RIAs

Janney also adds teams from Morgan Stanley and UBS, while LPL Financial picks up advisors from Janney for its direct employee channel.

The question ties into so many of the factors that distinguish large and small firms, various client niches and decisions about whether or not to hire staff.

Along with bringing in new households and assets, the Bank of America wealth management units are turning to loans, alternative assets and other offerings to do more with existing clients.

The largest wirehouse also reported a record quarter for wealth management revenues built on strong asset inflows in the third quarter.

Also remarkable: the size of the teams that are leaving and the types of firms benefiting from the defections, a new report from Diamond Consultants finds.

Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf also points to investments into the firm's independent channel as helping to retain advisors and curtail departures to other firms.

Tips and tricks on building a successful niche: This week, Andrew Barninger of Personal Wealth Advisory shares insights on financial planning for business owners looking for an exit.

Some financial advisors may still hesitate to get on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or TikTok. But experts say growing firms need to be on the social platforms.

Though advisors keep heading for the door following the sale of Commonwealth, industry analysts believe LPL Financial can still hit its post-purchase goals for retaining assets and headcount.