Also this week, a Dynasty Financial firm picks up a $1.5B team from Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo recruits from PNC Investments and UBS, and LPL draws from Osaic.

For many firms, looming advisor retirements and the need to retain client households through the next generations will create difficult problems.

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.

CEO Tony Miller thinks the financial backing Janney draws from the private equity firm KKR allows it to provide a full gamut of advisor support without losing its intimate feel.

Also this week, Focus Financial ups the responsibilities for some top executives and Advisor Asset Management appoints a new CEO.

Advisor and women in wealth advocate Cary Carbonaro charts her struggle for respect and pay parity after a buyout by a big investment bank.

Novel legal theories and a lower bar for plaintiffs could unleash an explosion in ERISA-based lawsuits against 401(k) plan providers.

Critics have called for an overhaul of the confusing rules that they argue often leave investors paying taxes in the wake of falling into fraudsters' traps.

CEO Ron Kruszewski received praise for leading the firm's wealth management unit to a record for revenue, despite costly legal setbacks.

Edward Jones meanwhile reshuffles its leadership ranks amid its push to become a full-service financial planning firm, and Rockefeller picks up big teams from Merrill.