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.

Going independent

What’s in an RIA’s name? Probably ‘capital’ and ‘management’

The same words keep popping up in company titles. Here’s why that may be problematic.

By Jessica Mathews
Associate Editor

September 30
Independent BDs

IBD sells stake to Cambridge, affiliates as $4B enterprise

The firm is maintaining control but dropping its FINRA registration as the sector’s rising expenses and lower margins fuel consolidation.

By Tobias Salinger
Chief Correspondent

September 30
Going independent

How advisors going indie can assemble their digital toolbox

The bevy of choices can feel overwhelming. Here’s where experts recommend advisors get started.

By Ryan W. Neal
Technology Editor

September 28
Going independent

‘Devil’s in the details’: How advisors pick a custodian

It’s a big decision, and getting it right the first time around can avoid a lot of headaches, experts say.

By Jessica Mathews
Associate Editor

September 25
Corporate governance

CEOs notch win as SEC adds hurdles for shareholder campaigns

Investor advocates, religious groups and proponents of ESG investing argue the changes are a gift to business lobbyists that will muzzle corporate critics.

September 24
Diversity and equality

Will backlash over Scharf's remarks hinder Wells Fargo’s diversity push?

The company has been experimenting with ways to recruit more women and minorities, including a program to hire professionals who had left banking.

By Allissa Kline
Reporter

September 24
Northwestern Mutual

$400M team leaves Northwestern Mutual to open RIA with Dynasty

The firm’s new technology will allow advisors to “get into the weeds” of underlying portfolios with clients.

By Jessica Mathews
Associate Editor

September 23

Resources

The latest Financial Planning research and discussion:

Advisor strategies
On-Demand Web Seminar Quarterly Outlook Briefing
Web Seminar The art of asking questions

Asking the right questions is at the heart of every meaningful financial conversation—but how do you know what to ask and when?

Partner Insights from eMoney Advisor
Web Seminar Unlock your potential: Monetize and maintain your independence

Did you know you can monetize, simplify and preserve your legacy, all while bridging to the next generation? Most will wonder "what's the catch?"

Sponsor Content from LPL Financial

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.