Broker dealers

Patrick Funke & Associates' decision to join Commonwealth Financial Network suggests that despite its pending purchase by LPL, Commonwealth still appeals to advisors seeking a smaller setting.

Jamie Price of Osaic says attrition at his firm was below expectations during its recent internal consolidation of nine separate brokerages and that not having a self-clearing and self-custody business is an advantage these days.

An advisory panel has recommended changes that would bring arbitration rules for RIAs into line with those now governing FINRA proceedings for broker-dealers. The proposal still has to get through the SEC.

State regulators accused LPL Financial, Edward Jones, Stifel, RBC and TD Ameritrade of charging their clients unreasonably high and unfair commissions on 1.12 million equity trades over a five-year period.

Industry experts say there's theoretically no reason why firms can't keep getting bigger through recruiting deals. But a lack of good M&A prospects could make growth harder for LPL and other independent broker-dealers.

Investor advocates and others worry that recent changes to who can serve on FINRA panels will exclude arbitrators most likely to be sympathetic to ordinary investors.

The decision comes as a victory for FINRA in a series of legal assaults meant to undercut the authority of self-regulatory organizations.

The broker-dealer alleged that a FINRA arbitration panelist who helped hand down the landmark penalty should have recused herself after reaching a similar conclusion in a case involving the same embattled broker.

Industry groups argue a new rule under consideration would give brokerage firms new oversight responsibilities over unaffiliated RIAs — a contention FINRA denies.

In an earnings call, LPL's CEO said his efforts to woo Commonwealth advisors have extended to a "rain-soaked" bike ride and wine-tasting tour.

Industry trackers see Raymond James' proposal to buy minority stakes in its independent affiliates as a good way to reinvest while also warding off outside competition.

The firm characterizes the cause examination, a procedure that typically originates from a customer complaint, as a routine matter.

A judge found that the alleged victims of a scam run by a now-disgraced representative of Oppenheimer furnished no evidence of having direct ties to the firm.

States can now adopt a model rule that will prevent brokers from holding themselves out to the public as "advisors" or "advisers."

NewEdge Securities was also ordered to pay disgorgement of $750,746 plus interest.

The public has until May 13 to comment on a proposal that would prevent brokers from having to list side hustles like online antiques stores or after-hours bartending gigs.

In an annual release, law firm Eversheds Sutherland finds the broker-dealer self-regulator's total number of enforcement actions increased last year, even as its fine haul fell.

The popular online broker-dealer has caught regulators' eyes over its moves into market news, trading in sports games and other events, and a new premium credit card.

Financial Planning announces its 2025 class of the top 40 most productive employee wealth management brokers under age 40.

Financial Planning announces its 2025 class of the top 40 most productive employee brokers under age 40 at regional U.S. firms.