Independent BDs

The independent broker-dealer has seen significant growth in the last three years.

The No. 1 independent broker-dealer failed to properly register more than 650 reps as agents, the prominent state regulator says.

The team made the transition with Kestra Private Wealth Services.

The group added teams from Wells Fargo FiNet and JPMorgan Chase by expanding with an eye toward meeting a need in the marketplace.

The insurance-affiliated firm aims for growth while some counterparts have exited the sector.

One team set up an independent practice while the other signed on with the firm’s employee broker-dealer.

The regional BD continues its accelerated expansion with the addition of three ex-wirehouse teams, including a father-son duo.

The No. 1 IBD has stopped offering the higher-yield funds in its automated bank deposit programs, but it notes they’re easily accessible in investment accounts.

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

Listening to a customer service call produced a big surprise. It also showed how firms can take one position to fight complaints in private, but another in public.

The firm hopes to follow advisors' lead on what's best for their business in its outsourced advisory models, says CIO Burt White.

The private equity-backed parent now spans four independent broker-dealers with nearly 2,000 advisors and $65 billion in client assets.

The firm is “looking to aggressively compete” by lowering and simplifying the fees on its advisory platforms, a top executive says.

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

The No. 1 IBD aims to triple its potential target market reach, in part by adapting some aspects of employee services to independence.

The ex-CEO of a tax-focused firm acquired by the network in 2012 now leads HD Vest and 1st Global following the $180-million deal.

The BD’s employee channel is attracting more independent reps through offerings like technology and practice acquisition support.

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

The new player aims to disrupt the sector despite losing some 300 reps to other firms.

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.