Going independent

Raymond James, RBC and Ameriprise were among the industry players to lure away talent from Merrill Lynch.

The duo launched a new independent practice with the firm's Investment Advisors Division.

Michael Jeppson generated about $1.8 million in annual revenue, according to his new firm.

The Broker Protocol is just the first step. Those entering the fiduciary world still have to proceed with caution.

The private equity-backed firm has added seven ex-wirehouse advisers so far this year.

Choices are mushrooming in the independent space for top advisors seeking a career change, recruiters say.

UBS and Merrill lose four advisers in HighTower's seventh deal of the year.

The advisors left the wirehouse in a quarter that saw it lose 145 advisers.

Older wirehouse advisers opting to go independent should keep these factors in mind if they want a richer exit from the business.

HighTower and Dynasty added big platform clients as wirehouse brokers continued to flee.