Financial Advisor IQ

The number of FAs who changed firms in 2025 didn't differ significantly from that of 2024, the landscape of advisor moves was notable for massive migrations from a few firms, FA-IQ research shows. ow.ly/sHL150XQ4rG

As AI is steadily integrated into wealth management, firms must do their due diligence to protect client data, industry professionals warn. ow.ly/VBEC50XMGsL

An Ohio broker was barred four years ago following allegations of converting client funds. Now, he’s been sentenced to more than four years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion. Learn more: ow.ly/aXaP50XMC33

As asset and wealth management firms finalize their 2026 market forecasts, FA-IQ examines how 2025 predictions measured up to actual performance. ow.ly/O1w350XLzbQ

The SEC in April rejected 16 firms’ requests to modify terms of settlements over their employees’ use of unapproved communication channels. The regulator is now defending its decision before an appeals court. Glenn Koch reviews the details. Learn more: ow.ly/q14P50XLuyB

Earlier this year Schwab raised fees for the referral program as well as the client-referral minimum. Learn more: ow.ly/KyT950XL1oU

Teaming options are also creating new opportunities for external advisors with an eye on succession plans, according to Head of Advisor Recruiting Jason Henderson. ow.ly/BWBQ50XJWS9

Finra has barred a former FA fired by LPL Financial over allegations that she accessed accounts of her former clients at another firm. ow.ly/FueG50XJJXA

In an age of rapid technological developments, FAs need to know how to use AI to their advantage while respecting its limitations. ow.ly/pLFK50XICZC

Merrill has resumed hiring experienced FAs after a period of highly selective recruiting, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan said Wednesday. ow.ly/pCX750XIwW3

LPL’s six affiliation models “provide a seamless path for advisors to move up or down that spectrum,” according to Chief Growth Officer Marc Cohen. ow.ly/y57550XHBlA

Will AI replace the need for a financial advisor altogether? Probably not. FA-IQ's Katie Balevic explains how advisors can best leverage AI in their work. ow.ly/AYHV50XHtkF

Finra says it wants to tap into the feedback loop created between its regulations and its member firms to better prepare firms for compliance. ow.ly/vRlj50XH3Ij

The SEC last month charged a $4 billion RIA with failing to comply with agency's data-protection rules following a cybersecurity breach. Compliance consultants say more enforcement actions are expected now that rule updates have kicked in. ow.ly/UvCV50XGsps

Pontera made it easier for advisors to manage held-away accounts, but in the wake of Fidelity’s restrictions on the platform, advisors have had to rethink their work processes. ow.ly/qLbk50XGpAT

Charles Lewis Jr. incurred legitimate expenses in excess of the bogus ones he filed with Wells Fargo but lacked the receipts to support the legitimate ones, according to Finra. Read more: ow.ly/a2z250XFTVW

Today's Industry Moves: $1.5B Motley Fool–Linked RIA to Join Apollon UBS Adds Solo FAs in Colorado, Florida LPL Names New Chief Legal Officer ow.ly/iWnF50XFMCj

A new Finra survey shows widespread confusion about investment fees, with one in five investors incorrectly believing they pay none and a similar portion unable to identify the costs they pay. ow.ly/VMpC50XCZet

Osaic Wealth has been ordered to pay more than $3 million to resolve allegations that its legacy Securities America unit did not adequately supervise registered representatives' sales of mutual funds. Learn more: ow.ly/EJH250XC0jY

In part two of this series on engaging spouses in estate planning, industry professionals suggest ways to get silent or unassertive spouses involved in the estate planning process. ow.ly/IZRN50XBYkZ