Independent advisors

Patrick Funke & Associates' decision to join Commonwealth Financial Network suggests that despite its pending purchase by LPL, Commonwealth still appeals to advisors seeking a smaller setting.

Industry experts say there's theoretically no reason why firms can't keep getting bigger through recruiting deals. But a lack of good M&A prospects could make growth harder for LPL and other independent broker-dealers.

UBS continues to lose larger advisory teams after making changes to compensation policies last year. Meanwhile, Ashton Thomas and LPL both score advisory teams.

With more than $8 billion in assets under advisement, Simon Quick can comfortably serve high net worth clients. And it's managed to get there without private equity.

The industry rivals could still turn to FINRA arbitration to pursue their dispute over allegedly unwarranted data breach notices Ameriprise sent LPL customers.

Industry trackers see Raymond James' proposal to buy minority stakes in its independent affiliates as a good way to reinvest while also warding off outside competition.

The CEO of Summit Wealth said that even before LPL announced its acquisition deal, he and his colleagues were already finding Commonwealth too big for their liking.

CEO Ron Kruszewski received praise for leading the firm's wealth management unit to a record for revenue, despite costly legal setbacks.

As LPL fights to keep teams in the fold, competitors are making strong plays and pointing to the large brokerage's perceived blemishes. The founders of KRM Investment Counsel said they also found what they wanted at Arkadios, an employee-owned firm.

CEO Paul Shoukry also told analysts that the merger and acquisition deals coursing through the industry could open doors for firms eager to bring in advisors and net new assets.