Going independent

The new recruits come from Merrill Lynch and Stifel, with $165 million in total client assets.

One team wanted more flexibility and time to manage their clients’ financial needs.

The new recruits join the firm’s employee channel from both wirehouses and the independent space.

The new recruits came at the expense of wirehouse rivals Merrill Lynch and Wells Fargo.

The practice made the move as reps say they're more likely to breakaway now than at the end of 2018.

An improving economy is boosting an exodus from wirehouses to RIAs.

These firms scored big with advisors managing $1 billion or more.

The firm's chief has led growth to an expected $1 billion in revenue this year from $7 million in 1998 when she joined. It's a matter of embracing the sector's evolution, she says.

It’s not as easy as hanging out a shingle. Advisors and back-office employees need to master certain traits.

Twelve advisors join the Atria-owned IBD after logging just over a year at their old firm.