Short Takes: Webster of Conn. Takes Brokerage In-House

Webster Financial Corp. of Waterbury, Conn., has formed an in-house brokerage, following in the footsteps of many other banks.

Webster Investment Services Inc. plans to open its doors on Aug. 2, a spokesman said.

An in-house brokerage will generate more revenues for Webster, Thomas N. Howe, executive vice president of trust and investment services, said in a statement.

In June the $9 billion-asset bank received approval from the National Association of Securities Dealers Inc. to sell mutual funds, annuities, and other investment products.

Previously Webster provided investment products through Independent Financial Marketing Group, a third-party marketing firm. Third-party marketers have been losing ground in recent years as more banks pull brokerage capabilities in-house. But smaller banks continue to rely on their services.

The 22 brokers hired for Webster Investment Services had been employees of Independent Financial, a spokeswoman for the Purchase, N.Y., firm said.

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