Apps are growing increasingly common among financial planners as a way to remain top-of-mind with clients. Still, some firms have not embraced the technology as quickly as others. The sooner firms roll out their apps the better, because as more employ the technology, the competitive advantage it offers diminishes.

Nomura Securities has begun using a mobile application for asset managers from Nomura Research Institute.

So called “value-add” programs and tools from vendors are getting the attention of financial advisors and influencing their behavior, according to a new study, but still leave much to be desired.

How to innovate when you're in a large, matrixed institution? "Hackathons" are part of the answer for Hari Gopalkrishnan, who leads retail mobile app development at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Could cyberattacks bring down the U.S. financial network? Chuck Hagel thinks it's possible. Shielding the U.S. against the destructive potential of digital threats is among the top priorities for the nation, the Defense Secretary said.

Build a sharp online presence and social media strategy to help interact with clients.

A veteran equities analyst has created an iPad app for financial professionals that offers detailed stock and sector ratings.

The U.S. crackdown on Liberty Reserve is stoking fears that the government may effectively cut off digital currencies like Bitcoin as banks sever ties with businesses in this growing field.

The threat of cyberattack is an increasingly hot topic in Washington, but political interest alone appears unlikely to provide enough momentum to get cybersecurity legislation supported by banks passed this year.

Advisors have heard the message loud and clear: Mobile matters. But for all but the most technology savvy advisors, coming up with a mobile app for clients is no easy matter. Here's what you need to know before launching that essential app.

Gathering traction on social media can be difficult, especially on Facebook. But James Maendel of Maendel Wealth has found a strategy that works with a little time and a lot of focus. Check out his strategies for success.

Umpqua CEO Raymond Davis expects banks to focus on customer service and building smaller branches in the years to come.

Hackers backed by China's military appear to have resumed a campaign of cyberattacks on U.S. businesses. The targets, which in previous attacks included financial firms, are thought to remain the same.

A great wealth transfer may indeed be looming, but advisory firm executives are still focusing their creative energy on their boomer (and older) clients.

Fidelity Investments has rolled out a smartphone application for NetBenefits 401(k) plan participants.

Using social media is clearly possible -- some advisors have had great success with it -- and there’s no doubt that compliance is in some ways getting easier. Yet compliance is still widely regarded as a major hurdle.

How will you scale your practice? What's the secret to retaining Gen Y employees? What's the best way to network? For three days, advisors and industry experts descended on Las Vegas for the semi-annual National Association of Personal Financial Advisors conference to discuss these topics and many others. Check out some of the best things we heard.

Technology innovations are critical for advisors to remain on the cutting edge and retain the next generation of clients.

Want a technology investment with a real payoff? Steer clear of hot Internet stocks. Instead, make a technology investment in your own practice.

Which financial institutions "get" LinkedIn? Jennifer Grazel, the social media network’s global head of category development - financial services, offers up several examples.