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.

Wirehouses

Merrill Lynch orders advisors home, offices empty out as pandemic spreads

It’s another action taken by wealth management firms to safeguard employees and clients from the coronavirus.

By Andrew Welsch
Former Managing Editor

March 17
Consumer banking

Banks cutting back on branch services to contain spread of coronavirus

While many institutions are taking protective steps, others want to stay open to promote public confidence in the banking system.

By Laura Alix and Jon Prior

March 17
Tax season

Relief for taxpayers as filing deadline delayed 90 days

Some clients can get an extension on paying taxes of up to $1 million and corporations can defer tax payments of up to $10 million.

By Josh Wingrove and Laura Davison

March 17
Client communications

Voices: Talking points to help clients navigate market volatility

First, prove you’re listening; then make sure they know you’re taking action to protect their portfolios.

By Stacy Francis
President

March 17
CFPs

CFP exam sites close amid coronavirus pandemic

“We are trying to balance the health and safety of the [CFP] candidates with their desire to complete the exam,” CEO Kevin Keller says.

By Ann Marsh

March 17
Arbitration

FINRA postpones arbitration hearings as pandemic disrupts wealth management

Some attorneys say it's welcome relief, but how long will it take to get new hearing dates?

By Andrew Welsch
Former Managing Editor

March 17
Wealth Think Tech innovation in the time of coronavirus

For firms that haven't recently updated their capabilities, the next few months will be a rough wake-up call.

March 17

Douglas Fritz

F2 Strategy

Resources

The latest Financial Planning research and discussion:

Web Seminar A holistic approach to delivering advisor alpha

Markets will move. Strategies will evolve. But the real differentiator? How you show up for your clients.

Partner Insights from eMoney Advisor
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

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.