Independent BDs

Regulator comes down hard on compliance failures; additional $6.3 million must be paid back to investors.

How advisers can prepare for renewed interest in alternatives.

Following Commonwealth Financial Network's decision to cut its commission-based retirement business, some competitors head in the opposite direction.

"We fully expect to offer a range of options to help our clients," CEO Paul Reilly said.

CEO Jim Cracchiolo said the firm will still offer variety on its platform, but that it needs to make sure products are "appropriate for the client."

Client assets for the firm's advisory business hit a record high.

Months before the law is phased in, "traditional firms are beginning to look more and more" like independents.

CEO Wayne Bloom says the threat of lawsuits in the wake of the new regulation prompted the change, which could be a first among IBDs.

Paul T. Lebel excessively traded shares that carried large front-end loads and "willfully disregarded the customers' interest," the agency said.

News that LPL may be looking for suitors comes at a time of financial pressure for the country's largest independent broker-dealer.

Shareholders shouldn't hold out too much hope for a takeover and here is why.

Industry experts survey the field of potential suitors.

With LPL Financial potentially exploring a sale of itself, we look back at some of the biggest deals over the last few years.

The country's largest IBD is said to be exploring strategic alternatives, which may include shopping itself around for buyers.

The independent broker-dealer landed four recruits from Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones, Wunderlich Securities and Ameriprise.

Founded by former wirehouse advisers, XML Financial is the seventh firm to join the IPO-bound RIA aggregator this year.

Relura Horton, former regional managing director at Fidelity Custody and Clearing, hopes to attract more women clients to her new firm.

See which independent broker-dealers are beating their larger competitors in attracting new client assets.

After being jilted by the nation’s largest IBD, the organization breaks new ground with membership additions.

Insurance industry giant targets RIA market via fee-based annuities.