Client acquisition

M&A

Morgan Stanley bets E-Trade will dodge the Dean Witter jokes

Morgan Stanley’s merger a quarter century ago with a brokerage that had branches in Sears was met with sneers. Now, the firm is taking another stab at luring mom-and-pop investors.

February 21

Monitors display Morgan Stanley signage in New York February 22, 2019

Client acquisition

Voices: Morgan Stanley targets young money with E-Trade

Long associated with catering to the wealthiest clients, Morgan is also astute enough to see which way the winds are blowing for the industry.

By Brian Chappatta

February 21

The 2 ‘major threats’ this Top 40 Under 40 advisor is guarding against

Merrill Lynch’s Nicole Christians talks about the mindset shift her team underwent in 2019.

Sponsored by Investments and Wealth Institute

Are tractor pulls next for this Top 40 Under 40 advisor?

Merrill Lynch advisor Stephen Bealer also talks about where he finds prospective clients.

Sponsored by Investments and Wealth Institute

Best qualities in teammates? $4.3M advisor shares his top 3

Morgan Stanley's Maxwell Bull says these same characteristics can be found in competitive team sports.

Sponsored by Investments and Wealth Institute

How this Top 40 advisor grew his practice by nearly $300M

UBS advisor Aric Zamel talks about getting more selective when adding new clients.

Sponsored by Investments and Wealth Institute

What key trend is this Top 40 Under 40 advisor watching?

Merrill Lynch’s Kevin Bruegge is eyeing this issue on account of “cost compression, an aging bull market, and a likely pick up in volatility in the near future.”

Sponsored by Investments and Wealth Institute

Earnings

Morgan Stanley on the hunt for 1 million new clients

The firm plans to entice new customers through its stock plan administration and financial wellness businesses.

By Andrew Welsch

January 16

Earnings

Merrill loses advisors but brings in record clients

The firm added 40,000 new accounts last year and hit a record $3 trillion in client balances.

By Andrew Welsch

January 15

ows_01_15_2019 Bank of America wealth management assets Merrill Lynch fourth quarter earnings.png

How to succeed in the low-margin custody business: Lightning Round with Schwab's Bernie Clark

After considerable changes in 2019, how will the firm navigate fee compression and answer renewed questions over whether it competes with RIAs for clients?