Independent advisors

Brooke Pilant, who was at Ameriprise from 2017 to 2024, accused the firm of turning against her after she raised concerns about "unethical practices."

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?

Although low-cost ETFs remain the most common component of model portfolios built by BlackRock and other third parties, private credit, equity and other alternatives are gaining ground.

Many clients avoid consolidating their assets at a single firm because they don't want the hassle. Advisors say it's important when to know not only when they're most likely to want to move assets, but also what to say.

Some advisors say they already have a hard enough time explaining what a fiduciary is under federal law and that NAPFA's new definition for fee-only planners will only add to the confusion.

Median sale prices for RIAs have long been ticking upward. But some valuation experts argue that impending retirements could lead to an oversupply of firms on the market — and lower price tags.

Clients have many reasons for not divulging details on the assets they have at, including embarrassment. Advisors say it's still important to understand their total financial picture and, above all, not be judgmental.

For some RIAs — particularly those that focus on financial planning — adopting a flat-fee structure can make more sense than a traditional AUM-based model.

Nearly two years into a pilot program designed to test remote inspections of brokers' residential and other remote offices, FINRA feels comfortable enough with the results to push for a permanent policy.

Large wealth managers are chasing a multitrillion dollar opportunity to manage more of their clients' assets. But many high net worth investors give their business to multiple firms, whether out of a desire for protection, habit or a need to shop around for the best returns.

In a recent industry snapshot, the Investment Adviser Association found the average number of data points advisors have to report in annual regulatory filings has nearly doubled to more than 1,000 since 2011.

Median total compensation for certified financial planners climbed to $195,000 last year. But pay varied widely, depending on factors like experience and type of firm worked at.

Valuation experts say RIA purchasers are most attuned to organic sources of growth — assets from new and existing clients. But market gains also play a role.

An industry recruiter says two big questions remain: Can Raymond James keep up its recruiting momentum after most Commonwealth advisors are settled? And how will LPL Financial respond?

Head of Schwab Advisor Services Jonathan Beatty maintains there's more than enough wealth management business for everyone to share. But at least one critic says Schwab is clearly seeking a bigger piece of the pie.

Jim Gold of Steward Partners thinks impending advisor retirements will continue driving smaller RIAs into M&A deals with big acquirers — even as AI turns many investors into "do-it-yourselfers."

FIS regularly hears from RIAs and banks with wealth management departments about the need to have better mobile apps and other digital doorways to their services. A new partnership with InvestCloud is designed to provide just that.

Firms with big recruiting loan balances are often the ones with the most success hiring advisors from industry rivals. But the numbers also suggest they're offering increasingly generous deals.

Schwab clients now must have at least $1 million in assets to qualify for a "dedicated relationship" with an advisor. AI promises to bring similar services to a much broader swath of investors.

Jazz Wealth, whose name honors eccentric musicians who've mastered a difficult art form, specializes in reaching out to "misfit" clients with YouTube videos and events like wine socials.