Professional development

They must file the lengthy and highly specific Form ADV document with the SEC and state-level agencies. And that's just one aspect of the many strategic decisions.

Wealth.com has built a client roster of more than 1,000 wealth management firms and several big-name backers. Now it's launching a yearly industry event.

Finding the right time to launch a registered investment advisory firm and the importance of building lasting client connections all play into advisor success.

LPL Financial also pulls an advisory team from RBC, and Cetera hires a chief fiduciary officer for its trust subsidiary.

A relatively small fraction of financial advisors can speak languages other than English, making multilingual planners a distinctly valuable asset for firms looking to attract and retain clients.

Experts say that there are pitfalls, rules and procedures that departing financial advisors should know. Problem is, too many act first and consult lawyers later.

Brian Mora, senior vice president of experienced advisor recruiting, thinks Ameriprise has the antidote to the high dropout rates seen in most industry training programs.

UBS continues to lose larger advisory teams after making changes to compensation policies last year. Meanwhile, Ashton Thomas and LPL both score advisory teams.

Paul Brahim has made title protection and financial literacy requirements for students nationwide among his top goals for the organization.

The flow of financial advisors to the independent channels is certainly accelerating. But the traditional brokerage giants still offer advantages for some teams.

The annual SmartAsset study reveals how the industry extends far beyond Wall Street's geography.

Also this week, LPL picks up teams from Cetera and Ameriprise and Stifel draws from Merrill

That giant question could bring any number of different answers based on a variety of factors. Here's how four experts break it down.

Conventional wisdom says that financial advisors choose to work in areas based on factors like the presence of wealthy families. That doesn't seem to be the case in a post-pandemic world.

The new rules, set to take effect May 23, will allow CFP applicants to forgo a more intensive review process in certain circumstances.

"The Four Money Bears: Berryville" will challenge fifth-graders or older children to run a successful business by building inventory and a loyal customer base.

Also this week, Hightower invests in a large RIA and Bernstein names a new head of wealth management.

Despite the notable flows and valuations, some sellers get locked into an ill-fitting parent firm without many options for getting away.

The numbers on fraud, long-term care costs and aging in America are daunting. Here's how financial planners can help clients prepare.

Also this week, a Dynasty Financial firm picks up a $1.5B team from Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo recruits from PNC Investments and UBS, and LPL draws from Osaic.