Succession planning

What questions are advisors not asking when buying a firm?

A continuity plan should be simple and spell out how unexpected interruptions could affect the business and how to safeguard the firm, employees and clients.

As advisors look to mergers and acquisitions to fuel growth strategies and succession plans, firms need to look beyond the transaction itself and think strategically about how a combined firm will operate, experts said this week at the FSI's financial advisor summit.

The industry is losing about 3,000 to 4,000 advisors annually who aren’t being replaced, says Pershing CEO Mark Tibergien.

Should small and midsize RIAs be required to have a succession plan in place for their firms? State securities regulators are asking for input from practitioners as they wrap up the rulemaking process.

A new research paper identifies several elements tied to the most satisfied dealmakers. See the takeaways for advisors.

Discounted cash flow is the most important valuation method financial advisors can use, according to strategic consultant David DeVoe.

The number of transactions jumps to 16 in the second quarter, up from 13 in the first, with the average size of acquired firms rising to $1.18 billion.

As longevity increases, advisors must find smart new ways to prepare clients for the cost of an extended retirement.

Most advisors won't get the price they want from selling their practices -- and don't really want to sell anyway, one study finds.

As his private equity owners start to look toward an exit, the founder seeks to bring in new management to position the firm for growth.

Are advisors doing clients a disservice when they prepare to hand over the reins?

The industry talks a lot about transparency, but issues get tricky when you’re working with families, money and personal relationships.

Small firms need continuity strategies to protect themselves if an advisor dies or is incapacitated.

The merger creates $1.9 billion independent powerhouse in Florida; boosts succession plan for next generation in both firms.

When plans for an external sale faltered, Quest Capital Management looked closer to home and found a better solution. Here's what the partners learned.

Whether you're selling right now or next decade, there are many ways to make any solo practice appeal to buyers.

'If the goal is to maximize value, selling to an external buyer is always better,' says Pershing's Mark Tibergien. 'If the goal is based on commitments to clients and associates, selling internally is better.'

While money may not always be an advisors' number one consideration when deciding to switch firms, it almost always becomes an emotionally charged issue. Here's what to think about.

Developing successful training programs that embrace Millennial advisors is the single most important way to attract and maintain the wealth of this new generation.