Independent BDs

Jim Cracchiolo predicts the number of advisors will go back up, but he says the firm places more importance on boosting the size of their businesses.

The IBD advocacy group expects no letup in enforcement by the regulator — with wide ramifications across wealth management hanging in the balance.

The custodial giant is aiming to cut down on the time involved with opening accounts — which advisors often view as a drain.

If these black financial advisors meet the goal, it will defy the industry's stark racial disparities: early career growth at that level just “doesn't happen in our demographic,” one partner says.

The No. 1 IBD adapted the Envestnet planning software to its digital advisor workstation as it looks for ways to maximize advisors’ efficiency.

The Avantax Wealth Management parent views HK Financial as another way of working with CPAs and tax professionals branching into the field.

Rivals will be waiting to seize on any changes that may irk some 4,400 representatives poised to operate under a new parent IBD network.

The record level of transactions — as well as long-term industry shifts — often prompt advisors and other wealth management professionals to assess their options.

Among the new recruits is an 11-person team.

The additions came amid a revamping of the firm’s independent advisor compensation.

With the industry closely watching the complex integration, the selling network's parent divulged how it struck the $1.3-billion agreement to form a giant IBD.

A former rep has drawn at least 30 claims after pleading guilty to fraud, while clients of another ex-LPL advisor are seeking damages five years after his initial arrest.

Some advisors may see their pay rise in 2020.

Mergers and acquisitions involving wealth advisors and brokers reached a seven-year annual high in November, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The firm's top recruiter explained its approach to helping advisors keep up with a rapidly changing profession.

The PE-backed wealth management holding company will grow to 2,500 advisors upon closure of its latest acquisition.

Integrated Partners added a family office practice eyeing wirehouse breakaways as part of a dozen recruiting grabs for the No. 1 IBD and its OSJs.

The IBD’s head of practice management says more planners should explore becoming ensembles, and she also divulged the firm’s “secret sauce.”

The firm hasn’t made any decisions about advisor retention bonuses, but some top shareholders will earn tens of millions of dollars once the deal closes.

The acquisition of Ladenburg Thalmann for $1.3 billion would take the private equity-backed firm into the realm of the largest firms in the sector.