IBD Elite

Despite smaller growth amid the coronavirus last year, FP’s 36th annual survey revealed the significant level of business raked in by 46 wealth managers.

The independent broker-dealers big enough to serve the most financial advisors enjoy advantages but face distinct challenges.

The list shows how firms of all sizes face a pivotal balancing act in seeking to recruit and retain advisors.

In a sign of long term changes and pivotal questions for the industry, the difference between the amount of fees and commissions in the sector has nearly doubled.

The largest percentage of women advisors for any single firm rose from the previous year, but the available numbers paint a stark picture.

This year’s survey results reveal challenges for independent broker-dealers and their future growth.

Grappling with margin pressure, consolidation and fragmentation, the sector questions its identity.

Wealth management firms should define success by how well their operations perform under pressure, Kestra Financial COO Kris Chester says in an episode of Financial Planning’s podcast.

The basic yet revealing query shows why it’s not just about FINRA registration as a BD and 1099 contractor status for advisors.

For the first time, the ranks of the top 25 firms according to their annual business include single entries for IBD networks.