Morgan Stanley is tightening its return-to-office policy, leaving many advisors questioning whether the move serves their interests—or just the firm’s bottom line. Starting May 5, Morgan Stanley’s 15,000 wealth management employees will be required to be in the office at least four days per week, according to a memo from Jed Finn, head of wealth…
The financial advisory landscape has undergone a significant transformation over the years, with 1099 platforms playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between traditional
Recently, financial advisory firms have been getting slammed by lawsuits over deferred compensation and ERISA violations, with cases involving major players like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and U.S. Bancorp. To help you navigate these turbulent waters, we sat down with Barry R. Lax, a founding partner of Lax & Neville LLP, who provided an in-depth analysis of these landmark cases. Barry’s expertise sheds light on the complexities and potential pitfalls of deferred compensation plans, offering crucial insights for financial advisors who might have deferred compensation coming their way.
Raymond James has long been a reputable player in the wealth management industry, known for its strong culture and client-centric approach. However, in recent years, a growing number of advisors have chosen to leave Raymond James in favor of supported independent platforms. This trend reflects a broader shift within the industry, as advisors seek more…
We all know that there is always some measured leap of faith and a confidence in their future that advisors must own when pivoting from what they have been used to for many years, sometimes a lifetime, to somewhere new. This is more notable when a private banker looks to switch from the security of…
The rapid growth of AI, particularly generative AI models like ChatGPT, is reshaping various sectors. ChatGPT, which achieved 100 million users within two months of its launch, is one of the fastest-growing consumer applications in history. This unprecedented adoption underscores AI’s transformative potential across industries, including financial advisory. The best way advisors can capitalize on…
Recently, financial advisory firms have been getting slammed by lawsuits over deferred compensation and ERISA violations, with cases involving major players like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and U.S. Bancorp. To help you navigate these turbulent waters, we sat down with Barry R. Lax, a founding partner of Lax & Neville LLP, who provided an in-depth analysis of these landmark cases. Barry’s expertise sheds light on the complexities and potential pitfalls of deferred compensation plans, offering crucial insights for financial advisors who might have deferred compensation coming their way.
Recently, financial advisory firms have been getting slammed by lawsuits over deferred compensation and ERISA violations, with cases involving major players like Morgan Stanley, Merrill Lynch, and U.S. Bancorp. To help you navigate these turbulent waters, we sat down with Barry R. Lax, a founding partner of Lax & Neville LLP, who provided an in-depth analysis of these landmark cases. Barry’s expertise sheds light on the complexities and potential pitfalls of deferred compensation plans, offering crucial insights for financial advisors who might have deferred compensation coming their way.
Rockefeller Capital Management (RCM) has established itself as a premier financial services provider, seamlessly blending the historic success of the Rockefeller family with forward-looking, innovative strategies. Offering unparalleled access to wealth management, asset management, and investment solutions, RCM invites high-net-worth individuals and institutions to explore opportunities that are rooted in legacy and driven by cutting-edge…
Life is a constant juggling act for advisors between managing clients, a book of business, and firm needs that there often isn’t time to evaluate next generation (or succession) planning. Today, however, planning ahead is top of mind for advisors for a variety of important reasons with mounting interest in determining if being an employee…
Roger & Rob Sechan Podcast
Seventy2 Capital is a runaway success story on Wall Street; it is a tale of transformation from a modest $3 million team to a juggernaut commanding $75 million in a mere five years. But how did this remarkable metamorphosis unfold? The journey began with a bold departure from big bureaucratic banks like Merrill/Bank of America…
LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Roger Gershman of The Gershman Group who is known to represent the who’s-who of elite advisors for both banks and independents believes LPL’s launch of its PWM platform will change the competitive playing field for the next generation of top advisors. We embrace this launch and we expect many advisors we represent will feel the…
Truist advisors and their predecessor firm Deutsche Bank has been a part of my family’s history for decades. Both myself and my father, Norman Gershman, were once advisors who always had high respect for these advisors and consequently, we too have acted as trusted consultants. As the firm now folds into Truist , we have…
In recent years, the financial services industry has witnessed a notable trend – a significant exodus of both senior management executives and financial advisors from big wirehouse firms to establish or join independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms. The moves have been significant and seem to buck a trend of consolidation in the wirehouse space…
The new year brings reflections on what transpired in 2023 and thoughts for the year ahead. 2023 was undoubtedly a record year for financial advisors transitioning from traditional banks/brokerages to more friendly advisor centric private wealth platforms, including the various choices of independent platforms. Even gestures by some large banks like Merill to modify their…
Financial advisors spend years developing their business, cultivating relationships, and serving clients. After all this work, the same care needs to go into thoughts about succession planning and retirement. For advisors at big firms, the options are limited, they are what they are if advisors have signed agreements with them. However, there are more ways…
We’re here to debunk a myth that while true for decades, no longer holds. In the past, financial advisors felt that they were captive to their big wirehouse institutions because each held some unique value proposition, or points of differentiation from the other. It was essential to remain at a firm because leaving meant you could lose…
When the banking crisis hit First Republic, advisors were left with little time to consider their options. Suddenly, those who had transitioned from Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, UBS, RBC, and Rockefeller Capital to FRB found themselves pushed back into yet another large wirehouse – JPMorgan. For FRB advisors seeking independence, there are platforms available that…
Many ask why big firms and RIAs are getting more aggressive in recruiting and the deals they offer. It is a simple supply and demand question – there aren’t enough high-quality advisors to go around despite the fact firms are acting fast and furious to train younger advisors. Consider the stats: A recent Cerulli reports…
As the United States recently celebrated the Fourth of July, the event brings to mind the true meaning of independence and freedom also for financial advisors. The ability to act and think without restraint is a concept that ignites the entrepreneurial imagination of many. However, in the wealth management industry, dominated by big firm culture…
Financial advisors are witnessing a significant shift in the wealth management industry, with many considering or making moves to new firms. In such transitions, one crucial aspect to consider is the valuation of an advisory practice. Recently, eye-catching figures have been thrown around, exemplified by Focus Financial Partners going private for a staggering $7 billion,…
When advisors contemplate a transition to a new firm, their minds are occupied with crucial considerations: the transition deal, deal economics, technology and platform capabilities, brand reputation, autonomy levels, the firm’s commitment to maintaining a stable GRID and fostering a positive culture. Therefore, evaluating a firm for a potential move requires a nuanced and subtle…
Big wirehouses have been buckling down on Reg BI (Best Interests) for years, adding to the already seemingly high compliance and operations oversight advisors experience. Advisors speak about the positive aspects of business at big firms, rather what you’d expect: loyalty to a firm an advisor has been with for years, a team, the clients,…
It’s amazing to think that in 2023 to date, 16 notable teams left Merrill Lynch for UBS, the sum total of assets approximately $14.3 billion. After touring the US noting they “listened to advisors,” Lindsay Hans and Eric Schimpf continue to come up way short despite the bones thrown to advisors in the 2024 comp…
Effectively managing change requires a delicate balance between the excitement of new opportunities and the apprehension of leaving the familiar behind. At The Gershman Group, we understand that this process involves not only structural adjustments but also emotional considerations. A valuable tool we recommend is creating a comprehensive list of the current situation’s pros and cons…
Alex. Brown, formed in 1800, is the oldest and one of the best investment banks in America – a relatively small house that, while it may have lacked in diversity and reach, the firm more than made up for in service, knowledge, and attention to detail. This boutique nature is one reason why larger Deutsche…
Meet Haig: At Arax, Haig oversees all operations, strategic direction, and leadership of the firm. Prior to joining Arax, Haig was the President and CEO of Alex. Brown, America’s first investment banking firm. While at Alex. Brown, Haig oversaw 220 Financial Advisors in 18 offices and $70B in client assets. Haig was the Head…
Throughout the day, our schedules are filled with calls and meetings with the top advisors and teams in the US. The natural rhythm of conversation centers around identifying what’s effective and pinpointing pain points. At numerous major wirehouses, we consistently hear the refrain: “The compliance and operations oversight is overwhelming; I can barely compose an…
When advising advisors and teams, a crucial initial step is the evaluation of your true worth or value. Frequently, we tend to underestimate our own value—a challenge rooted in our innate subjectivity towards self-assessment. This is a pivotal factor in what we try to profess with most any advisor – understand the value of your…
For over half a century, The Gershman Group has partnered with advisors, guiding them to assess their practices and find the optimal fit. In the past decade, the perennial question has persisted: stick with the established wirehouses or embrace independence. Much like in investing, life demands a careful weighing of risks against rewards. While maximizing…
Alex Brown advisors and their predecessor firm Deutsche Bank has been a part of my family’s history for decades. Both myself and my father, Norman Gershman, were once advisors who always had high respect for these advisors and consequently, we too have acted as trusted consultants. As the firm now folds into Raymand James, we…
Alex Brown, formed in 1800, is the oldest and one of the best investment banks in America – a relatively small house that, what it lacked in diversity and reach more than made up for in service, knowledge, and attention to detail. That was the boutique firm that Deutsche Bank bought in 1999, and the…
First things first As we converse daily with dozens of Alex Brown advisors, we noticed a recurring subject around uncertainty which would lead to the following question: “What are you seeing other FA’s like me do?” In this survey we set out to answer that question. The Gershman Group conducted an independent survey, anonymous compiling…
*Oct 2023: Castle Island Family Office currently only custody thru Schwab and exploring Goldman Sachs Advisor Solutions as a second solution for their advisors. Kevin McCluskey is Founder and CEO at Castle Island Family Office and Managing Partner of its Investment arm, Sea Hunter Capital. Previously Kevin has been Capital Markets Portfolio Advisor for over…
Meet Bruce: After a successful 30+ year career at Merrill Lynch, Brad launched mFORCE Capital in 2021 as an independent wealth management advisory firm. In mFORCE, he has found the freedom and flexibility to serve his clients as they truly deserve. Brad is driven by his passion to deliver effective and relevant solutions, and…
JPMorgan’s Private Bank initiated a new family office practice geared towards the UHNW. For First Republic advisors sitting in the wealth management arm of the business, this announcement brings some concern given that the firm’s attention seems to be focused on the Private Bank. 17-year JPMorgan veteran, William Sinclair, is to lead the group and…
Making a transition to a new firm can be exhilarating, but it’s essential to “think fast and slow” – we applaud the adrenaline and momentum but no so fast, the devil is in the details as always. Here are a few headlines to have top of mind to ease your transition. Ink It, Don’t Speak…
There’s been much talk about AI recently, and we thought it would be worth evaluating how AI is set to impact advisors. As top-tier advisors know, AI isn’t going to replace those jobs, but it very might well replace jobs that call centers currently handle in the neighborhood of values $300,000 or less. The loss…
When top-notch advisors set their sights on new horizons, they know it’s not just about a change of scenery; it’s about finding their golden ticket to success. The financial world is a wild ride, and evaluating a potential firm demands the keen eye of a seasoned detective best navigated with a recruiter, lawyer, and CPA…
The wealth management landscape is undergoing a thrilling metamorphosis, with financial advisors seizing the opportunity to break free from the chains of big firms and venture into independence. Picture this: a seismic shift in the industry, akin to the aftermath of JPMorgan Chase’s acquisition of First Republic Bank, has advisors itching to liberate themselves from…
Exciting new horizons await, but let’s get real here – not everything can just slide over to your new firm from your old firm. Sorry for the downbeat news flash but it’s the truth. You need to be smart about what assets can or should move during a firm transition. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty!…
In today’s financial landscape, the notion of independence has taken center stage for financial advisors. Top firms are imposing stringent compliance measures, facing financial penalties for misconduct, and subjecting advisors to invasive surveillance. As a result, many advisors feel trapped and long for personal freedom. Compensation structures are also becoming uncertain, leaving advisors unsure about…
In a scenario reminiscent of The Clash’s iconic song “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” First Republic advisors find themselves facing tough decisions. While JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) assures them that they will be treated differently, respecting their unique culture and franchise, skepticism abounds. Advisors are being enticed with promises that their former offices will…
In today’s podcast, they discuss the employment and retention contracts presented to First Republic Advisors by JPMorgan and the points they should be aware of when reviewing these documents. Meet Rogge Dunn: Rogge Dunn handles employment, partnerships, FINRA, class actions, arbitration, defamation, privacy issues, shareholder oppression, “business divorce,” non-competes, trade secrets, whistleblowing, and significant personal…
Overall, the acquisition of First Republic’s wealth management business by JPMorgan presents both opportunities and challenges for financial advisors. While the acquisition will give First Republic advisors access to new vast resources, they will also need to navigate the challenges of integration, client retention, and cultural differences. Ultimately, success will depend on the ability of…
No doubt it has been a brutal six-week journey for First Republic advisors. Advisors may think they should be rewarded for their loyalty in staying the course when other colleagues fled early. The path of least resistance has certainly been to stay put, however, in doing so, advisors face changes in compensation, more bureaucracy, less…
There is a tremendous sigh of relief for First Republic advisors and their clients after a very chaotic six weeks. Now, instead of the urgency to leave, advisors have a new great added choice of platforms to choose from to continue to service their clients. We hope to add some experience and historical precedent of…
The run on First Republic Bank driven by clients’ fears has left financial advisors in quite a quandary. Many advisors are shell shocked by what’s happened and are in a state of confusion about the decision to stay or go. One group clearly has decided to be on the go, some have already departed, and…
For the First Republic advisor on the move, it is essential to have legal representation in place as soon as possible. Ideally, counsel would have familiarity with First Republic contracts to begin with as well as with the go to firms such as: Morgan Stanley, UBS, Wells Fargo, Rockefeller, JPMS, or RBC. Any restrictions contractually…
Our loyalty is to First Republic Bank as a proud 30-year private banking customer and having recruited diligently for the firm for over a decade. Like all advisors, we are extremely hopeful for a positive outcome and recommend to advisors expend all options to stay at the firm. Of course, many have begun to formulate…
Meet Roger: Having spent twenty-five years himself as a financial advisor at Hambrecht & Quist, UBS PWM, and Credit Suisse, Mr. Gershman brings a unique perspective to the recruiting and consulting world of financial advisors. With this real-life experience, he now runs the family consulting firm his father founded 40 years ago who also was…
Meet Vince: Vince’s career spans 28 years in U.S. wealth management, international wealth management and private banking. He joined Sanctuary Wealth in 2019 after serving on Merrill Lynch’s senior leadership team and executive committee. As Managing Director, Vince ascended into the role of one of six divisional executives responsible for leading Merrill Lynch’s Wealth Management business. He also served as a Bank of America Market President in Texas, selected by the CEO to bring together various statewide lines…
A few days ago Mindy Diamond hosted a “candid” interview with Andy Sieg, The President of Bank of America Merrill Lynch. In that interview many were disappointed with the questions asked and more importantly the answers. In this episode we answer without bias – understanding what the firm is actually going through as we speak…
Roger Gershman here again for a three minute drill and landscape update on our beloved industry. Seeing it from your eyes, A really great week for Wall Street what Goldman Sachs announced layoffs. Well, the last bastion of profitability at the bank is the private wealth division. Very surprisingly, they’ve laid off several producers…
Roger Gershman here, with a three minute drill on the state of affairs of the markets, today’s podcast is, why not just leave for the check. And that’s what many advisors tell me, Oh, that advisor left for the check, or they leave for the check. And they have not as much of an…
The Penalty Box – financial advisors are opting to escape the big four wire houses now before it is too late. There have been a record number of top financial advisor teams leaving the big four wire houses for boutique firms or going fully independent themselves. This trend is occurring for a variety of reasons…
On September 27, 2022 the SEC charged 15 broker dealers and one affiliated investment advisor over $1.1 billion in fines due to failure to keep appropriate records. This time, the focal point was text messaging, normally bundled with a more significant offense, but this time, a stand-alone. As an advisor, how many times have you…
Today’s podcast is about the value of independence. And why seriously consider going in the banks and brokerage firms have become a real thorn in advisor sides. They’re more interested in shareholder value, they’re more interested in compliance are more interested in legal, and they’re interested in the lowest common denominator of the financial…
Today’s podcast is about the value of banks and brokerage firms. You know, banks and brokerage firms have gotten a pretty bad rap over these last few years of compliance, cracking down payouts being cut just more and more difficult to do business clients being charged fees going down, lack of control. And there’s…
This podcast is about private banking models versus traditional brokerage models. There is essentially a philosophical and economical war between models. You have on one hand the JP Morgan, the US trust the Citibank, the BoA model. Versus the Morgan Stanley the UBS, the Wells Fargo, Merrill Lynch, Stiefel, Nicholas and Ray J model. So…
Today’s podcast is about why would you ever consider departing your firm in a tough or bear market? Mean, frankly, it’s never a good time to exit. I mean, think about the last few years, I mean, the businesses have been booming and advisors to bring on new clients and bring on new staff. And…
Why do advisors believe that they have the inside edge to negotiate their own deal and go direct advisors invariably know somebody on the inside of the, of the competition. They know senior leadership, they know the local manager, they might even know the CEO. They might be friends with them. They might be neighbors…
This podcast is called the tug of war banks versus financial advisors. For years, there was a difference between banks and their products in their offerings, Merrill Lynch, UBS, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Raymond James RBC, Hebert inquest, Alex Brown, Deutsche Bank. Lehman Brothers, Bear Stearns. And so each firm had their belly…
This podcast is about why your business just may not grow for the next decade. Why not? Well, why wouldn’t we enter a bear market where markets are flat for 10 years, Stanley Drucken miller, who is one of the most respected minds on Wall Street, whose average any returns were 30% for almost 20…
This podcast is about the greatest retirement boom we’ve seen in a generation. And I’m not talking about Baby Motors. I’m talking about financial advisors entering the greatest retirement boom in the history of financial advisors. Today there’s mass buyers and many different exit strategies. The question is, do you want to be the last…
Who is the Boogie Man? The Boogie Man is your compliance department who knew this already? You knew that they’re watching, but we’ve seen a massive increase in the scale of firms watching over the shoulder of those advisors with massive divisions within your firm that are getting more and more efficient. Watching everything you…
Today’s podcast is about transitioning in a tough economy. Is this the time to move? There never is a good time to move. When markets are booming. It’s really busy. Really tough to consider when markets are getting smacked and things are down and you’re holding a lot of clients hands. Another really tough…
So this is a podcast regarding a monster trend that we’re seeing of traditional advisors that big banks and brokerage firms moving to start their own independent operations. The reason why we’re seeing this mega move and mega moves at all these big banks are because of the ease of creating your own independent…
Wells Fargo announced today that they will continue, in perpetuity, the largest recruiting deals on the street. They also reiterated their commitment to significantly reward recruiters for pushing valuable recruits to their multiplicity of platforms with increased recruiting fees that dwarf the industry standard. Wells Fargo just extended the holiday season for eligible advisors, teams,…
Meet Bartenstein: As the chief executive officer of Kestra Private Wealth Services, Rob is dedicated to providing experienced advisors with the services and support they need to start their own successful, independent businesses. In 2011, he helped establish Washington Wealth Management, which rebranded as Kestra Private Wealth Services in 2016. Meet Roger: Having spent…
Every advisor does their proper ‘due diligence’ whether choosing an investment opportunity, prospecting for a new client, and certainly choosing a new banking platform to conduct their business. This crucial due diligence process has consumed the minds of First Republic advisors as they approach the impending deadline, contemplating their fate with or without JPMorgan. While…
First Republic acquires a $10 million group, Sal Tiano and team in Florida. Sal leaves JP Morgan after 29 years. The team was managing approximately $2 billion + in assets at JPM. A great win for First Republic. ABOUT FIRST REPUBLIC First Republic has been on a major recruiting binge, recruiting top teams nationally. In…
Some financial advisors believe it is best to structure a deal on their own. Then there are some who believe using a recruiter is advantageous when shaping a deal. Which line of thinking is best? That depends on your situation, but we hope to provide some answers here to help you make that first step…
Rockefeller Capital Management acquires The Sargent Team from Morgan Stanley in New York. John Sargent and team produced a trailing $5 million, managing assets of $1.5 billion. Sargent was responsible for the launch of the highly successful “Weekend Journal” at Wall Street Journal publications. In their other acquisition, Rockefeller bought on a $3.5M team that…
Seller’s Market Begging Advisors To Name Their Price During and shortly after the financial crisis recruiting deals skyrocketed to all-time highs No longer were practice acquisitions being had in the 200’s, rather the best teams were cashing in above 300%. First Republic, Wells Fargo, and even Morgan Stanley says ‘hold my beer’. Premium deals routinely…
UBS is bracing for significant advisor losses throughout 2020. At least they better be. The aggressive comp grid changes provided the perfect cover for advisors and teams on the edge when considering a move to a new firm, to hit the bid. **There is a $14M dollar team we do not represent that is leaving…
Another sign that moves in the turbulent coronavirus era are rare, but possible… Just this month, RBC Wealth Management-U.S. hired a five-broker team that had been managing $688M in assets at Wells Fargo. The team – Gregory Fuerst, John Welsch, Michael Korb, Carl Helleberg Barbara Frenz, including two client associates, Beverly Hebenstreich and Kristan Janssen,…
Rockefeller Capital Management added a seven-person private wealth management team in New York City that produced between $11M over the past year and oversaw about $2 billion of assets at Stifel Nicolaus. The team is led by Ed Moldaver. Moldaver’s senior partner, James J. “Jimmy” Lee were among the top producers at St. Louis-based Stifel.…
Wells Fargo made a commitment 18 months ago that ‘money was no object’ when it came to rebuilding its wealth management brand. Refilling the seats that were left be advisors that bailed out in 2018/19 was its top priority. Not only did they open the corporate coffers, but they bolstered their platform, upgraded senior leadership,…
* Doug Linker, Noel Hedges, and their ten-person team in New Jersey made a huge move from Merrill Lynch (Paramus branch) to Rockefeller Capital Management. The team produced $6 million on about $750 million of client assets. All members of the team followed except for Kevin Ward, who is semi-retiring. * Rockefeller landed a husband-and-wife…
UBS brass has executed a cadre of missteps that is giving every large team in its firm ample reason to not only look elsewhere; but to protest with their feet and actually go elsewhere. Since the beginning of 2020 UBS (save one large private banking move) is a huge net loss leader across the wealth…
If it seems like larger and more frequent recruiting headlines keep hitting the tape, you are viewing the wealth management landscape correctly. Each and every week hundreds of millions, if not billions, in client assets are filling out asset transfer paperwork on Saturday and Sunday across the country. And there is no slow down in…
UBS thinks it’s a good idea to play with fire. That’s the best explanation we can come up with when evaluating the 2020 comp changes that have been leaked. In this sense, playing with fire is a catchy way of saying they feel comfortable going to war with their own advisors. The changes that are…
