The sale could see up to 50 advisors move to Stifel but doesn't involve B. Riley's 190 independent wealth managers.

Dimple Shah, Osaic head of corporate strategy, said she and other executives expected some advisors to leave during the firm's "Journey to One" and that attrition has been mostly in line with expectations.

The Chicago-based RIA giant is taking majority ownership in NEPC, a firm offering institutional research and new investing opportunities.

The largest deal ever for the private equity-backed, fee-only RIA will send it to new heights across 23 offices and 750 financial advisors and other employees.

Funds managed by Stone Point Capital are buying back the majority interest in the independent wealth management firm with 1,700 financial advisors.

Independent broker-dealers have found happy acquiring grounds in the insurance industry in recent years, as sellers seek to avoid heavy regulation and thinner margins.

Supervised AI tools can spot opportunities and reduce risk — ideally long before an RIA merger or acquisition closes.

Jim Cahn of WEG says there will always be room for small RIAs. But firms intent on growth will increasingly have to turn to larger partners for help with estate and tax planning, back-office support, and marketing and client referrals.

Most firms are limited liability corporations these days, but a significant chunk of older firms are c-corporations. Experts share the key factors involved with the options.

Regulators allege First Horizon Advisors violated Reg BI when it continued recommending complex investments even though it was struggling to bring over customer information from a recent acquisition.