Morgan Stanley brokerage to drop 'Smith Barney' name?

According to a <a href=http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110307-711582.html>report this afternoon from Dow Jones, executives at Morgan Stanley are weighing a name change at the industry's largest retail brokerage operation.
MAR 07, 2011
According to a report this afternoon from Dow Jones, executives at Morgan Stanley are weighing a name change at the industry's largest retail brokerage operation. The report, which cited "people familiar with the situation", suggested that Morgan Stanley may drop the Smith Barney moniker from its brand name. Among the options reportedly being considered internally: Morgan Stanley Advisors, Morgan Stanley Global Wealth Advisors, and Morgan Stanley Global Wealth Management. Spokespeople for both Morgan Stanley and Citigroup did not offer Dow Jones specific comments on the likelihood that it will change the name of its retail brokerage, which has roughly 18,000 reps and advisers. Since Morgan Stanley and Citigroup agreed to merge their retail brokerages in the joint venture back in early 2009, a number of Smith Barney veteran advisers have departed the firm. (See, 'Smith Barney losing nearly 80 reps a week'.) Later that year, executives noted that attrition rates had stabilized and returned to 2006 levels. Read the full Dow Jones story here.

Latest News

DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week
DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week

Medicare scam, pandemic benefit theft, offshore tax evasion — federal prosecutors are casting a wide net.

Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout
Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout

Report finds that pension income acts as a financial lifeline for retirees facing late-life shocks and raises urgent questions about the DC-only future.

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline