Bank-owned dealers upgrading and heading into next technology cycle
Different business models attract different advisors; when the fit is good, they laud their firms
How investment advisors ranked their dealers in 2005: Includes main chart
Advisors tell us these are the qualities they hold dear
Client-service capabilities, strong client focus, motivation and, of course, ethics are important requirements
TD Waterhouse and ScotiaMcLeod show improved scores and more positive remarks from their advisors
Trend toward fewer but higher net-worth investors has accompanied a rise in assets and productivity
But firms structure in equity or profit participation to enhance appeal
Almost all the firms have plans to grow their sales forces over the next few years
Brokers rated succession planning low in importance but their firms are concerned about a smooth transition of assets