louis-based firm to broaden its appeal to HNW clients.

The momentum is clearly accelerating behind registered investment advisory firms, but every individual team's choice requires careful consideration.

Osaic and UBS have both been on the losing end of some recruiting deals in recent months, while this week Cambridge, Rockefeller and RBC were on the winning end.

LPL says its elimination of positions at Atria Wealth Solutions was always part of its plan to acquire the firm, drawing a sharp distinction with what it's doing with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Financial advisors report a variety of pros and cons with either setup, and experts say the decision comes down to highly particular factors at each advisory practice.

Patrick Funke & Associates' decision to join Commonwealth Financial Network suggests that despite its pending purchase by LPL, Commonwealth still appeals to advisors seeking a smaller setting.

Roughly 200 advisors at the firm are being named "founder specialists" for their track record helping entrepreneurs do everything from set up employee-benefit plans to take their firms public.

Also this week, Raymond James pulls from Ameriprise, UBS from Morgan Stanley and LPL from RBC.

A consulting firm's report on the future of the channel reveals the ambivalence and frustration many feel about the impact of M&A consolidation.