RIAs

John Carroll affiliates with hybrid RIA Independent Financial Partners and partners with retirement division Pensionmark.

Conrad Siegel Investment Advisors's parent company serves defined benefit and 401(K) plans. Executives at those client firms became the clients for the advisory spinoff.

The industry regulator says increasing oversight of RIAs is a "top priority" as it appeals to Congress for a funding increase to hire more examiners.

Matt Lynch, a former B-D CEO, says his new boutique consulting startup will work alongside client firms through their most risky transitions.

Aiming at a new professional certification, the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard published a draft of best practices for fiduciaries, seeking to help investors distinguish between "product sellers and advice givers."

Some RIAs who claim to be for sale "have no intention of selling," said United Capital's Matt Brinker. "They like the dance."

A pair of sessions at the FSI OneVoice conference focused on recruiting and retention challenges facing IBDs, many of which center on hybrid or dually registered RIAs who are edging toward greater independence.

One of the San Francisco Bay Area’s most prominent independent wealth management firms is selling a majority equity interest.

"The prospects for organic growth for RIAs and IBDs have never been greater. We expect to see more lift-out and advisors turning independent activity in 2015," says Liz Nesvold, managing partner of New York-based investment banker Silver Lane.

Two Merrill Lynch advisors left the wirehouse for independent firm Snowden Lane Partners.