Lessons from Past Recessions Have Limits
Looking back to the Great Recession and Great Depression, unemployment data shows that the full effect of those downturns took...
In Practice
Recordkeepers Holding Steady on Staffing—So Far
DCIIA and SPARK surveyed members in early April with regard to the CARES Act and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.
Endowments and Foundations Also Carry Unrealistic Return Expectations
New data from CAPTRUST shows there is a continued misalignment between foundations’ and endowments’ expected returns, risk preferences and asset allocations.
Majority of Americans Are Concerned About Finances
More than one-quarter are extremely or very concerned, according to Fidelity.
How Coronavirus Has Impacted Retirement Confidence
Data collected immediately before the pandemic shows retirement confidence was about as high as it’s ever been; more recent data shows that’s still the case, though shorter term...
M&A Process Evolves Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
As market volatility and the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded in March, merger and acquisition activity slowed, raising the obvious question of how the record pace of deals will be...
M&A as Adviser Talent Acquisition Strategy
The retirement planning business is a people business.
Data Mine—March 2020
With each edition of the PLANADVISER Data Mine, we dig for the most actionable findings in the latest retirement plan...
Could Market Volatility (or Recession) Disrupt Record M&A Activity?
For some years now, advisory firm owners have enjoyed a sellers’ market that has spurred record merger and acquisition volumes.
Ongoing Volatility Projected by J.P. Morgan’s Guide to Retirement
Retirement investors have little choice but to stay the course; even backing away from the markets for a short period can prove detrimental to long-term returns.
Plan Size, Average Account Balance Are Drivers of Plan Fees
Small 401(k) plans have larger costs than large 401(k) plans, but even plans with the same total assets can have different costs, an analysis from the 401k Averages...
Can ‘White Glove’ Brokers Steal Fidelity’s Lunch?
High-end brokerage firms are seeing the appeal of being able to serve the middle and mass affluent markets, thanks in large part to the success of Fidelity and...
Registration Is Open for the 2020 PLANADVISER National Conference in Arizona
We are confident that PANC 2020 will be the premier event for retirement specialist advisers to meet the right people, hear the best ideas and create new opportunities....
Lessons from the Edward Jones Women’s Conference
Speakers and attendees at the event, which drew some 200 leading female advisers from across Edward Jones, emphasized the importance of mentorship and providing a robust support structure...
The Consolidation Stars Remain Aligned in 2020
The advisory, insurance and asset management industries have never been so ripe for consolidation, merger and acquisition experts agree.
DCIIA and SPARK Share High Hopes for 2020 Collaboration
The SPARK Institute and DCIIA will work together to accelerate the development of retirement plan industry technology, prevent cyberfraud and study the potential role of blockchain.
2019 Broke RIA and IBD Merger and Acquisition Records
Fidelity reports there were 127 registered investment adviser merger or acquisition transactions during all of 2019, which is up 44% over 2018.
More Advisers Look for Co-Fiduciary Support from their B/Ds
A look at the results of the PLANADVISER Practice Benchmarking Survey between 2011 and 2019, showing some areas of significant evolution in the way advisers build and run...
Facts You Haven’t Learned About HSAs
One overlooked benefit of HSAs is that people can actually spend money on qualified health care expenses out of pocket and then reimburse themselves tax-free via the HSA...
Advisers Warming Slowly to Tech-Based Communications
Well over half of advisers are not communicating with clients via video, and only 7% are utilizing video to connect with clients on a regular basis.