Professional development

Jack Mullen has built an ultrahigh net worth niche at Merrill Private Wealth Management that functions much like a family office. Here's how he did it, in our latest installment of Know Your Niche.

Join us next month for a discussion on whether more clients should be in private markets, how advisors can explain the pros and cons of alternative investments, and just where crypto and digital assets belong.

Any RIA or advisory practice seeking to grow must weigh the price of its marketing efforts toward prospective new clients against the return on that investment.

A GAO report suggests that blanket rules on spousal consent for 401(k) withdrawals could solve "financial infidelity problems — and exacerbate them.

The influential planning entrepreneur and the FPA are leading an effort to change a tiered fee structure for continuing education providers that started three years ago.

For our Know Your Niche series, Steve Mason, with Bank of America's Private Bank, has developed a client base out of horse lovers like himself.

The firms' collaboration shines a light on how the wealth management business works today and how it is evolving, as advisors weigh independence against the risks of "poking the bear" when they leave.

Subscribers can stay up to date on key industry issues while earning one hour of continuing education credit toward maintaining professional certification.

A well-planned retirement can go awry when clients overspend. Here's how financial advisors can rein them in.

Jess Polito of Turkey Hill Management says she believes her firm is the only M&A advisory firm that exclusively uses retainer fees, rather than commissions.

A consulting and M&A advisory firm presented six prospective sellers to 17 buyers, with striking results for any advisory teams tapping into a frothy M&A market.

The annual Diamond Consultants advisor transition tracking study identified the winners and losers of 2025. But it also noted how quickly things can change.

Advisors acting as financial planning sherpas can guide clients up tricky terrain to reach retirement peaks.

Behavioral finance expert Tim Maurer shares how planners can adjust their language and approach to help clients move toward their goals.

Finance and education veteran Walter Rendon wants to ensure that more young people get the training and mentorships that helped him break into the field.

Traditionally, regional firms were places where advisors with mid-level revenue production could find comfortable homes. Janney and RBC show how that's changing.

The rising tide of asset values led to compensation increases above 200% in some cases, but small ticks down for the chiefs of two firms.

It can be hard for advisors to fully understand what clients and prospects truly want. The right questions can uncover not just financial blind spots, but the fears, priorities and assumptions behind their decisions.

Natasha Howe's friends were blowing up the internet as influencers, but they needed a financial advisor who could help get their financial lives in order. She now has a growing niche.

It's that time of year again! Here's how to nominate a colleague — or yourself — for Financial Planning's annual Rising Star awards.