Practice management

When Kevin Keller took helm of the CFP Board in 2007, the organization was facing a crisis of confidence among many planners throughout the industry. Five years later, he's led a resurgence. In a one-on-one interview, he discusses how far the organization has come, where it's going, and how it plans to further the professional stature of the financial-planning industry.

Planners concerned with the health of their clients’ pensions should take note that U.S. corporate pension plans managed a modest funding recovery in September, despite remaining in overall deficit status.

While advisors might not snag designer Cynthia Rowley for their next client event, LearnVest Live showcased some important elements of a fun, successful client event. Check out photos from the event and read the blog to see what lessons advisors can take away.

Southwest Securities has hired J.C. Graham as part of its latest recruitment campaign.

Asset managers spend more than 80 percent of their technology dollars simply maintaining existing operations. With regulatory changes and trading spanning more types of assets, “the buy side has a situation of underinvestment which is unsustainable,’’ research firm Celent said.

LearnVest Live is arguably LearnVest’s biggest success so far: getting people, particularly young women, excited about (and engaged with) their finances. “Apparently every good-looking, successful, young working woman in Manhattan is at [LearnVest Live] right now…In case guys were wondering,” attendee Alana Taylor, tweeted from the event.

As Raymond James Financial Chief Executive Paul Reilly looks to the future, he sees more diversity in the firm’s workforce, particularly when it comes to female and younger financial advisors.

Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney was wrong to say Dodd-Frank offers the "biggest kiss" to large banks, according to Sheila Bair.

Raymond James has expanded its practice acquisitions and succession planning department this year as it looks to open up more transition options for advisor force.

The advisory industry has been fretting about the impending tsunami of retiring advisors in the coming years for some time. As a result, firms are assembling succession programs as a way to ease the transition of client assets from older advisors to the much younger set.

If Congress allows Bush-era tax cuts to expire next year, as many expect, planners everywhere must be aware of the “fiscal cliff” their clients will confront.

If Congress allows Bush-era tax cuts to expire next year, as many expect, planners everywhere must be aware of the “fiscal cliff” their clients will confront.

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.