Independent advisors

The firm's chief has led growth to an expected $1 billion in revenue this year from $7 million in 1998 when she joined. It's a matter of embracing the sector's evolution, she says.

A successful recruiting strategy isn't enough to keep a financial planner put.

It’s not as easy as hanging out a shingle. Advisors and back-office employees need to master certain traits.

Technology and communicating with clients are some ways that firms aim to protect against a potential major market downturn.

The largest increases came from the only firms in the sector reporting jumps of at least 20% or more in 2018.

The Insurance Exchange will offer products from six carriers, including Allianz Life, Nationwide and Prudential.

The BD’s employee channel is attracting more independent reps through offerings like technology and practice acquisition support.

The robo strikes a deal to offer direct deposit service and debit cards.

Despite a great year, firms don't see fit to rest on their laurels. Instead, they're preparing and adjusting to falling traditional revenue and rising expenses.

This interactive tool provides the full collection of data from Financial Planning's 34th annual study of the largest firms in the space.

It’s hard to fight inertia. Very hard.

Making sure what we say and what clients hear has been a trial-and-error process, but one that’s yielded useful results.

The firm aims for a bigger foothold in a competitive sector with new offerings around tech, service, advisory programs and practice management.

CEO Dan Arnold presented details of the firm's mounting ambition after announcing the acquisition of a brokerage and RIA with $3 billion in client assets.

Firms look to attract client cash from Wall Street institutions by offering a buffet of services that cover banking and investing needs.

The five advisors with $180 million in AUM opted to bolt for the firm launched by a practice once affiliated with Triad Advisors.

There is no secret formula but there are some time-tested calculations that can reveal a firm’s productivity, or lack thereof.

As smaller firms flourish, a less sophisticated approach may become more attractive.

Retirees who use a smaller withdrawal rate may amass significant excess wealth. That can mean trouble for advisors.

The technology provider’s parent is undergoing an overhaul intended to align its subsidiaries, says CEO Eric Clarke.