LPL Financial

The firm's record headcount could grow even higher after it joined the constantly expanding group of dealmakers competing to buy retiring advisors' businesses.

The father-and-son firm Francis Group cites client demand and freedom from sales goals as reasons for their move.

Despite falling stock and bond values last year, firms operating in the channel collectively boosted their business. These are the biggest companies among them.

Independent branches are playing a pivotal role in the industry — regardless of anyone's opinion or awareness of them.

The strategic relationship agreement carries big potential profits. Here's how the firms plan to ease the transition of 2,600 financial advisors by the end of 2024.

The announcement came only a day after the largest independent brokerage firm added a big bank-based wealth program with $4.7 billion.

The latest incoming recruit to the firm's Institution Services unit followed a half dozen other big moves by the firm in the bank and credit union channel in recent years.

The third time was the charm for LPL, which failed twice to win the big team it finally recruited this month. Here's what worked this time around.

The move comes as LPL boasts hefty profit gains in earnings and Kestra struggles with debt.

It's not about working longer hours, living in an urban area or being older.