IBD Elite

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.

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 delicate balance between the No. 1 IBD and its ‘critical clients’ is evolving as the industry changes.

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.