Latest news in Brokerage Report Card

Advisors praise equity ownership, stable payouts

But other advisors criticize their firms for lack of flexibility and for paying more attention to high-producing advisors (includes chart)

The making of a Report Card

Now it its 18th year (includes links to previous years)

Software, experts are key to satisfaction

Customized tools and specialized support are essential to developing a solid financial plan, advisors say (includes chart)

Firms backing up their advisors

Most firms are offering some type of support for their advisors in this recession (includes chart)

Guarantees reign in these troubled times

Despite a slip in the overall rating, advisors remain satisfied with their firms’ support efforts for insurance planning (includes chart)

Succession planning now a priority

Team environments become a burgeoning trend for industry worried about the future (includes chart)

Advisors’ wallets get a little lighter

Overall, take-home pay has decreased as a result of the market and some structural changes (includes chart)

Advisors displeased with research desks

Nine of 16 firms see lower ratings; advisors voice concerns about the process (includes chart)

Mobile platforms, training take centre stage

It’s not enough to provide advisors with high-end technology tools; firms must also provide solid training on how to use the tools

Books get smaller

The recession is taking its toll on advisors (includes chart)

Advisors take market meltdown in stride

But while most advisors remain satisfied with their brokerages, some firms have taken a tumble (includes chart)

Having a stake in employer has its benefits

But dissatisfaction arises because of depressed financial services stocks and equity-ownership models

A tale of three brokerages

One sees a reversal in fortunes, two others turn downward (includes main chart)

Compiling the 2009 Brokerage Report Card

674 advisors at 16 investment firms; Plus results from previous years

Bank-owned firms could learn from the others

Advisors’ views on their firms’ advertising vary depending on their brokerage’s business model

New entrants, new questions

How the Brokerage Report Card is done

Administrative support is front and centre: Includes chart

Advisors are no longer placing a greater emphasis on the financial support they receive when moving firms

Firms step up efforts to improve advisors’ desktops

But not all advisors are happy with the new platforms their firms have introduced — and the scores show it

Advisors displeased with account statements

But moves toward offering statements online and customization could change advisors’ perceptions

More advisors integrate financial planning into their practices: Includes chart

But the percentage of advisors holding financial planning designations has declined considerably over the past five years

Advisors looking for more than just dollars: Includes chart

Special incentive programs such as bonuses, trips and exclusive clubs have gained in prominence

A way to develop closer relationships with clients: Includes chart

If a brokerage offers clients banking products, there is a chance the firm could become the clients’ primary financial institution

Insurance gains prominence: Includes chart

Scores for support for insurance planning are up, as is advisors’ insurance revenue

Firms increase emphasis on research desks: Includes chart

Advisors continue to rate equity research strongly; scores for mutual fund research improve

Blackmont thrives under CI ownership

The independent brokerage has made significant gains, thanks to the stability brought by its new parent firm