• QuickPress

    Which Independent Broker-Dealers Have the Highest Percentage of Women Advisors?

    Women financial advisors stand a long way from equal footing with men in terms of hiring and pay—and independent broker-dealers are no exception to the industry-wide disparities. The average share of female registered representatives out of the total headcounts of the largest IBDs amounts to an estimated 17%, according to data submitted by firms for Financial Planning’s 33rd annual FP50 survey. To read the full article in FinancialPlanning, click: Which Independent Broker-Dealers Have the Highest Percentage of Women Advisors?

  • QuickPress

    Citing “Societal Need” for Planning, Northwestern Mutual Makes M&A Play

    Northwestern Mutual, the parent of No. 5 IBD Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, took a majority stake in consulting firm ClientWise, the two firms announced this week.  The partnership will give Northwestern’s advisors access to coaching and digital tools while providing ClientWise with capital. To read the full article in FinancialPlanning, click: Citing “Societal Need” for Planning, Northwestern Mutual Makes M&A Play.

  • QuickPress

    Advisors Overweight Technology, Financials Amid Earnings Concerns: SSGA

    A slump in U.S. corporate profit is the biggest concern expressed by financial professionals responding to a State Street Global Advisors survey.  James Green, group editorial director Investment Advisor Group, examines if rising stock market volatility is close behind. To read the full article in ThinkAdvisor, click: Advisors Overweight Technology, Financials Amid Earnings Concerns: SSGA.

  • Healthcare - QuickPress

    With New Health Law, Sharp Rise in Premiums—New York Times, 20+ Other Outlets

    2013 California Filings:   Aetna: 22 percent.  Anthem Blue Cross: 26 percent.  Blue Shield of California: 20 percent. Reed Abelson at the New York Times reported last week that health insurance companies across the country are seeking and winning double-digit increases in premiums for some customers, even though one of the biggest objectives of the Obama administration’s health care law was to stem the rapid rise in insurance costs for consumers. More: