Industry

Financial advisors of all stripes have to adapt to evolving technology and increasing competition from online brokerages and other investment firms. Automation tools can help.

An advisor's move to HighTower sheds light on an issue that bedevils those making the transition: Whether to risk losing partners -- and possibly clients.

The recruit oversaw $160 million in client assets while at Merrill, according to a UBS spokesman.

The group was responsible for about $425 million in client assets.

Better technology, cultural differences and bigger deals have enabled regional firms to recruit more competitively and keep up the momentum.

CEOs, when questioned in recent earnings calls, offered first impressions of the impacts the proposal may have on the industry.

The company's Private Client Group reported a 2% decline in quarterly profits as the firm continued to ramp up its advisor recruiting.

Recruits from Edward Jones, Morgan Stanley and Barclays leave for the wirehouse.

The association of state securities regulators has proposed a rule that would compel advisors to maintain formal business-continuity and succession plans.

The firm's wealth management division also reported that pretax operating earnings rose 16% from a year ago.