Independent Broker-Dealers

Jan 18, 2013

Choppy waters persist

Small broker-dealers will continue to face strong head winds in 2013, and dozens will shut down, seek a merger partner or abandon the transaction-oriented style used by securities houses to become registered investment advisers that charge fees rather than commissions.

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Year in review

12 events that impacted indie broker-dealers

Independent broker-dealers continued to close or be acquired in 2012 in the persistent fallout from the private-placement scandal, and as the industry coped with profit pressures from volatile markets and low interest rates.

B-Ds in focus

A tough recruiting environment

Given the generally positive outlook for the industry in 2013, it could remain difficult for firms hoping to grow by attracting new advisers.

IBDs venture into corporate finance

Investment banking and other services are meant to enrich client offerings and relationships.

Technology entices talent

For years, it seemed that even the technology enthusiasts among the indie adviser wannabes focused more on the payout at potential firms than anything else. That's not the case anymore.