RIAs

LPL Financial says the pace of new advisors affiliating with the firm has slowed from the levels of late 2013 "in part due to disruptive weather."

In particular, the commission is looking for cases when advisors trade on behalf of clients without written disclosure and consent, or fail to process a trade on the most favorable terms for their clients, says an enforcement division co-chief.

The advisor groups advocating for SEC vs. FINRA oversight of the RIA sector are turning their lobbying efforts away from the House.

The focus on dual registrants grows out of concern that the different compensation structures of the two business lines can create conflicts of interest and potentially harm investors, according to an SEC director.

'The average deal was a $1 billion or more RIA buying a mid- or smaller-size firm, a classic tuck-in,' says Jonathan Beatty of Schwab Advisor Services.

Bank executives expect to boost revenue from their wealth management practices 25% or more in the next five years, with some anticipating a 35% contribution to total bank revenue.

"We're seeing more inquiries like this," says Dynasty president and CEO Shirl Penney. "As the opportunity presents itself, we think more teams will see the advantage of joining to achieve scale, size and get more bang for their buck."

Independent broker-dealer network Advisor Group has a new CEO with big goals. First on the list: Find acquisitions.

More emphasis on incentive pay, bonus pools and flexibility as firms scramble to lure and keep talent.

At the highest- performing firms, incentive pay and equity are becoming key components of advisor compensation.