Career advancement

Looking back at the past five years of Financial Planning's regional 40 under 40 list offers insights on advisor success — and firm struggles.

Also this week, Captrust scoops up a $1.4 billion RIA, and Mercer Global adds a head of M&A.

In a warning alarm about the industry's staffing needs, McKinsey predicted there will soon be a massive shortage of advisors to meet client demand.

Also this week, Cetera closes on its purchase of Concourse Financial Group, and Raymond James appoints a head of AI.

Across the last five years of Financial Planning's 40 under 40 list, a few key insights have emerged about where the industry is at — and where it's headed.

Also this week, LPL pulls a big team from Raymond James, Merrill from Morgan Stanley and Dynasty from CIBC.

In an industry with too few advisors, many say the failure rate for newcomers remains disconcertingly high. But brokers on Financial Planning's top 40 under 40 list say they wouldn't be where they are without early career training.

The RIA aggregators Prime Capital and Corient also made their marks with big acquisitions.

Following a 47% increase in earnings, Ted Pick is credited for his firm's "outstanding performance" in his first year at the helm.

The payday comes for a year that saw the bank's annual net income rise just over 2% to $27.1 billion.

Mercer Global Advisors and EP Wealth also extend their reach into the Nashville, Tennessee area with RIA acquisitions.

Chief Operating Officer Dennis Moore is taking on the role of interim chief as the profession mourned the loss of a dedicated leader.

The can-do work ethic of the firm's northeast divisional president took him across the country multiple times — and to the top of the profession.

JPMorgan also builds out the ranks of its private advisory group with execs poached from Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo and Ernst & Young.

The first-of-its-kind survey of the channel showed that among directors, women can expect tens of thousands of dollars less than men in the same roles.

New chief executive Tony Miller has served as president of the large regional brokerage firm since 2023.

Citizens meanwhile extends its presence in Florida with a $750 million team from RBC and Envestnet hires a new CEO.

The many technical skills and professional requirements get most of the attention. But experts say a transition also requires a great deal of time and other capabilities.

Raymond James also recruited from Charles Schwab, and LPL from Raymond James and Merrill

LPL also drew from Osaic again, RIA aggregators made some big M&A deals and Merrill rehired an executive who left to go to Citi more than six years ago.