Wealth Think

Banks' business models are even more vulnerable to a massive shakeup than industry behemoths like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. The industry will be redefined by technological change and shifting consumer preferences, as well as by regulations that limit the sector's adaptability.

What advisors should know about setting up an independent practice.

IRA expert looks at potential pitfalls when converting an IRA to a Roth IRA and distributions are required.

Your success as an advisor hinges on the relationships you build with clients. But before you can start, you must first appear to be someone with whom that is possible.

Financial advisors often act as general managers for their clients, assembling a team of attorneys, trust companies and others to develop and maintain estate plans. Here are a few questions you should ask of your would-be teammates.

Here are a few of the hard-fought mistakes planners say they've made, and the ensuing lessons they've learned.

If financial firms are serious about incorporating gender and ethnic diversity into their leadership teams, they need to encourage women to apply for promotions and implement more flexible work schedules.

The beginning of the year is a great time to handle many estate planning tasks. Use this to-do list with clients to give their plans a review and update.

Fed officials have been calling on banks to strengthen their ethical cultures. The message will carry more weight if regulators are willing to turn the spotlight on their own practices.

Client confusion over what Social Security agents can and can't do means missed opportunity and money left on the table. Savvy advisors can help.