RIAs

SEC data compiled by Paithos Research suggests that the massive growth of RIAs looks much different when compared to their small net new clients.

The Swiss banking giant sees its net new assets fall off again, largely owing to tax withdrawals, CEO Sergio Ermotti said. But ongoing advisor departures are also a culprit.

Research from Cerulli Associates indicates that marketing and referrals are the best ways to bring in new clients. Yet few firms devote much time or money to either.

At Diversified Trust, the former CEOs aren't a problem. They're part of a strategic leadership change.

SEI may not be the first firm that comes to mind when thinking about the industry's custodians, but the firm has built a substantial client base of financial advisors over more than 30 years.

Schwab directly or indirectly manages only 2% of the $37 trillion in U.S. wealth that could be in the hands of advisors, according to CEO Rick Wurster. The size of the opportunity means there is no need to compete with the firm's RIA clients.

In its annual survey of industry consolidators, DeVoe and Co. detects signs that the upward march of RIA deal valuations may soon come to a halt.

RIA deals can falter at the finish line if the acquiring advisor fails to think about financing at the start.

The well above-average advisor graduation numbers, paired with Merrill's recruiting efforts, suggest the wirehouse is serious about adding lots of talent.