Starting an RIA

Finding new customers and expanding existing client relationships is key for recently launched firms. Here's how marketing experts say to go about it.

Financial advisors have any number of good reasons to seek the best technology and countless firms trying to provide it. Here's how experts say they should start.

Schwab, Fidelity and Pershing are facing growing competition, as the industry strives to do business with financial advisors in as many ways as possible.

The momentum is clearly accelerating behind registered investment advisory firms, but every individual team's choice requires careful consideration.

Financial advisors report a variety of pros and cons with either setup, and experts say the decision comes down to highly particular factors at each advisory practice.

Other than satisfying important regulatory requirements, RIAs and their clients can exercise a lot of choice on costs. Here's how experts view the process.

They must file the lengthy and highly specific Form ADV document with the SEC and state-level agencies. And that's just one aspect of the many strategic decisions.

Experts say that there are pitfalls, rules and procedures that departing financial advisors should know. Problem is, too many act first and consult lawyers later.

The flow of financial advisors to the independent channels is certainly accelerating. But the traditional brokerage giants still offer advantages for some teams.

That giant question could bring any number of different answers based on a variety of factors. Here's how four experts break it down.