Independent BDs

The No. 1 IBD revealed new details of its W-2 affiliation after it followed rivals into the employee channel with an acquisition it made last year.

“We basically had clients demanding that we find a new home,” after Wells Fargo failed to secure PPP loans for them, an advisor says.

The number of advisors registering with FINRA has fallen since 2016, as more planners elect a fee-only model.

The independent broker-dealers big enough to serve the most financial advisors enjoy advantages but face distinct challenges.

It will be the largest bank channel team at the IBD, with its former clearing house Pershing taking a hit.

The latest roundup of 32 IBD affiliation moves, M&A deals and expert studies reveals the mixed impact of the coronavirus.

Unexpected tailwinds from the global pandemic have made recruitment more efficient and have highlighted advisor-client bonds.

The list shows how firms of all sizes face a pivotal balancing act in seeking to recruit and retain advisors.

Northwestern Mutual’s practices raise difficult questions about the nature of retail advice just as wealth management faces greater scrutiny under new rules.

“The face of our industry is typically not me,” says the Vanguard and DFA veteran. “I thought about how many young people that I could inspire. So I raised my hand.”