Industry

Two large RIA firms have launched their own apps in the Apple and Android store, putting them ahead of the field in the race to maintain contact with clients.

The proceeds will be used in areas that Jefferson National anticipates will translate into growth.

Mike Anderson has held a string of high-level positions at financial services firms, including president of Accutrade, a subsidiary of TD Ameritrade Holding, as well as TD Ameritrade itself.

James King, senior vice president and head of Prudential Retirement's Stable Value Market Group, has been elected chairman of the board of the Stable Value Investment Association. He began his term Jan. 1.

Fifth Third Securities Inc., a subsidiary of Cincinnati-based Fifth Third Bank, has promoted Mike Collins to area investment manager for the bank’s Northern Cincinnati and Western Ohio region.

Fidelity Investments is now offering a free version of its WealthCentral customer relationship and portfolio management platform for the iPad.

UBS Wealth Management Americas has hired two financial advisor teams from Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in New Jersey and California.

Zephyr Associates, a financial analytics software provider to financial advisors, is seeing a steady increase in the percentage of RIA firms among its clients.

Among the 27.2% of IMCA members who are independent, 14.2% are RIAs, 7.7% are dually registered and almost 85% of IMCA advisors and consultant provide fee-only or fee-based advice.

2011 may be remembered for its Walls Street thrills and spills, but the merger and acquisition deals made a huge mark on Main Street and the RIA business. Here are 10 unions that reshaped the RIA landscape.