The declining headcount comes even as the firm pulls in several big hires.

Investors wary of an intensifying trade war have piled into the firm's bond products, boosting net flows to $151 billion, according to the company.

On the wealth management side, Morgan Stanley posted $4.41 billion of revenue, which was 2% higher than last year and blew away analysts’ estimates for a 9% decline.

James Gorman dismissed any speculation after the unit posted record revenue and pretax profit in the second quarter.

The beleaguered bank has suffered from attrition since a fake accounts scandal rocked the firm in 2016.

The bank has been slashing expenses, but executives acknowledged they remain high. Between having to hire thousands of compliance employees and waiting on the next CEO to be named, investments in new technology or other long-term growth are limited.

The No. 1 IBD has stopped offering the higher-yield funds in its automated bank deposit programs, but it notes they’re easily accessible in investment accounts.

The two firms' boosts came amid equity headwinds — and both wealth management units now have nearly 4,400 financial advisors.

The aggregator introduces banking services and says it will continue to acquire new firms.

In a bid to further enhance its capabilities for advisors, the firm is also slashing ETF transaction fees on select funds later this year.