Opinion

Displaying 2173 results
Asset consolidation: A key growth strategy for financial advisors
OPINION MAR 07, 2025
Asset consolidation: A key growth strategy for financial advisors

Rather than cold calling for new clients, advisors should explore opportunities to oversee a bigger chunk of their existing clients' wealth and income planning.

By Kristine McManus
When failure to plan means leaving money on the table
OPINION MAR 04, 2025
When failure to plan means leaving money on the table

Rather than a quick exit, advisor-owners who plan mergers, acquisitions, or the sale of their practice in advance – and stay to steady the ship for years after – can expect the most upside for all parties.

By Michael Belluomini
How to differentiate to attract high-net-worth clients
OPINION FEB 28, 2025
How to differentiate to attract high-net-worth clients

Advisors working at the highest wealth levels do three things differently to show their value and stand out.

By Theresa Bursey
Design services for your next client
OPINION FEB 25, 2025
Design services for your next client

Advisors who think investment services and basic financial planning will let them thrive for another 10 years are in for a rude awakening.

By Scott Hanson
Making volatility your friend: Embracing clarity in uncertain markets
OPINION FEB 21, 2025
Making volatility your friend: Embracing clarity in uncertain markets

When turbulence and market shocks shake clients' confidence, advisors can offer much-needed perspective and strengthen their relationships.

By Mark Pearson
Client retention is job number one
OPINION FEB 18, 2025
Client retention is job number one

Advisors leaning heavily toward fee-based services today enjoy a key competitive edge over commission-based practices – and it all hinges on preserving client loyalty.

By Kristine McManus
Five steps to prepare clients to navigate the tragic and unexpected
OPINION FEB 12, 2025
Five steps to prepare clients to navigate the tragic and unexpected

Recent natural disasters show the importance of being ready financially for worst-case scenarios.

By Joe Duran
Demonizing diversity in financial services
OPINION FEB 12, 2025
Demonizing diversity in financial services

Financial services companies are the latest to be caught up in Republicans' war on DEI.

By InvestmentNews
Finra's Reg BI Enforcement: Is it 'ineffective, costly'?
OPINION FEB 11, 2025
Finra's Reg BI Enforcement: Is it 'ineffective, costly'?

The industry watchdog's own reports reflect failures to deter "willful" and "repeat" violations, raising a crucial question about the future of regulation.

By Knut A. Rostad
Mess with pay, and advisors walk
OPINION FEB 05, 2025
Mess with pay, and advisors walk

UBS is looking to boost the firm’s bottom line even as some financial advisors search for greener pastures.

By Bruce Kelly
Navigating regulatory challenges in subscription services
OPINION FEB 04, 2025
Navigating regulatory challenges in subscription services

Offering subscription-based services can bring in additional revenue, but advisors must also keep state and federal regulators' compliance expectations in mind.

When higher fees build client trust
OPINION JAN 31, 2025
When higher fees build client trust

Advisors who compete with below market rates for their services might not be doing themselves any favors.

By Scott Hanson
Beyond the junk label: mastering high-yield bonds to deliver client value
OPINION JAN 28, 2025
Beyond the junk label: mastering high-yield bonds to deliver client value

From seeing past credit ratings to selecting the right vehicle and educating clients, advisors who strategically use high-yield fixed income can build credibility and confidence.

By Mike Kurz
Net flows are key to value
OPINION JAN 24, 2025
Net flows are key to value

Wealth firms that can demonstrate growth outside the rising tide of markets can command a premium price.

By Scott Hanson
Retire on your terms: take control with a continuity plan
OPINION JAN 21, 2025
Retire on your terms: take control with a continuity plan

Going beyond succession, retiring advisors should prioritize building a safety net to protect their practice, staff, and clients against unforeseen circumstances.

By Delaney Metcalf
How RIA leaders should be navigating regulatory shifts in 2025
OPINION JAN 16, 2025
How RIA leaders should be navigating regulatory shifts in 2025

Despite hints of a friendlier SEC under the incoming Trump administration, bipartisan issues around money laundering, cybersecurity, and AI should remain central priorities.

By Kate Wulfken
Clients’ GWG bond claims may be small but pack a wallop
OPINION JAN 14, 2025
Clients’ GWG bond claims may be small but pack a wallop

It's been an awful road for investors in GWG bonds.

By Bruce Kelly
Bridging the confidence gap: financial literacy vs. investor overconfidence
OPINION JAN 13, 2025
Bridging the confidence gap: financial literacy vs. investor overconfidence

Even clients with high investment knowledge can make risky portfolio decisions. Advisors can provide a much-needed reality check.

By Matt Sommer
Kick-start the new year with these four financial resolution topics
OPINION JAN 10, 2025
Kick-start the new year with these four financial resolution topics

With people looking forward to fresh starts and new goals in 2025, it's a prime opportunity for advisors to share their expertise on some popular themes.

By Kristine McManus
What fiduciary advisors can learn from Jimmy Carter
OPINION JAN 09, 2025
What fiduciary advisors can learn from Jimmy Carter

The experience of the 39th president, beloved long beyond his term in the Oval Office, sets a high standard of trust for advisors to live up to.

By Knut A. Rostad