Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

Starting Dec. 31, U.K. advisors will be required to make changes in their practice based on new regulations. These rules, which deal with the advice given and the way advisors charge, have not been implemented in the U.S. yet, but leading advisors should consider applying the changes to their own businesses.

Getting introductions from current clients is the most important way to generate new clients, but too many advisors do not regularly reach out to their clients to ask for these crucial introductions. How can you make it happen.

Some planners offer all of their clients concierge services, while others help only top clients with special projects. No matter the details, concierge services help advisors strengthen existing client relationships and attract new ones.

In an industry where everyone seems to have an opinion, these financial services veterans have learned to leverage Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social media to their advantage.

With high levels of volatility in the markets and a financial environment that remains risk-adverse, lower returns on traditional financial investments are driving more high-net-worth clients toward niche alternatives. Independent television documentary director Elena Mannes highlights some of these exotic assets – including trees and violins – and the underlying risk their attractive returns hold.

With yields low and the uncertainty of retirement looming in the minds of Baby Boomers and current retirees, maximizing social security benefits become ever-more important. Unfortunately not all retirees are doing that.

This year’s survey provides insights into advisors’ changing relationship with the technology they use each day. To improve the accuracy of results, single-use links to thousands of readers were implemented making the survey the most scientifically accurate version the magazine has ever done.

Many advisory firms are suffering capacity constraints at a time where macro forces, like Boomer retirement, are driving growth their way. Advisors can take advantage of this growth curve by implementing the “Starbucks Experience," which will allow them to scale businesses for growth and provide a better client service experience.

Social media marketing may be a foreign language that some advisors stumble with, but becoming a master of it is only a matter of time. Craig Faulkner, chief executive officer of FMG Suite and the company’s social marketing guru identifies some of the more common mistakes that can trip up advisors.

Advisors can be their own worst enemy when it comes to running a productive and profitable financial services practice. Faced with research, case studies and tools for improving their business, financial advisors often find ways not to adopt the habits that will ensure their success.