The 4,300-advisor network is investing in insurance distribution after benefiting from rising interest rates and record client assets.

A multi-year reorganization of the firm has lowered head count by more than a quarter but boosted productivity by nearly a half.

A total of 86 publicly traded companies approved new repurchase plans so far this year. That’s nearly twice as many as all of 2017.

A focus on productivity has resulted in attrition of lower producing brokers, the firm says.

The firm is working hard to lure advisors away from its larger rivals, said CEO Ronald Kruszewski.

The executive must attend to a close family member who has recently learned of significant health challenges, a spokeswoman says.

The No. 1 IBD unveiled positive recruiting numbers for the third quarter, alongside an 84% jump in profits.

The firm’s broker ranks expanded to 7,813 independent and employee advisors, a new high.

Sergio Ermotti is under pressure to show investors how the bank can reap greater profits from a merger of its two wealth management businesses.

Jim Cracchiolo aims to boost the number of clients receiving comprehensive plans through a series of tech upgrades for advisors next year.