Wealth management

Wine, whiskey, cars, handbags, guitars and watches are loved by many clients. And they may be worth serious money, too.

Francisco Gil tried to claim his status as an independent contractor entitled him to tax deductions for travel, meals and marketing expenses. The IRS and a federal judge said he was in fact an employee.

Historic deal volume isn't slowing. Here are our guides for pricing your firm, buying a book of business, going independent and more.

Technology is moving quickly and retirement investing is now an individual responsibility, but the core purpose of a Wall Street career is still vital, the veteran banker said in an exit interview.

Advisors who hone in on what makes the "forgotten generation" unique will be well-positioned to reap a $39 trillion windfall.

Merrill had sought a temporary restraining order to prevent members of a large Atlanta-based team who left last week from soliciting former clients for their new firm.

For a newly launched RIA, its website is one area in which less can be more — but only if the firm's online HQ puts the right visitors on the path to conversion.

Tips and tricks on building a successful niche. This week, Eric Franklin of Prospero Wealth on financial planning for tech executives and how he reverse engineered a customized clientele.

With savings gaps, financial anxiety and plans to work longer, half of Gen X employees feel unprepared for retirement.

While stock values get the most attention after the Fed cuts rates, they affect trusts, too. Some beneficiaries of entities without flexible distribution provisions could take a big hit.

In a lengthy court reply, advisors who left Merrill this week to form an RIA with Dynasty Financial Partners accuse Merrill of "bad faith" for putting them on administrative leave and failing to reinvest in their business.

Also this week, Raymond James draws from Commonwealth again amid that firm's absorption by LPL Financial, and Osaic adds advisors with nearly $800 million in AUM.

Even as interest rates fall, investors keep piling into money market funds. Advisors think many could be putting their money to better uses.

Independent financial advisors get a lot of flexibility, but a study by Deloitte and Wells Fargo FiNet delves into the complexity of expanding successfully.

Merrill is also adjusting the incentives it gives advisors for steering clients into banking products.

For clients holding crypto, about half have experienced notable losses. But 70% have experienced notable gains, the latest Financial Advisor Confidence Outlook found.

For advisors who invest in cultural understanding, bilingual support and education, the growth opportunity is vast.

Firms are increasingly looking to provide high net worth clients with services stretching beyond basic wealth management. The offerings include everything from help with cybersecurity to taking out complicated loans.

Many express frustration with either real or perceived doubts about clients' concerns, but experts say they're missing an opportunity to address them up front.