Banco Popular de Puerto Rico

The average person checks their phone every 6.5 minutes, according to a recent study by Nokia, and with dozens of apps on the average smartphone, it’s certainly easy to spend your days distracted by Angry Birds and Instagram. Financial advisors, however, pinpoint these smartphone apps as essential in helping to make their businesses and lives more efficient.

2012 marked a strong year for FINRA. In addition to rebounding from four years in negative territory to post $10.5 million in profit for the year, the independent securities regulator also enhanced their regulatory programs. It also saw executive compensations (for the most part) increase. Check out whose compensation soared, and whose did not.

Summer is an opportunity to soak up the sun, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the little things in life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get ahead. Check out 20 books that could give you an edge on the competition.

The recent notification from FINRA, that the regulator will spot-check social media communications of its members, underscores how crucial it is for firms to have a robust social media policy in place. Here are 11 issues to consider in crafting an effective social media policy.

Less than 52% of financial advisors describe life insurance planning as a successful aspect of their business, but this doesn’t have to be the case. Check out some strategies to make it a core element for you.

Summer is here, and with it, come vacation plans and time away from the office. Elite Advisor Ron Carson says it is also, as an advisor, the best opportunity to educate yourself, connect with peers, reflect on the first half of the year, and share ideas for future growth. Check out some of his favorite apps that have helped him along the way.

A total of 36 firms managed to increase their revenue last year. Check out the firms that moved the needle in 2012.

To compete with larger industry players, RIAs must improve their processes, according to a new study by Aite Group and Envestnet/Tamarac.

Who are the top independent broker-dealers by net capital? Check out a countdown that examines total net capital and net excess capital, as well as where each firm stood on this year's FP50 list.

Payout is top-of-mind for most independent advisors. Which firms had the largest growth in payout? According to Financial Planning's analysis, here are the top 10 firms.