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 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.

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

This interactive tool provides the full collection of data from Financial Planning's 35th annual study of the largest firms in the space.

Median revenue surged by 18% in the sector, but forward-looking companies have already adjusted to a fast-changing industry.

The stark figures show that only about one-sixth or fewer of the sector’s financial advisors are women.

The combined AUM of the top 10 companies has soared by 60% to more than $770 billion over the past five years.

The largest increases came from the only firms in the sector reporting jumps of at least 20% or more in 2018.

Mainstays of the sector like Commonwealth, Cambridge and Northwestern Mutual are contributing to it, but smaller firms are also driving change.

Independent broker-dealers have changed with the times. Our annual ranking has, too.

Despite a great year, firms don't see fit to rest on their laurels. Instead, they're preparing and adjusting to falling traditional revenue and rising expenses.

This interactive tool provides the full collection of data from Financial Planning's 34th annual study of the largest firms in the space.