Practice and Client Management News

Financial Planning's Practice and Client Management coverage includes essential advisor-level strategy and operational insight for firms and solo practitioners. Read how elite advisors build retention-driven practices, manage high net worth relationships and operationalize growth frameworks that go beyond rudimentary 101 topics. Learn the latest financial planning news from expert reporting and analysis that matters to industry leaders.

Technology

How agentic AI is showing up in advisor workflows

As AI agents move from theory to reality, some advisors are implementing these tools into their technology stacks, but not without human oversight.

By Rob Burgess
Former reporter

February 4
Succession planning

Raymond James launches dedicated ESOP advisory unit

Raymond James tapped industry veteran Mark Buchanan to lead a new ESOP advisory group focused on tax-advantaged succession strategies.

By Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
Former Data Reporter

February 3
Wealth Think Why RIAs should steer clear of the private equity off-ramp

Internal succession planning is messier but aligns with a true fiduciary firm's core values, argues Neela Hummel of Abacus Wealth.

February 3

Neela Hummel

Abacus Wealth Partners
Professional development

The first meeting with a client is critical. Here's how to get buy-in

The language that financial advisors use in their first interactions with prospective customers could make or break the relationship, according to an expert.

By Tobias Salinger
Chief Correspondent

February 3
Technology

Ask an Advisor: What's the future of legacy CRMs in an AI world?

Relationship management systems are the traditional hub of financial advisors' technology stacks, but new AI tools may supplant them. Here's how advisors on the ground see it.

By Rob Burgess
Former reporter

February 2
Succession planning

How ESOPs and 1042 rollovers are reshaping RIA succession plans

As more financial advisors near retirement without clear succession plans, some RIAs are turning to ESOPs and Section 1042 rollovers to exit on their own terms.

By Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
Former Data Reporter

January 30
Wealth Think Clients are bracing for a crash. Here's how to keep them invested

Red flags may abound, but so do arguments for an extended equities streak. Keeping clients on an even keel is crucial.

January 29

Guy Baker

Wealth Teams Alliance

Resources

The latest Financial Planning research and discussion:

Practice & Client Management: Key Questions & Analysis

How should financial advisors rethink client management as they grow their practices?

As advisory firms grow, client management often shifts from ad-hoc relationship handling to processes focused on segmentation, service models and long-term retention. Coverage in this area reflects how advisors are operationalizing client experience as a core business discipline.

What operational challenges are most important in advisor-client relationships?

Advisors face increasing pressure from capacity constraints, rising client expectations and the need to balance personalization with scale. Practice and client management reporting highlights where firms are finding success to maintain service quality while expanding.

How are advisors adapting communication strategies to changing client expectations?

Client communication strategies are evolving as advisors respond to demographic shifts, digital expectations and heightened demand for transparency. Read how firms are adjusting cadence, channels and messaging.

How does client management impact long-term practice value?

Effective client management is often viewed as a driver of enterprise value. Client management is a key area of focus for retention, referrals and succession outcomes. Learn how client experience strategy directly to firm durability and valuation.