The emergence of new competitors, such as robo-advisors, combined with the impact of increased regulation and shifts at both the client level and within the advisor population, have led to a drop in average AUM and productivity
Pablo Fuchs, senior editor with Investment Executive, and Fiona Collie, staff writer, discuss the results of the 2016 Dealers’ Report Card, including growing books of business for advisors and improvement to firms’ ratings in a variety of categories.
Reps are seeing new highs in their books of business. And advisors are rating their firms higher this year in a variety of categories, as the work their dealers are doing to improve is appreciated
Although some firms are doing a better job on technology, the "satisfaction gap" in this category suggests much work is needed
With little consensus among advisors about what they need from their firms in ongoing training, the firms that are praised most offer the right blend of what advisors are looking for
Regulatory initiatives such as CRM2 are forcing firms to create or improve their IT platforms - as well as increase the support and education for advisors making the transition to or operating within a fee-based practice
Support for mobile technology is becoming more important for financial advisors, and firms are doing a better job of delivering the help advisors need to be productive when away from the office
Advisors are happier when their firms focus on informing advisors about what's important, including the firm's strategic focus, and provide the proper channels through which to communicate with leadership
Acquisition wrecks havoc on ratings
For many financial advisors surveyed for this year’s Dealers’ Report Card, their firm’s corporate culture is difficult to define and embrace because of geographical distance. But a few firms manage to overcome this obstacle by giving priority to strong communication and focusing on relationships with their advisors. Many advisors pointed out that because their dealer’s […]