RIAs

The "freemium" model that transformed Rovio from a game developer into a $200 million entertainment company is what firms like FutureAdvisor are relying on to disrupt the traditional fee-driven model of wealth management.

CEO Jon Stein remembers when nobody listened to his message that automated investing was going to catch on with investors. He's not hurting for money anymore -- and he wants to take your business.

“We were worried [advisors] would be at a competitive disadvantage," says Bernie Clark, Schwab Advisor Services' executive vice president.

If regulators can't tell the cultural differences between wirehouses and independent RIAs, Bob Veres has put together a few survey questions they can use.

Investigators will remain focused on RIAs, the commission's enforcement chief told lawmakers in his appeal for funds to add staffers.

For several years regional banks have been furiously trying to boost fee income by beefing up in wealth management. But the cost of acquiring talent has made it hard for them to gain traction in this all-but saturated market.

As fiduciary debate heats up, Garrett takes advantage of presidential spotlight to tell advisors to sign a fiduciary pledge.

Online competitors like Wealthfront and Betterment are taking issue with Schwab's characterization of its automated investment service as cheaper, better and not just skewed to millennial investors.

The divide within the financial industry creates confusion that ultimately puts the financial security of everyday consumers at risk, write NAPFA execs Dave O'Brien and Geoffrey Brown.

Yes and no, experts say. But it's a thorny issue given that many IBD advisors consider themselves fiduciaries and do most of their business through RIAs.