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…
It is no secret that Brian Moynihan is intent on pushing Bank of America’s private banking model over the wealth management model. Moynihan often chastises wealth management stating that “it is the least profitable division in the firm.” Do advisors feel supported in that? We question where the plan is to aggressively invest and make…
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…
Finally, there’s a bit of good news out of Merrill Lynch, a respite for war torn advisors exhausted with massive compliance and operations oversight, the newly released 2024 compensation grid changes throw a little bone to advisors and repeal some dreaded policies. While we don’t believe this will stop the bleeding as far as seasoned…
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…