Independent advisors

States can now adopt a model rule that will prevent brokers from holding themselves out to the public as "advisors" or "advisers."

The deal, expected to close in the second half of the year, will bring in $16 billion in client assets and 110 advisors.

Also this week, Raymond James recruits from Morgan Stanley, and Mercer Advisors and EP Wealth Advisors make big M&A deals.

The LPL CEO says Commonwealth advisors have almost nothing to lose and much to gain by joining a firm whose headcount is fast approaching 29,000. (Plus, experts say he'll be writing big checks.)

Industry experts think LPL will have to work hard to retain Commonwealth advisors who were sold on the idea that they'd be working for a "boutique" firm.

The acquisition will bring LPL as much as $285 billion in AUM and 2,900 advisors when it closes in the second half of the year.

Last year set a record for mergers and acquisitions among advisory firms. Industry experts expect more of the same in 2025, driven by a desire for client and asset growth.

Kevin Keller prides himself on the growing public awareness of the CFP mark while warning that his successor is likely to face increased competition from other groups.

In a legal response, LPL contends it has been sued at least seven times in the past year after recruiting advisors from industry rival Ameriprise.

Financial Planning announces its 2025 class of the top 40 most productive employee brokers under age 40 at regional U.S. firms.