Only about 4% to 6% of advisors switch firms in a given year, for any number of reasons. Here's how growing advisory teams add to their ranks.

Each of the biggest firms in the channel grew substantially in 2024, but LPL's giant M&A deal to buy Commonwealth for $2.7 billion has further consolidated the ranks.

Longbridge Wealth Advisors of North Canton, Ohio is dropping its Ameriprise affiliation.

One study uncovered interesting findings on market saturation, while another shed light on the regional trends shaping M&A deals.

Valuation experts caution that advisors selling their businesses put too much weight on EBITDA multiples and overlook many factors that can reduce the value of a deal.

CEO Rich Steinmeier reiterated LPL's goal to retain 90% of Commonwealth's assets and headcount while listing reasons why advisors might think twice about leaving to start their own RIAs.

The American College of Financial Services and RISR are collaborating as a BNY Wealth report showcased the planning complexities of owner succession deals.

Nearly 110 other advisors have left the boutique Commonwealth since April for firms including Raymond James, Purshe Kaplan Sterling, Cambridge Investment Research and Kestra.

The Wall Street powerhouse has built its wealth division in large part through big deals but is not "looking to make acquisitions just for the sake of it, " said CEO Ted Pick.

Stressed RIA leaders with a glut of wealthtech products to choose from are experiencing analysis paralysis.

Negative net new assets came back to the giant clearing and custody firm in the second quarter, although they weren't as large as in the same period of 2024.

An annual snapshot report tracks the record expansion and changing nature of the growing industry channel fueled by financial advisors and their clients.

The deal to buy Natixis' overlay management services comes amid a general push by the St. Louis-based firm to broaden its appeal to HNW clients.

LPL says its elimination of positions at Atria Wealth Solutions was always part of its plan to acquire the firm, drawing a sharp distinction with what it's doing with Commonwealth Financial Network.

Patrick Funke & Associates' decision to join Commonwealth Financial Network suggests that despite its pending purchase by LPL, Commonwealth still appeals to advisors seeking a smaller setting.

A consulting firm's report on the future of the channel reveals the ambivalence and frustration many feel about the impact of M&A consolidation.

Jamie Price of Osaic says attrition at his firm was below expectations during its recent internal consolidation of nine separate brokerages and that not having a self-clearing and self-custody business is an advantage these days.

The deal marks the purchase of one private equity-owned firm by a much larger one with majority private equity backing.

Industry experts say there's theoretically no reason why firms can't keep getting bigger through recruiting deals. But a lack of good M&A prospects could make growth harder for LPL and other independent broker-dealers.

Experts say that there are pitfalls, rules and procedures that departing financial advisors should know. Problem is, too many act first and consult lawyers later.