Industry

SEI may not be the first firm that comes to mind when thinking about the industry's custodians, but the firm has built a substantial client base of financial advisors over more than 30 years.

Schwab directly or indirectly manages only 2% of the $37 trillion in U.S. wealth that could be in the hands of advisors, according to CEO Rick Wurster. The size of the opportunity means there is no need to compete with the firm's RIA clients.

The firm isn't discussing the news reports suggesting it's for sale. Here's how it has built such a close relationship with so many planners over the years.

In its annual survey of industry consolidators, DeVoe and Co. detects signs that the upward march of RIA deal valuations may soon come to a halt.

FINRA's annual snapshot shows how the wealth industry is changing, from key business metrics and marketing trends to shifts in registration and a shrinking branch footprint.

RIA deals can falter at the finish line if the acquiring advisor fails to think about financing at the start.

The well above-average advisor graduation numbers, paired with Merrill's recruiting efforts, suggest the wirehouse is serious about adding lots of talent.

As large wealth managers struggle to retain advisors seeking greater independence, Wells Fargo has taken a distinct approach with its FiNet channel. But is the loss of profit margin worth the retention gains?

The Ensemble Practice's annual growth and profitability report reveals a "scissors shape" between the two, based on a survey of more than 170 firms.