Independent BDs

RCS Non-Executive Chairman Mark Auerbach says the decision to shut down its wholesale distribution business is "extremely difficult but necessary."

The total number of advisors across the industry rose 1.1% in 2014, according to a report from Cerulli Associates. But the research firm warns they may fall again in years to come.

"Buyers are placing high strategic value on technology innovation," says David Selig, CEO of Advice Dynamics Partners.

Create a "culture of inclusivity," drop old-world ways and give young planners a voice in your firm in order to recruit and keep them, two experts say.

Reflecting RCS' ongoing woes, the company made the Roth announcement in the fourth paragraph of a press release announcing disappointing third quarter earnings results.

Four advisors made the switch from Wells Fargo's independent broker-dealer to Raymond James Financial Services.

The independent firm affiliated with Raymond James picks up two recruits who made the jump in separate moves from Oppenheimer.

United Capital anticipates adding $1.5 billion in assets in buying Select Financial Group and PSA Insurance & Financial Services.

Advisors gasped when they heard that the proposal requires firms to have a website revealing information previously considered confidential.

Brown Wealth Management Group, a former Wells Fargo-affiliated independent advisory firm, will focus on high-net-worth clients at LPL.

The fiduciary rule would significantly change how advisors are compensated and is part of a global trend to increase investor protection, researchers say.

The languishing performance of LPL shares has drawn the attention of activist investor Richard McGuire, whose hedge fund, Marcato Capital, has taken a 6.3% stake in the IBD.

Ron Kruszewski talks with On Wall Street about Stifel’s recent acquisitions and why there has been some advisor attrition at Barclays' U.S. brokerage unit ahead of its acquisition by Stifel.

Edward Jones and four other firms were sanctioned by FINRA for overcharging some clients on mutual fund sales.

Chief Executive Paul Reilly acknowledged that the firm has been exploring potential acquisitions, but declined to discuss specific targets with analysts during an earnings call.

The firm's wealth management unit reported that growth in client assets was flat year-over-year, and declined $20 billion from the previous quarter to fall to $433 billion.

Serving public shareholders conflicts with LPL's ability to serve advisors and clients, says David Pickler, who has moved to Commonwealth Financial.

As Cetera is shopped around by Lazard, the IBD’s advisors say they want to stay with the firm but will leave if they must.

After buying the B-D just last year, a major loss is possible as RCS looks to avoid defaulting on its debt, sources say.

HD Vest will marry its data mining capabilities and lineup of advisors to Blucora's free online tax preparation platform, but CEO Roger Ochs won’t call it a robo.