Independent advisors

The firms with the highest percentage growth year-over-year are cutting their head counts and fueling the record level of M&A deals.

Ron Carson’s firm and other major practices within the IBD network praise its choice of a new PE backer.

The owner of RIA aggregator Mercer Advisors has pledged to maintain the IBD network’s current structure under the deal.

The new competition asks innovators to take client experience to the next level.

Kestra grabbed a practice from the No. 1 IBD, but it gained another one while preparing for a top executive’s departure.

The practice has spent 22 years with the No. 1 IBD, but it will be at least the eighth practice of its type to leave amid changes to the firm’s policies.

Michael Kitces, Moderator, Partner and Director of Wealth Management, Pinnacle Advisory, Hollie Fagan, Managing Director, BlackRock, Estee Jimerson, Managing Director – Head of Asset Manager Distribution & Engagement, Envestnet, Kunal Kapoor, CFA, Chief Executive Officer, Morningstar, Inc., Natalie Wolfsen, EVP and Chief Solutions Officer, AssetMark, Inc.

Envestnet sees asset management as poised for major changes as broker-dealers move to fee-based business.

The two LPL rivals show confidence in their current paths, but they both now have important vacancies to fill.

The practice has grown rapidly, but it now faces a major decision about its IBD plans following the announcement of Advisor Group’s acquisition.