IBD Elite

These 12 independent wealth management firms are setting a higher bar than their peers, but they and the industry still have a very long way to go.

Slight shifts in the makeup of the biggest firms in the channel reflect a more complicated picture than sheer dominance by the giants at the top.

Find all of the figures from Financial Planning's latest annual study of brokerages whose financial advisors aren't employees of the firms.

The largest firms enjoy distinct advantages, to be sure. But many small and midsize independent wealth management firms have an edge, too.

These 10 firms have the most certified financial planners among their advisors, highlighting the channel's ongoing shift away from sales to advice.

These 10 firms are driving the ongoing shift in the industry to fiduciary advice and away from sales commissions.

Amid continuing underrepresentation and a lack of disclosure, these independent brokerages stand out from the rest in their hiring of female representatives.

Find all of the figures from Financial Planning's latest annual study of brokerages whose financial advisors aren't employees of the firms.

Despite falling stock and bond values last year, firms operating in the channel collectively boosted their business. These are the biggest companies among them.

Independent branches are playing a pivotal role in the industry — regardless of anyone's opinion or awareness of them.

FPA 2022 President-Elect James Lee explains how the organization plans to pursue protection for a title that some advisors say is misused in the industry.

The presidents of two RIAs that use outside broker-dealers discuss how independent wealth managers are morphing in an effort to keep up with a fast-changing industry. Where do brokers fit in the future of wealth management?

As part of a long-term industry shift, firms like Ameriprise, Commonwealth and Northwestern Mutual get most of their business from advisory fees.

Despite the slow pace of change on the representation of women, there are some standout independent wealth managers and some signs of progress.

Find all of the figures from Financial Planning's latest annual study of brokerages whose financial advisors aren't employees of the firms.

These are the largest firms with financial advisors who work with broker-dealers but aren't their employees.

The word 'broker' carries negative connotations. But to many wealth management professionals, commission-based shops are valuable to a transforming industry.

20 planners and executives offer starkly different views in the wake of a national spate of racial prejudice and violence targeting the group often typecast as the "model minority."

Independent broker-dealers can find examples for how best to serve, hire, support and promote a historically underrepresented group after a year marked by hate.

Find all of the data from FP’s annual survey of the industry and ranking of firms by yearly revenue.