
Highlights of 2014: From Online Alliances to Mega Deals

Rise of the Robos
Impact: The gains -- and publicity -- garnered by 'robo-advisors' have forced traditional advisors to re-examine, and, increasingly, re-invent their own practices.

Digital Alliances Emerge
Impact: The moves ramp up the financial advisory industry's digital evolution and buttress business prospects of digital firms.

Schwab's No Fee Robo Shocker
Impact: The new platform represents the ultimate commoditization of investment advice and a major competitive challenge to established 'robo advisors.'

Boston Private Bags Banyan
Impact: The year's biggest M&A deal demonstrated the appeal -- and value -- of a large and well-run RIA firm.

Schorsch Snaps Up Cetera
Impact: The deal makes Schorsch's IBD empire the second largest in the industry by advisor count.

CPAs in the Spotlight
Impact: Talent-starved advisory firms are tapping a new pipeline and adding more value for clients.

M&A Spreads the Wealth
Impact: Good news for well-run smaller firms who can attract buyers; bad news for poorly-run smaller firms who can't.

Military Marching Orders
Impact: The study is a much needed potential remedy to combat the military suicide epidemic that kills about 1.3 soldiers a day.

Demographics Drive Change
Impact: Succession planning and recruiting Gen X and Millennial advisors and clients have become clear-cut industry priorities.