Practice management

Two experts in mergers and M&A sales explained how and why RIA owners need to clean up their data, get a formal valuation and figure out other technical questions before they make a succession deal.

With its Estimated Value Index, the valuation expert FP Transitions seeks to give RIA owners a leg-up in knowing just what their firms can most likely fetch in a sale.

Industry consultants recommend steps RIAs in Schwab's referral network can take if they're worried about competition for clients.

In a constantly changing industry, clearing and custody fees defy generalizations. The largest independent broker-dealers present financial advisors with the choice of working with a "self-clearing" firm or one that outsources those essential services.

Morningstar finds that active investment managers beat low-cost passive index trackers only 27% of the time over a 12-month stretch.

Account titling and beneficiary designations could contradict what clients write in their wills, undermining estate planning. Advisors can help keep these current.

HomeTrust Bancshares, which has been eyeing Virginia as part of its growth strategy, plans to acquire the formerly troubled Blue Ridge Bancshares in an all-stock transaction.

Competition for loans and deposits in Texas is mounting as out-of-state banks swoop into the Lone Star State, eager for a piece of the economic pie. Some Texas-headquartered banks are trying to hold their ground by doubling down on full relationships and customer service.

August is National Make a Will Month, but advisors say it's important to urge clients year-round to secure their wishes by keeping wills and estate plans fresh.

Women are projected to receive more than $100 trillion in the so-called great wealth transfer. But their planning needs can differ from men's.

Web designer Bonfire Studio asked ChatGPT for advisor recommendations in five metro markets. The results give advisors more reason to tend to their online presence.

With trillions on the table, advisors who know how to start conversations with clients' heirs risk losing far less than those who don't.

A succession merger deal that was nearly 10 years in the making at Nebraska-based Prairie Wealth Advisors offers a lens into the many factors involved with the wealth management industry's looming financial advisor retirements.

Altruist has earned legions of fans among financial advisors for sleek technology and low, clear fees. But its critics question whether that is enough to catch up to the giants that have dominated the business for decades.

As clients ask advisors for help navigating caregiving resources, advisors who are able to provide trusted referrals may find clients return the favor with referrals of their own.

Dispatch and NetLaw target two different kinds of relocation friction. One for advisors switching firms, one for clients crossing state lines.

As Kate Danella becomes the bank's chief administrative officer, John Jordan, who's been accelerating Regions' branch-banking growth, will take over Danella's previous role leading consumer banking.

Berger Financial Group plans to more than double its footprint and staff, and Investcorp is looking at more opportunities beyond supporting Berger in the "untapped" wealth space.