Portfolio

It may seem like a no-brainer for RIA owners to look within the firm when they retire. Yet this assumption overlooks critical aspects of what an internal succession plan actually entails, says consulting executive David DeVoe.

Clients who turned 70 1/2 this summer have to act fast on their distributions to avoid paying a hefty penalty to the IRS. Plus, giving away stocks versus selling them.

Some worry that hiring interns will be too costly or time consuming.

When more clients live ever longer lives, what's an adviser to do?

Kim is leading Principal's charge into ETFs, which he called a natural complement to the mutual funds that the insurer already offers.

"A sooner-than-expected hike could result in these stocks trading up sharply, but the options market is largely discounting / overlooking this possibility," strategists wrote in a client note.

It's one of the biggest hurdles many advisers face, and it's still critical for investing success, says T. Rowe Price's Brian Rogers.

The advisory group decided that operating as an RIA was a better option.

An aggressive pricing strategy, new partnerships and the backing of a wealthy partner keeps the hybrid robo competitive.

The planner, who oversaw $132 million in client assets while at the wirehouse, is starting out on his own with help from Raymond James, the firm said.