Many firms that have acquired established retirement plan advisory practices primarily focus on wealth management or insurance, underscoring their interest in more diversified service models and in accessing the shops’ sizable client bases.
Fidelity research shows nearly every month in 2021 has seen several highly recognizable adviser industry names join the ranks of sellers, with November being no exception.
SEC Chair Gary Gensler says the emergence of new investment technologies that embrace gamification and collect user data raises questions as to whether investors are appropriately protected.
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented an opportunity for firms to reconsider their physical footprint and relocate their headquarters to new areas that better suit their needs.
OneDigital and Ascensus recently announced the availability of a ‘co-created small market solution,’ making OneDigital the latest adviser aggregator to launch a DC plan solution targeted at small businesses.
Data from Echelon Partners shows the number of adviser or adviser team ‘breakaways’ declined by nearly 20% in 2020 versus 2019. However, 2019 set the record for breakaway activity.
Though the whole year and the final quarter, especially, have already delivered impressive numbers, there are expectations that some additional major transactions could soon be announced.
Allianz Life launches solutions platform for RIAs; Wilmington Trust adds sign-on program; Columbia Threadneedle announces 2021 successor; and more.
Industry executives also say that valuations for strong companies are holding steady, even as the pandemic raises broader economic challenges.
Between March and May, there were only 10 RIA transactions and two IBD deals, according to Fidelity.
However, fewer RIAs and fee-based advisers expect consolidation to increase in the next 12 months, compared to five years ago.
Form ADV includes a number of questions about the custody of client assets; these questions continue to be a source of widespread confusion and inconsistent interpretations in the asset management industry.
They see the differences between wirehouses, broker/dealers and registered investment advisers blurring.
This is the fifth year in a row they have identified cybersecurity as their No. 1 concern.
There were 41 deals in the fourth quarter.