Practice management

Fun and optimism work; constant criticism doesn't, said serial entrepreneur Richard Branson at a banking conference.

Informa Investment Solutions, the New York-based supplier of software and solutions for the investment industry, announced Wednesday it will buy Zephyr Associates, Inc, a developer of analytical software tools.

Despite a market surge, fewer wealthy investors are satisfied with their advisors' performance.

Most households with between $100,000 and $500,000 in investable assets do not have a retirement income plan and have not worked with a financial advisor, presenting a “sweet spot” for asset managers, according to findings from a Cerulli Associates retirement report released on Wednesday.

What is your client experience like? The "Referral Doctor," Steve Wershing, asks, have you designed it to be like a fast food chain, or a high-end dining establishment?

Advisors report that annuities are requested by clients more than any other unsolicited product, according to a new study from Cerulli Associates.

A four-man team, the Nierling Investment Group, has joined RBC in Dallas, Texas.

Advisors report that clients request annuities more than any other unsolicited product, according to new research from Cerulli Associates.

Some 25 million people a year are thinking about social security, opening a door to a massive market for advisors, Bill Meyer, founder and CEO of Social Security Solutions, said at the Retirement Income Industry Association conference.

The Retirement Income Industry Association recognized the best marketing and thought-leadership in the industry during its annual conference

Scott & Stringfellow has brought on three former Wells Fargo advisors to join its Charlotte office.

The result of the upcoming Presidential election will have little impact on investors, according to Andrew Mehalko, President of AM Wealth Management.

RBC has pulled an industry veteran from UBS to fill the position of branch director of its Burlington offices.

Fewer people are making a clear transition into retirement and the trend is creating unique challenges for advisors.

About 15% of affluent investors are considering a move within the next month. The most likely landing spot is Vanguard, followed by Fidelity and USAA, according to a new monthly survey by Phoenix Marketing International.

The idea of an advisory council leaves many advisors apprehensive, but to generate new ideas, it is critical to speak with a group of clients and prospects on a regular basis to find out what's wrong (and what's right) about your practice.

Check out what the mainstream media is writing about wealth management and financial planning this week: Will bond buying erase debt, 25 ways to waste money, declaring independence and more.

Wells Fargo has tapped firm executive Jim Hays to serve as executive vice president and head of wealth brokerage services.

The June 2012 issue of Financial Planning included a controversial column from industry expert, author and instigator, Bob Veres. It launched such a vigorous debate that an entire session was dedicated to continuing the conversation at the FPA annual conference in San Antonio, Texas on Monday.

A majority of breakaway brokers have their eyes on LPL and Raymond James, according to a report by Cogent Research, a Massachusetts market research firm.