Competitors to the giant custodians say they're developing their own programs even as members of existing networks push back against some of the criticism.

Merrill president and co-head Lindsay Hans said the firm is well-positioned for the "largest asset-gathering opportunity that FAs have seen in decades."

The organization, launched about five years ago by Troy Prince, is seeking more industry collaboration on its mission of "changing the face of Wall Street."

Using FP's criteria, data partner COMPLY scraped together a listing of the biggest firms that provide financial planning services but don't accept commissions.

Competitors and critics in an industry fragmented between large and small firms and obsessed with organic growth question the increasing exclusivity and fees.

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Financial advisors, CPAs and the available research explain the variety of ways that tying the knot could affect couples' payments to Uncle Sam.