Opinion

Displaying 2102 results
From reactive to proactive: Ramp up your diversity and inclusion efforts
NEWS OPINION AUG 02, 2021
From reactive to proactive: Ramp up your diversity and inclusion efforts

Given the looming shortage of advisers, the industry must improve its diversity and inclusion efforts so it can attract and retain employees from diverse groups.

How firms can effectively communicate an ESG value proposition
NEWS OPINION JUL 30, 2021
How firms can effectively communicate an ESG value proposition

It's critical for wealth management firms to create authentic and compelling narratives around their sustainable investing offerings.

457(b)s: The solution to bad K-12 403(b) plans?
NEWS OPINION JUL 29, 2021
457(b)s: The solution to bad K-12 403(b) plans?

Teachers are eligible for a second supplemental plan. It’s called the 457(b), and it has several key advantages over the 403(b).

Communications glitches between advisers and clients
NEWS OPINION JUL 28, 2021
Communications glitches between advisers and clients

Some of the most engaging practice stories arise from things we tell clients that they don’t hear or don’t remember, things we don’t think to tell them, and things they forget to tell us.

How one breakaway RIA brought over more assets than it expected
NEWS OPINION JUL 27, 2021
How one breakaway RIA brought over more assets than it expected

Not all of our old clients came with us. But the overwhelming majority came and — because of their enthusiasm for our move — some asked us to oversee even more of their assets, while others pointed brand-new business our way.

High-net-worth investors are itching to change advisers
NEWS OPINION JUL 26, 2021
High-net-worth investors are itching to change advisers

Twenty percent of high-net-worth clients say they're likely to switch their primary financial adviser this year, according to a Northwestern Mutual survey.

Why are so many Merrill Lynch advisers leaving?
NEWS OPINION JUL 23, 2021
Why are so many Merrill Lynch advisers leaving?

Whether they're inclined to stay or to go, advisers owe it to their clients and themselves to pay attention to the subtle, but important, changes happening at the company.

A four-step approach to working with clients on sustainable investing
NEWS OPINION JUL 22, 2021
A four-step approach to working with clients on sustainable investing

Advisers should provide a global view and frame conversations around investors' values.

Educating clients on the social of ESG investing
NEWS OPINION JUL 21, 2021
Educating clients on the social of ESG investing

Minding the "s" means recognizing the impact disgruntled employees or suppliers can have on reputations and business operations.

Increase coming in 'introducing custodians' for RIAs
NEWS OPINION JUL 20, 2021
Increase coming in 'introducing custodians' for RIAs

The upstarts will focus on a particular niche of the marketplace they feel is underserved, such as advisers with foreign clients or advisers focused on a particular investment approach.

How advisers can add value to their firms
NEWS OPINION JUL 19, 2021
How advisers can add value to their firms

Some firms mistakenly trim expenses too aggressively to lower their costs and maximize their earnings to attract buyers. It may seem counterintuitive, but the opposite approach can make a firm more desirable.

Rise of 'middle office' providers for RIAs
NEWS OPINION JUL 19, 2021
Rise of 'middle office' providers for RIAs

One option for advisers starting an RIA is to outsource in one fell swoop such responsibilities as custodial relationships, tech stack design and integration, client billion, tamp solutions and marketing expertise.

'Salary plus bonus' will arrive at the wirehouses
NEWS OPINION JUL 16, 2021
'Salary plus bonus' will arrive at the wirehouses

The switch in the compensation model will arrive silently, via death from a thousand cuts.

Rescuing baby boomers' retirements
NEWS OPINION JUL 15, 2021
Rescuing baby boomers' retirements

Given their limited savings, current low interest rates and the ongoing rise in prices and out-of-pocket health care costs, most boomers need a financial lifeline.

The outlook for the independent broker-dealer model
NEWS OPINION JUL 15, 2021
The outlook for the independent broker-dealer model

For the increasingly fee-based advisers at independent broker-dealers, the transition to the RIA model is likely to pick up speed in the years to come.

The new active approach to credit investing
NEWS OPINION JUL 14, 2021
The new active approach to credit investing

Enhancing the return prospects of individual investors seeking yield calls for hands-on, agile, active management — and the more flexible the approach, the better.

Slow your roll: Selling a practice takes time
NEWS OPINION JUL 14, 2021
Slow your roll: Selling a practice takes time

Here are 11 steps advisers looking to transition a business should consider to be the bare minimum it takes to find a buyer and close a deal.

Assessing the tax implications of Bitcoin
NEWS OPINION JUL 12, 2021
Assessing the tax implications of Bitcoin

The IRS has clearly communicated that cryptocurrency assets are taxed when they are traded, but this is news to many of the investors who own cryptocurrencies.

3 steps to prepare wealthy clients for higher tax rates
NEWS OPINION JUL 12, 2021
3 steps to prepare wealthy clients for higher tax rates

In the current tax-the-rich political environment, the wisdom of getting wealthy clients the insurance of an alternative citizenship or residence is obvious.

Summer-friendly strategies for growing your brand and community
NEWS OPINION JUL 07, 2021
Summer-friendly strategies for growing your brand and community

As the pandemic subsides and people look forward to catching up with their friends, there's a great opportunity to plan exciting events that bring big results.