The wirehouse boosted profitability even as advisor headcount dropped.

The custodian has made three big announcements. The connection between the three may not be obvious, but together, they indicate what I think could be a brilliant strategy.

The firm plans to entice new customers through its stock plan administration and financial wellness businesses.

When the world’s wealthy look for a bank to entrust with their personal fortunes, Goldman Sachs isn’t necessarily on their speed dial.

The firm typically trains its own advisors in lieu of recruiting talent from the competition.

The firm added 40,000 new accounts last year and hit a record $3 trillion in client balances.

Fueled by a rebound in trading, especially in fixed income, the company said profit jumped 21% in the fourth quarter.

The bank continues to struggle with attrition due to scandals, regulatory scrutiny and a graying workforce.

The firm hasn’t made any decisions about advisor retention bonuses, but some top shareholders will earn tens of millions of dollars once the deal closes.

The Reverence Capital Partners-backed network would expand into nine subsidiary brands with 11,500 advisors under the deal, taking the selling firm private.