Independent advisors

Fifth Third Wealth Advisors President Eric Housman thinks his bank's $2 billion advisory practice still occupies a distinct position in the industry. But it's not likely to stay that way.

Michael Bernier oversaw roughly $165 million in client assets at Canter Strategic Wealth Management, a firm with $300 million under management. Then he left to join LPL.

The standard-setting group is mulling increasing continuing education requirements and requiring that CFP aspirants have certain types of financial planning-related experiences, among other changes.

The rival firms will pay for a forensic consultant to preserve evidence of transferred confidential data while they await FINRA arbitration.

Critics of mandatory arbitration say it can go against investment advisors' fiduciary duty to always do what's best for clients.

Wealth Enhancement Group is the second large OSJ to go separate ways from LPL, following Merit Financial Advisors

Consolidation may be a prevailing industry trend. But the founders of a Chicago-based RIA see no reason to join a large aggregator.

The regulators' organization is also seeking to let state regulators enforce the same Reg BI conduct standard that federal watchdogs now apply to broker-dealers.

The sale could see up to 50 advisors move to Stifel but doesn't involve B. Riley's 190 independent wealth managers.

Despite most clients expecting holistic planning services, many advisors still don't provide them. And those who do are far from agreeing on how to best charge for them.