Raymond James Financial

The surprise new winner of a closely tracked customer report card surged to the top spot from No. 14 in a year of positive marks reflecting rising stock values.

The move brings the 28-year industry veteran from a firm where independent planners make up less than 5% of the advisory headcount to one where they are the majority.

The firm credits its ability to recruit highly productive advisory teams for its strong fourth-quarter balance sheet.

LPL Financial, Cetera Financial Group, Raymond James, Ameriprise and other industry giants drove a much bigger volume of transitions this year.

Coming off another record quarter, the independent broker-dealer giant sought to reassure analysts questioning its stagnant advisor headcount.

Columbia Wealth Advisors consists of roughly 50 advisors and other professionals affiliated with a large regional bank.

Tens of billions of dollars in taxable assets on Raymond James' managed account platform will get upgraded tools by mid-2024, the firms say.

These 10 firms have the most certified financial planners among their advisors, highlighting the channel's ongoing shift away from sales to advice.

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.