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Stifel pulls a $1.35 billion team from Raymond James, while LPL draws from Edward Jones and Wells Fargo, in advisor moves this week.

A federal judge agrees with Merrill that deferred compensation is a bonus used to reward employee loyalty rather than a retirement benefit protected by federal law.

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.

The dispute shows Edward Jones has become emboldened in taking legal actions against advisors perceived to have inflicted harm on its business interests by leaving for another firm, one industry recruiter said.

John Hicks, the chief marketing officer of Ausdal Financial Partners, sees his firm's lack of private equity ownership as a big part of its appeal.

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.

The hiring comes roughly a month after Ida Liu resigned and the firm embarked on a regional restructuring.

Kevin Keller prides himself on the growing public awareness of the CFP mark while warning that his successor is likely to face increased competition from other groups.

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

In a legal response, LPL contends it has been sued at least seven times in the past year after recruiting advisors from industry rival Ameriprise.

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.

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

Thrust into the top leadership role, Rich Steinmeier oversees strong results in his first six months.

Atop the standard-setting organization since 2007, Kevin Keller has seen its ranks of certification holders nearly double and has overseen work to bring more diversity to the profession.

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

Rodney Halvorson says he agreed to join Morgan Stanley only if he could take two wealthy Mexican clients with him. But his transfers were blocked amid heightened money-laundering scrutiny.

Citi also announced it had hired Christian Zeinler from UBS to be the head of strategy for Citi Wealth and head of business execution for the private bank.