Industry

Osaic and UBS have both been on the losing end of some recruiting deals in recent months, while this week Cambridge, Rockefeller and RBC were on the winning end.

LPL says its elimination of positions at Atria Wealth Solutions was always part of its plan to acquire the firm, drawing a sharp distinction with what it's doing with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Financial advisors report a variety of pros and cons with either setup, and experts say the decision comes down to highly particular factors at each advisory practice.

Patrick Funke & Associates' decision to join Commonwealth Financial Network suggests that despite its pending purchase by LPL, Commonwealth still appeals to advisors seeking a smaller setting.

Roughly 200 advisors at the firm are being named "founder specialists" for their track record helping entrepreneurs do everything from set up employee-benefit plans to take their firms public.

Also this week, Raymond James pulls from Ameriprise, UBS from Morgan Stanley and LPL from RBC.

A consulting firm's report on the future of the channel reveals the ambivalence and frustration many feel about the impact of M&A consolidation.

Jamie Price of Osaic says attrition at his firm was below expectations during its recent internal consolidation of nine separate brokerages and that not having a self-clearing and self-custody business is an advantage these days.

Other than satisfying important regulatory requirements, RIAs and their clients can exercise a lot of choice on costs. Here's how experts view the process.