Practice management

From New York and Chicago to London and Hong Kong, there are plenty of locations to launch a new financial firm. But where should aspiring entrepreneurs begin?

Some planners, especially those with established practices, may not think it's worth it to cultivate Generation Y clients because they are young. But, a new white paper suggests, that the ramp-up years may be the perfect time to build a new Gen Y clientele.

Most advisors are accustomed to the idea that, for the sake of growth and development, it's important to think of their practice as a business. But, many forget that this makes them the CEO and requires a particular mindset.

Conventional wisdom says there are three generations of workers, at least - here's a guide on the differences and how to approach them.

The Pittsburgh company is among several banks aiming to boost visibility on college campuses in hopes of attracting young consumers who many not have a dime to their names now but could be high earners down the road.

The Birmingham, Ala., regional banking company has quietly consolidated its investment-related groups under one wealth management group. The restructuring was partly spurred by the company's sale of Morgan Keegan earlier this year.

Though banks have always measured customer satisfaction, there is a greater focus now on understanding exactly what drives the customer experience and how it can help the bottom line.

The director of financial planning at R.W. Baird, Tim Steffen, discusses the upcoming elections, what changes to the fiscal landscape are possible, and how advisors should steer clients through the uncertainties and tax issues.

The ultimate test of leadership is the way you handle employees' reactions to innovation.

Our legal analyst explores commission sharing and FINRA disclosure rules.

How to sell a high-priced tier of service to clients and describe how that service is different and more valuable, like front-row seats at an event.

One of the keys to engaging clients is addressing topics that are relevant and emotional in order to bridge to longer-term planning concerns, such as the presidential election.

A run-down of the stories in this issue, including how shifting demographics can open new markets; the special needs of gay and lesbian couples; a look at dividend stocks; and Merrill Lynch's deferred compensation settlement.

Advisors are helping gay and lesbian clients face the unique barriers to achieving their financial goals.

A surprisingly simple business model could deliver financial advice to a much broader segment of the American population.

Five steps you should take now to protect your firm from fraud.

Developing a vision and a plan for your business takes focus, collaboration and consistency. And it's how the best performers enhance their success.

The economics that drove up the costs of traditional pension plans are showing signs of slowing down and that could augur their comeback.

Two Morgan Stanley financial advisors moved to Wells Fargo's independent brokerage arm in Maryland this week, taking advantage of a career path that one recruiter describes as the best of both the independent and wirehouse channels.

Fieldpoint Private, a Greenwich, Conn., based wealth advisory and private banking firm, announced Thursday that M. Thomas Conway has joined the firm as a managing director and senior advisor.