Independent BDs

When do promotional materials rise to the level of an official “recommendation” and thereby require additional disclosures by brokers?

The firms with the highest percentage growth year-over-year are cutting their head counts and fueling the record level of M&A deals.

Ron Carson’s firm and other major practices within the IBD network praise its choice of a new PE backer.

Here’s what the two seemingly contradictory trends mean for advisors.

The owner of RIA aggregator Mercer Advisors has pledged to maintain the IBD network’s current structure under the deal.

Kestra grabbed a practice from the No. 1 IBD, but it gained another one while preparing for a top executive’s departure.

The practice has spent 22 years with the No. 1 IBD, but it will be at least the eighth practice of its type to leave amid changes to the firm’s policies.

The firm's two new hires are the latest in aggressive recruiting efforts and joined from rivals RBC and Wells Fargo.

Michael Kitces, Moderator, Partner and Director of Wealth Management, Pinnacle Advisory, Hollie Fagan, Managing Director, BlackRock, Estee Jimerson, Managing Director – Head of Asset Manager Distribution & Engagement, Envestnet, Kunal Kapoor, CFA, Chief Executive Officer, Morningstar, Inc., Natalie Wolfsen, EVP and Chief Solutions Officer, AssetMark, Inc.

Envestnet sees asset management as poised for major changes as broker-dealers move to fee-based business.

The two LPL rivals show confidence in their current paths, but they both now have important vacancies to fill.

The practice has grown rapidly, but it now faces a major decision about its IBD plans following the announcement of Advisor Group’s acquisition.

The combined amount across the top 10 firms has jumped 37% to $385.3 million over the past three years.

The No. 1 IBD cleared him of any wrongdoing then said he still faced the probe after leaving the firm months later, according to the lawsuit.

Scott Wolas assumed other people’s names to pose as a real estate agent, bartender, retired paleontologist and a registered rep, investigators say.

Experts cite a variety of reasons for the industry’s grim jobs forecast for advisors, but the data reveals much more complexity.

The No. 1 independent broker-dealer has grown beyond the wirehouses, but it added about 100 fewer advisors than expected from its major acquisition.

The former Oppenheimer client was allowed to invest in a new fund started by Carter Worth, a well-respected technical analyst who the client believed “walked on water,” his lawyer claimed.

J.D. Power’s annual survey reveals the importance of leadership and culture, along with differences among male and female representatives.

A FINRA arbitration claim followed an asset freeze and the launch of a federal investigation into the fired advisor’s RIA.