Small RIA challenges Schwab’s TD Ameritrade acquisition

Small RIA challenges Schwab’s TD Ameritrade acquisition
New York’s BlackCrown files antitrust suit saying deal would decimate small firms
JAN 02, 2020

BlackCrown Inc., a small New York-based RIA that advises on mergers and acquisitions, has filed an antitrust lawsuit in Manhattan federal court that challenges the planned $26 billion acquisition of TD Ameritrade Holding Corp. by Charles Schwab & Co.

The lawsuit charges that the proposed deal would decimate smaller registered investment advisers that rely on Schwab and TD Ameritrade to serve as their custodians, according to a story by Bloomberg.

BlackCrown Inc. alleges that the acquisition would: “disenfranchise a great segment of the industry by effectively establishing a caste system,” worsen concentration, and have a significant impact on innovation.

Latest News

Texas man says SEC and fund could make him pay twice
Texas man says SEC and fund could make him pay twice

A $141M judgment and a federal asset freeze collide over one shrinking pool

Osaic executives Kristy Britt and Greg Cornick to leave
Osaic executives Kristy Britt and Greg Cornick to leave

The firm's CFO and EVP of Wealth Management Solutions are the latest executives to exit the broker-dealer.

Estate planning becomes a client retention issue for financial advisors, survey finds
Estate planning becomes a client retention issue for financial advisors, survey finds

Clients are saying they would consider switching advisors if another professional offered estate planning services, according to a new Trust & Will survey.

Candidly adds AI agents for Trump Accounts, workplace benefits
Candidly adds AI agents for Trump Accounts, workplace benefits

CEO Laurel Taylor says the fintech's composable AI stack helps workers optimize dollars across Trump Accounts, 529s, 401(k)s, and other employee benefits.

BMO adds three advisors in Dallas amid Y'all Street wealth boom
BMO adds three advisors in Dallas amid Y'all Street wealth boom

The bank has swiped three private banking veterans from BNY as the city climbs the ranks of America's fastest-growing wealth hubs.

SPONSORED Who builds the income when the pension disappears?

Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income

SPONSORED Why direct indexing stopped being optional

Direct indexing is on pace to outgrow ETFs and mutual funds. Northern Trust's Ken Lassner explains why the advisors who get it wish they had started sooner.