Independent advisors

When the same buzzwords — "fiduciary," "holistic," "goals-based," "client-driven" — appear on most wealth firms' websites, they do little to help firms stand out in a crowded market, experts say. There are, however, tactics that work.

The newly formed Cetera Planning Partners is part of the firm's plan to broaden its channel for advisors working as direct employees.

In a Q1 earnings call, CEO Jim Cracchiolo emphasized the firm's recruiting approach that seeks a "built, not bought" advisor workforce.

The Bahnsen Group, founded in 2015 by a former Morgan Stanley team, has grown into a private wealth powerhouse with roughly 100 employees and offices in three states.

Raymond James spent more than $100 million to recruit and retain advisors in its latest quarter. CEO Paul Shoukry says he'd rather do that than buy another firm.

Proceeds from the sale of Stifel Independent Advisors, aligned with declining litigation costs, helped drive firm-wide revenue to its second-highest level on record.

Adam Cox led the wealth management division of a regional bank for 10 years. His lack of an ownership stake in the business he'd spent so much time building eventually drove him to seek independence.

A report from the industry tracking-firm DeVoe & Co. finds that 2026 is off to the strongest start for RIA acquisitions ever and broker-dealers like LPL are among the main purchasers.

Touchstone Wealth Partners is the fourth team with more than $1 billion in client assets to join Wells Fargo's FiNet unit this year.

Gabe Lapito thinks many RIA owners who sell their businesses are looking for a big check to fund their retirement. But he and his partners, almost all in their 30s or early 40s, instead set their sights on adding new clients and assets.

Michael Outlaw, the recently named president of Rockefeller Global Family Office, says family offices are defined more by the services they offer than by their relationships with wealthy families.

Andrea Bethune contends in federal court that Carson Group moved her into a new role to make way for a woman 20 years her junior. Eventually, her position was eliminated.

Investor advocates think the money should instead go to clients who haven't been paid outstanding arbitration awards.

Journey Strategic Wealth President Penny Phillips said advisors who broke off from wirehouses and large brokerages are now returning to big firms. The winners will be partners who can welcome them without compromising their independence.

As a result of Comerica's acquisition by Fifth Third Bank, Ameriprise will lose a large contract for its financial institutions group.

Paul Shoukry said Raymond James differentiates itself by not requiring advisors to push banking and other products and by not aggressively pursuing advisors who leave for industry rivals.

A Department of Labor rule adopted under the Biden administration had many brokers worried about their ability to work as independent contractors. A new proposal would roll it back.

Rich Guerrini said the bank plans to expand its advisor ranks by about 50% as it targets mass affluent and other new clients with personalized branch-based service.

Contrasting his firm with private equity-backed consolidators, Paul Shoukry said Raymond James has the luxury of recruiting advisors who will stay for the long haul.

Financial Planning announces its 2026 class of the top 40 most productive employee brokers under age 40 at regional U.S. firms.