Talent Search: Firms Recruit Brokers Who Need Platform
Forefront Advisory, an independent asset management firm, is using the financial crisis as an opportunity to scoop up laid-off and unhappy Wall Street talent. Tiburon quoted saying that the perfect storm may be brewing in the wirehouses for substantial defections.

Forefront Hops on Breakaway Broker Bandwagon
With Wall Street investment banks floundering, brokers and traders have been laid off in droves. Tiburon quoted saying that the perfect storm may be arriving for break-away brokers.

Forefront Hops on Breakaway Broker Bandwagon
With Wall Street investment banks floundering, brokers and traders have been laid off in droves. Tiburon quoted saying that the perfect storm may be arriving for break-away brokers.

Forefront Hops on Breakaway Broker Bandwagon
With Wall Street investment banks floundering, brokers and traders have been laid off in droves. Tiburon quoted saying that the perfect storm may be arriving for break-away brokers.

Don't Wait Until a Client Retires to Advise on Held-Away Assets
It should be no surprise to financial advisors that assets from retirement plan rollovers make up a good portion of firms' assets under management.  Article quotes Tiburon research report saying that 20% of all financial advisor assets are rollovers.

DFA's Booth: Retirement a Long Way Off
Sixty three is the new forty in some people's eyes. So says David Booth, co-founder and CEO of Dimensional Fund Advisors as he named a new Co-CEO. Tiburon quoted saying that the model of a strategic chief and an operating is more common in the industry.

Ken Fisher Has Two Words for You
Investment professionals are somewhat divided in their market outlooks. Article mentions Ken Fisher recently receiving Tiburon CEO Summit Challenging Conventional Wisdom award.

Are the Wirehouses as Broken as the Breakaway Brokers Insist?
Where will you be working in five years? Before you answer, consider this: Have you noticed your in box littered with webinar invitations to learn more, compare platforms, and consider a move to independence? Article extensively quotes Tiburon saying the wirehouses are down but not yet out.

Faculty & Staff
Deena Katz, an associate professor in the Division of Financial Planning, spoke at the Tiburon CEO Summit at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco in October.  Article promotes speech of recent Tiburon CEO Summit speaker.

Stat Bank
Article quotes Tiburon research showing that three-quarters of consumer believe that the credit crisis is as serious as the dot com bubble burst.

Charles Schwab and Ken Fisher Share Spotlight, Receive Awards at Tiburon CEO Summit XVII
Tiburon Strategic Advisors, a market research & strategy consulting firm serving a wide variety of financial institutions and investment managers, recently awarded its inaugural Tiburon CEO Summit awards to Charles Schwab and Ken Fisher.

RIA Hybrids Help Genworth's Wealth Management Business to Stunning Growth
Genworth Financial Wealth Management is growing like it did in the good old days. Tiburon quoted saying that 41 billion per quarter is substantial flow for a firm this size.

New Competition for Big RIA Service Providers
Spurred by opportunism and a desire to offset potential losses, some financial services companies are contending with established players like Schwab, Fidelity, & TD Ameritrade for market share as service providers to independent registered investment advisors. Tiburon data utilized suggesting the market is $2 trillion.

Q&A: Chip Roame, Tiburon Strategic Advisors
Tiburon Strategic Advisors, led by Chip Roame, just wrapped up its 17th semi-annual Tiburon CEO Summit in mid-October in San Francisco. Article is Q&A with Tiburon's managing principal.

Mostly Commissions to Mostly Fees: Making the Switch Work for You
If you are thinking about trying the fee-based side of your business, you are not alone. Article quotes Tiburon data suggesting further growth in the fee-based financial advisor market.

Financial Facts to Enjoy with Coffee
I recently read a report from Tiburon Strategic Advisors, a research group that serves the financial services sector.  Article summarizes recent Tiburon current events research report.

Test Driving Retirement Plans
More companies are rolling out detailed and affordable services to help get your finances in shape. We tell you what's good about them and what's not so good. Tiburon quoted saying that many consumers will benefit from these simple financial planning programs.

Tiburon CEO Summit XVII
Advertisement for Tiburon CEO Summit XVII mentions upcoming award recipients - Charles Schwab & Ken Fisher - as well as nine guest speakers.

Charles Schwab and Hedge Fund Founder Ken Fisher Recipients of Tiburon's Inaugural CEO Summit Awards
Ken Fisher, founder & CEO of Fisher Investments, will be honored along with Charles Schwab as recipients of Tiburon's Inaugural CEO Summit Awards focusing on their contributions to Focusing on Consumer Needs and Challenging Conventional Wisdom.

Top Financial Services Executives to Gather at Tiburon's Semi-Annual CEO Summit XVII to Discuss What's Next for the Industry
More than 120 top executives from leading financial services institutions will convene tomorrow and Thursday, october 7-8, at the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco for Tiburon's CEO Summit XVII.

Fiserv Vice Chairman Pete Kight to Speak at the Tiburon CEO Summit on October 7, 2009
Fiserv, the leading global provider of financial services technology solutions, today announced that Pete Kight, vice chairman of Fiserv and founder of Check Free Corporation, will speak at the Tiburon CEO Summit on October 7 in  San Francisco, CA.

Ken Fisher Tells Industry Summit to Look Beyond Best Practices to Achieve Break-Out Performance in Asset Management
Never yet done practices - rather than best practices - hold the key to break-out performance in the asset management industry, Ken Fisher, CEO of Fisher Investments, said in remarks prepared for Tiburon CEO Summit XVII.

Family Scion Revives Edwards
Not many startup entrepreneurs can use a 120 year track record as a recruiting tool, but Tad Edwards can. Article quotes Tiburon saying that Benjamin F. Edwards will likely be successful in recruiting traditional brokers.

Charles Schwab Will Speak and His Fellow CEOs Will Listen
Chuck Schwab will receive a maintaining focus on the consumer award and then give a speech about the subject. Article quotes Tiburon saying that Chuck Schwab was one of the most worthy recipients one could imagine.

UBS Weighs Options as the Suddenly Smallest Wirehouse
No one can deny that it has been a tough year for UBS' wealth management business int he US. Article quotes Tiburon saying that UBS' business has likely been widely shopped.

BOMs for Hire
As the breakaway broker market heats up, RIA firms are beginning to recruit BOMs. Tiburon quoted saying only the largest fee-based financial advisors will be able to afford to recruit wirehouse branch managers.

Stat Bank
18,159... The total number of fee-based financial advisors in the United States in 2009, a 40% increase since 2005 per Tiburon Strategic Advisors.

Tiburon Strategic Advisors Honors Charles Schwab & Ken Fisher
Tiburon Strategic Advisors, a market research & strategy consulting firm serving a wide variety of financial institutions and investment managers, has announced the recipients of its inaugural Tiburon CEO Summit Awards: Charles Schwab & Ken Fisher.  Article summarizes recent press release from Tiburon.

A Sound Budget Should Not Break the Backs of City Taxpayers
I am Peter Michael and I hope to serve the citizens of Saratoga Springs as the next commissioner of finance.  Article quotes Tiburon saying that the Goldman Sachs Group acquisition of AYCO may not be as logical as once thought.

RIAs Grab BOMs to Help Recruit
On March 17, The Moneta Group, a Clayton, MO-based RIA with $7 billion in assets under management, announced that Gene Diederich joined. Article quotes Tiburon saying that the largest RIAs may recruit leading wirehouse branch managers.

What More Validators Mean for Your Business
Article summarizes highlights of recent Tiburon research report on online tools & advice.

Is Becoming a Fiduciary Inevitable?
Tiburon quoted saying that change is inevitable because the wirehouses have been loosing assets to independent advisors.

UBS, MSSB Help Managers Adjust to New Roles
Tiburon quoted saying that the training is a nice gesture.

The Good News: Growing Up of RIAs Means Bigger Asset Inflows
Tiburon Strategic Advisors published a massive report on RIAs last week and uses the "M" word for the industry of registered investment advisors. Article summarizes highlights of recently published Tiburon research report.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVII October 7-8, 2009 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

Tiburon CEO Summit XVII
Advertisement for Tiburon CEO Summit XVII mentions upcoming award recipients - Charles Schwab & Ken Fisher - as well as nine guest speakers.

Industry Consultants Grow Practices by Taking on Deadline Projects
The management consultants seem to have all of the answers. Article quotes Tiburon saying that visionary projects are gone.

Advisor Shares Investments, Initiates Public Offering
Fund.Com announced here today that its majority owned subsidiary Advisor Shares Investments initiated a public offering.  Article quotes Tiburon data saying that there are 10,466 registered investment advisors (RIAs).

Fund.Com Affiliate, Advisor Shares Investments, Initiates Public Offering
Fund.Com announced here today that its majority owned subsidiary Advisor Shares Investments initiated a public offering.  Article quotes Tiburon data saying that there are 10,466 registered investment advisors (RIAs).

Fund.Com Affiliate, Advisor Shares Investments, Initiates Public Offering
Fund.Com announced here today that its majority owned subsidiary Advisor Shares Investments initiated a public offering.  Article quotes Tiburon data saying that there are 10,466 registered investment advisors (RIAs).

Broker Movement Slows Despite Busy August
Tiburon quoted saying that while there has been reason to leave several of the wirehouses recently, none were in the best position to recruit.

Comment: Small is Becoming Beautiful
The epic travails of big financial institutions over the past year have been a windfall for America's small independent investment advisors. Tiburon quoted saying about half of independent advisors' net new assets came from wirehouses in 2008.

Comment: Small is Becoming Beautiful
News of a 20% profit hike for fund advisor Hargreaves Lansdown in the year to June has illustrated the way small is becoming beautiful as far as the wealth advisory business is concerned.  Article quotes Tiburon data saying that half of independent advisors' net new assets came form wirehouses.

UBS Settles Tax Case, Poised to Hire McCann, Sheds 800+ FAs
In early August, US authorities struck a deal with UBS over the names of some 4,500 UBS clients who may have evaded taxes. Article quotes Tiburon saying that UBS may either focus its financial advisor business on high end reps or sell it off.

Editor's Letter
This month Financial Planning looks ahead at the future of your business and back over where you have been. Article refers to participation of Tiburon managing principal in article in this issue of magazine.

Forward & Back: What we Learned from the Market Collapse
We asked various financial luminaries, including Roger Ibbotson, NAPFA president Diahann Lassus, Tiburon's Chip Roame, and others, to share what they learned as well.... [article summary coming soon]

Roame on RIAs
Industry consultant Chip Roame says that the number one trend in the advisory marketplace is a movement to ETFs and alternative investments and away from traditional mutual funds.  Article extensively quotes Tiburon's managing principal.

Advisors Feel the Pinch
Advisors are getting squeezed across all channels, according to the State of the Financial Advisor marketplace, a study released Monday by Financial Research Corporation. Tiburon quoted saying that the financial advisory business is a high margin business but that may be threatened.

On Life Support a Year Ago, Merrill Pays for Top Producers
Its almost hard to believe that it has been a year since that fateful weekend in September that saw the end of once-mighty Merrill Lynch as a stand-alone firm.  Article quotes Tiburon saying that Sallie Krawcheck is a great addition.

Small Wonders
The epic travails of big financial institutions over the past year have been a windfall for America's small independent investment advisors. Tiburon quoted saying about half of independent advisors' net new assets came from wirehouses in 2008.

Facts on Fee-Based RIA Market
Article summarizes key facts from recent Tiburon research report on fee-based financial advisors.

New Product Pays Guaranteed Income on Managed Accounts
Do you have clients who want guaranteed income but are reluctant to sign onto an annuity that pledges underlying assets to an insurance company? Tiburon quoted saying that standalone living benefits may be a popular new product.

New Product Pays Guaranteed Income on Managed Accounts
Do you have clients who want guaranteed income but are reluctant to sign onto an annuity that pledges underlying assets to an insurance company? Tiburon quoted saying that standalone living benefits may be a popular new product.

Fee-Based Financial Advisors Prefer Schwab
The number of fee-based financial advisors has reached 18,159, up nearly 40% since 2005. Article profiles recent Tiburon research report on fee-based financial advisors.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVII October 7-8, 2009 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

Huntington's Proprietary Funds Fight the Current
Every business has a magic number and conventional wisdom to go along with it. Tiburon quoted saying that banks can be profitable with lower asset levels in proprietary mutual funds depending on the asset mix.

Tiburon Strategic Advisors' Report Pegs RIAs as Maturing Market
Article summarizes recently released Tiburon research on the fee-based financial advisor market.

Dream Teams
Seven years ago, Shawn Fowler left RAF Financial Corporation in Denver, where he specialized in institutional fixed income and portfolio management, to join Morgan Stanley. Tiburon quoted saying that consistent goals are critical to team success.

Broker/Dealers Limit TAMPs
Article quotes statistics from recent Tiburon research report.

Stat Bank
42,000... The median retirement savings balance in dollars of consumers over age 60. Tiburon research report statistic quoted.

MS-SB Makes Push for More Female FAs
Morgan Stanley Smith barney says that it has launched the Women Financial Advisors Forum online of women interested in becoming financial advisors. Tiburon quoted saying that recruitment initiatives need to be pared with retention initiatives.

Wary Investors are Seeking Out Objective Voices
Independent advisors are in demand but picking one means hard word. Tiburon data quoted saying that investors in commission based brokerage accounts pay 0.72% while those at RIAs pay 0.76%.

Outsourcing of Asset Management Soars
Article quotes statistics from recent Tiburon research report.

Black Rock & BGI Big But Not Unwieldly: Analysts
Size matters in Black Rock's $13.5 billion purchase of Barclays Global Investors, but it is not necessarily a matter for concern. Tiburon quoted saying that Black Rock, even with BGI, is not nearly as a complicated of an organization as firms like Citigroup.

The Wirehouse Boutique
An emerging model is attracting breakaway brokers seeking equity and familiarity at the same time. Tiburon quoted saying that new boutique firms offer to handle operations and let brokers share in equity ownership.

Who's Winning?
The primary reason we decided to embark upon our annual survey of RIAs four years ago was that it could provide readers with a glimpse of the state of the industry. Article quotes Tiburon research on growth of RIA market.

Profit from Chaos
No, not in a price gouging sort of way. More of a "things are pretty crazy, but I have an answer" sort of way. Tiburon quoted saying that all financial advisors may be independent in three to five years.

Financial Services M&A to Continue Despite Credit Meltdown, Says Tiburon Study
The financial services sector can count on plenty of merger & acquisitions activity in the near future, as insurance companies and retail banks turn themselves into financial supermarkets.  Article summarizes findings of recent Tiburon research report.

Consolidation Continues to Sweep Markets
Article summarizes findings of recent Tiburon research report.

Financial Services M&A to Continue Despite Credit Meltdown, Says Tiburon Study
The financial services sector can count on plenty of merger & acquisitions activity in the near future, as insurance companies and retail banks turn themselves into financial supermarkets.  Article summarizes findings of recent Tiburon research report.

Merrill - Cap Gemini Versus Independents: Where is the Money Going?
In 2008, high net worth individuals spread their assets among more wealth management firms and said that they would be less likely to do business with registered independent advisory firms in the future. Tiburon quoted disputing findings, saying RIAs have raised more assets than any other channel in 2007-2008.

Merrill - Cap Gemini Versus Independents: Where is the Money Going?
In 2008, high net worth individuals spread their assets among more wealth management firms and said that they would be less likely to do business with registered independent advisory firms in the future. Tiburon quoted disputing findings, saying RIAs have raised more assets than any other channel in 2007-2008.

New Times Call for New Tools
In the past year, improbable financial events became all too real, calling into question some commonly held beliefs about retirement planning. Tiburon quoted defending Monte Carlo software.

New Broker Bragging Rights Despite Attrition
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney began their joint venture this week boasting the largest brokerage head count despite the loss of 1,500 brokers to attrition. Tiburon quoted saying that attrition was most likely brokers who did not receive retention packages.

Fix My Business
A veteran independent advisors, Joe Ventura needs junior associates with sufficient get-up-and-go to help attract new business. Tiburon quoted that two hiring strategies exist - partners who want a big share of one's revenues and employees who want stable income.

Morgan Stanley Moves Ahead on its Smith Barney Venture
Morgan Stanley says that it is on track to raise some $8 billion via recent equity & debt offerings. Tiburon quoted saying that the firm is doing well on its Smith Barney joint venture.

A Drive for Independence
The independent advice model is experiencing a historic run-up in interest from wirehouse brokers. Tiburon quoted saying that the number of moves is hindered by it being a bad time to move one's clients.

North Star's Newest Program Takes Cue from Social Networking
North Star Systems launched North Star 6.0, a front office operating system that pulls customer relationship management components for financial planning together in one place and operates similar to popular networking web sites and search engines. Article quotes Tiburon saying that North Star is well positioned with larger firms.

New Firm Links RIAs to Big Name Hedge Funds
Tiburon quoted saying that new hedge fund structure has some advantages.

The New Look for Hedge Funds
Tiburon quoted saying that absolute returns and mroe broadly non-correlated assets are likely to be a growing part of investing.

Merrill Lynch Turns Bullish on Hiring Brokers Again
Tiburon quoted saying that Merrill Lynch still has a great name.

High Tower Adds Saperstein as Partner
Richard Saperstein, a top producer for JP Morgan Chase, a Chicago-based registered investment advisory firm, as a partner. Tiburon quoted saying that this is the third big coup for independent firms who lured away star performers from the wirehouses.

The Game Changers
Charlie Johnston was skiing in Colorado on Christmas vacation when he got the call: Citigroup and Morgan Stanley were creating a $2.7 billion joint venture of their wealth management units. Tiburon quoted saying that the wirehouses are likely to set up hybrid channels in the next few years.

Stifel Nicolaus Buys Part of UBS
Saint Louis based Stifel, Nicolaus, & Company says that it has reached a deal with UBS Financial Services to acquire up to 55 branches and 320 financial advisors form UBS Wealth Management Americas branch network. Tiburon quoted saying that it is a win for both organizations.

UBS Plans to Lay Off Brokers, Staff in US
UBS AG's US brokerage business plans to lay off lower producing financial advisors as well as support staff later this month. Tiburon quoted saying that the wirehouses are concentrating on higher end brokers.

Financial Advisor Recruiting Slows at Major US Brokerages
Many financial advisors are now thinking twice about jumping from one major US brokerage to another. Tiburon quoted saying that financial advisors only have four choices now and this may go to three soon.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVI April 9-10, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

Who's Lying: Clients of Advisors?
Most affluent investors say that they plan to move money from their financial advisors, but most advisors say that they have not lost clients. Article summarizes findings in recently released Tiburon research report.

Weighing Third-Party Asset Management Services
At a time when advisors' fees have plummeted along with the assets they manage, paying for third-party asset management services might seem like an extravagance that advisory practices can ill afford. Article quotes Tiburon research report saying that 16% of fee-account assets are with turnkey asset management programs.

BofA, Merrill Get Closer with Referral Program
Bankers at Bank of America Corporation and brokers at Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management may soon be spending more time together. Tiburon quoted saying that a referral relationship is a beneficial element of a tie-up between a bank and brokerage firm.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVI April 9-10, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

Trends in the Asset Management Industry
Depressed asset values, volatility, and a flight to quality have forced every sector of the asset management industry to reexamine its business model. Article profiles comments by Tiburon managing principal.

UBS Taps Top Financial Advisors in Texas, as it Shores Up US Wealth Management
While fierce speculation continues about the future of UBS' US wealth management operations, the Swiss-based firm added 274 advisors in the fourth quarter of 2008. Tiburon quoted sating that it expected UBS to sell its UBS Financial Advisors business.

Wachovia to Pay Brokers to Join, Not to Stay
The way for financial advisors to get a bonus form Wachovia Securities is to join the firm, not stay with it. Tiburon quoted saying that paying recruiting deals is a terrible economic strategy for all of the firms involved.

Wachovia to Pay Brokers to Join, Not to Stay
The way for financial advisors to get a bonus form Wachovia Securities is to join the firm, not stay with it. Tiburon quoted saying that paying recruiting deals is a terrible economic strategy for all of the firms involved.

Stanford Case Hurts Financial Pros
The alleged $8 billion fraud involving Texas financier Allen Stanford is the latest blow to investors and their financial advisors. Tiburon quoted saying that the Madoff case teaches many of the same lessons again.

Stanford Case Hurts Financial Pros
The alleged $8 billion fraud involving Texas financier Allen Stanford is the latest blow to investors and their financial advisors. Tiburon quoted saying that the Madoff case teaches many of the same lessons again.

As UBS Shops Former Paine Webber Unit, Suitors Balk
[Summary coming soon]

Events Calendar
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVI April 9-10, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

Landmark Deal Leaves Fewer Job Options
The ink is barely dry on the mammoth deal that will bring together former rivals Morgan Stanley and Smith barney, and opinions are already forming. Tiburon quoted saying that fewer firms competiting for brokers may end the up-front payments.

Fix My Business - Niche Business
How can a rookie build a thriving practice around artists and non-profits? Tiburon quoted saying that all worthwhile segments or target markets have particular needs and the first step should be to understand and document those needs.

Surviving the Plunge
For investors and those who advised them, 2008 was like a massive forest fire - nearly everyone got burned. Tiburon quoted saying that asset-based fees are likely to still dominate in ten years.

Morgan Stanley, Smith Barney to Combine, Joint Venture Should Have 20,000 Plus FAs
The former Morgan Stanley Dean Witter is set to become Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, as Citi announced a deal to combine Morgan Stanley's Global Wealth Management and Citi's Smith Barney. Tiburon quoted saying that Citi is selling to raise capital and because it has not solved Smith Barney's integration issues, and Morgan Stanley is betting on retail.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVI April 9-10, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

One Theory: Management Bandwidth Dooms Financial Supermarkets
My column on Citigroup and Bank of America drew an insightful voicemail from Chip Roame, managing principal of Tiburon Strategic Advisors in Tiburon, CA. The financial services consultant's comments came too late to get into the column, but they are too good to ignore.  Article summarizes comments by Tiburon managing principal.

Investors Still Flock to Wrap Accounts
Despite a major industry flap and a court ruling over who can manage wrap accounts, investors continue to flock to these flat-fee separately managed accounts. Tiburon data quoted saying that the market will likely grow from $1.5 trillion to over $3.0 trillion within the next couple of years.

Citi Grabs a Lifeline, Morgan Stages a Coup
Despite a $45 billion capital injection from the government in 2008, Citi is in dire need of capital that it is planning to spin off its retail brokerage operation Smith Barney. Tiburon quoted saying that Morgan Stanley is clearly betting on retail.

How to Help Your Parents Through the Crisis
You'll hear two terms when it comes to actually paying your advisor: fee-only and fee-based. Tiburon quoted saying that commissions are not all bad and can sometimes be cheaper over the long haul.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVI April 9-10, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

Advisors Face Troubling New Year
It started badly on the tail end of the subprime crisis that began in the fall of 2007 and managed to get worse when catastrophic third quarter results poured in, sending many of the biggest financial services firms straight down the crapper. Tiburon quoted saying that banks will be hiring more financial advisors in 2009.

Gorman, Thain in Spotlight
Two managers with sterling track records have ascended to new roles at two of Wall Street's premier banks. Tiburon quoted saying that Morgan Stanley may make a bold step to separate itself from its competitors.

Take it Away, 2009 Please!
Who is not happy to see the back of 2008? It started out badly on the back of the subprime crisis that began in the fall of 2007 and managed to get worse when catastrophic third quarter 2008 financial results poured in. Tiburon quoted saying that banks will likely hire more financial advisors.

Looking to Move On
While it is true that actions speak louder than words, the fact remains that words are easier. Tiburon quoted saying that brokers essentially have four or five alternatives.

Looking to Move On
While it is true that actions speak louder than words, the fact remains that words are easier. Tiburon quoted saying that brokers essentially have four or five alternatives.

Wanting What Schwab's
Fidelity, the king of 401(Ks)s and mutual funds has revealed its latest desire: it wants more - much more - love form financial advisors. Tiburon quoted saying that many thought Fidelity was done hiring after adding Michael Durbin.

Q&A: Chip Roame (Tiburon Strategic Advisors)
Several months before Bank of America agreed to buy Merrill Lynch, industry expert Chip Roame of Tiburon Strategic Advisors shared his prediction of such an event in Research magazine's 30th anniversary issue (June 2008).  Article is Q&A with Tiburon's managing principal..

New Year Figures to be Rocky One for Advisors
Who is not happy to see the back of 2008? It started out badly on the back of the subprime crisis that began in the fall of 2007 and managed to get worse when catastrophic third quarter 2008 financial results poured in. Tiburon quoted saying that banks will likely hire more financial advisors.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XVI April 9-10, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

More M&A Activity Seen in Online Brokerage Industry - Report
The online brokerage industry will see more mergers and acquisitions in the near future and benefit from an increasing number of web-based financial services transactions, according to key findings in a report from a research and consulting firm. Article summarizes findings of recently released Tiburon research report.

Don't Look Back in Anger
Among the loose change, kids' construction paper, and empty CD cases ina desk drawer I emptied recently, I came across Kiplinger's from February 2007.  Article refers to Tiburon's careful and objective analysis.

The 2009 Forward Thinking Five
What's ahead for 2009 and beyond, specifically for baby boomers and the advisor business? Article profiles the views of five leading industry experts, including Tiburon's managing principal.

Scottrade Flying High
Jahon Fakhrzad, Scottrade's O'Fallon, MO branch manager, and his four employees have been working overtime the past two months as the discount online brokerage firm has reaped the benefits of recent market volatility. Tiburon quoted saying that the discount brokerage firms are all doing well and Scottrade has been the sleeper, not receiving as much recognition as it deserves.

Branch Consolidation at Smith Barney: An Isolated Cost-Cutting Measure or the Beginning of the End of Branch Office Managers?
As part of a larger cost cutting effort, Smith Barney is consolidating some of its branch offices and laying off a number of branch managers. Tiburon quoted saying that the wirehouses are likely to consolidate branches.

Fund.Com Acquires a Majority Interest in Exchange Traded Fund Developer Advisor Shares Investments
Fund.Com, an online financial information provider, announced today that it had acquired a majority interest in Advisor Shares Investments.  Article (mis) quotes Tiburon research on the size of the RIA market.

Fund.Com Acquires a Majority Interest in Exchange Traded Fund Developer Advisor Shares Investments
Fund.Com, an online financial information provider, announced today that it had acquired a majority interest in Advisor Shares Investments.  Article (mis) quotes Tiburon research on the size of the RIA market.

Fund.Com Acquires a Majority Interest in Exchange Traded Fund Developer Advisor Shares Investments
Fund.Com, an online financial information provider, announced today that it had acquired a majority interest in Advisor Shares Investments.  Article (mis) quotes Tiburon research on the size of the RIA market.

Fund.Com Acquires a Majority Interest in Exchange Traded Fund Developer Advisor Shares Investments
Fund.Com, an online financial information provider, announced today that it had acquired a majority interest in Advisor Shares Investments.  Article (mis) quotes Tiburon research on the size of the RIA market.

Fund.Com Acquires a Majority Interest in Exchange Traded Fund Developer Advisor Shares Investments
Fund.Com, an online financial information provider, announced today that it had acquired a majority interest in Advisor Shares Investments.  Article (mis) quotes Tiburon research on the size of the RIA market.

Dealing with the Present Crisis
After a completely confusing few weeks on Wall Street - including a string of bank failures and near failures, several doubtful rescue attempts and the biggest one day drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average ever - financial advisors and investors are worn out. Tiburon quoted saying that managers and financial advisors should primarily be telling their clients to stay the course.

Credit Suisse US Private Bank Adds Brokers as Industry Reels
Credit Suisse Group is using the credit crisis and the changing brokerage landscape to expand its private banking business. Tiburon quoted saying that some brokers may prefer the culture of Credit Suisse which has only a few hundred brokers and who target the ultra affluent.

Q&A: Chip Roame of Tiburon Strategic Advisors
Research spoke with Chip Roame, head of Tiburon Strategic Advisors in Northern California, about the latest news affecting the wirehouse firms and the industry. Article is a Q&A with Tiburon's managing principal.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

Hybrid Heaven
In the midst of all the mayhem on Wall Street, with wirehouse firms swooning left and right and hitching their wagons to big commercial banks, it's only natural that the prospect of independence suddenly looks mroe appealing to some reps. Tiburon quoted saying that hybrid models are required to serve most wirehouse reps going independent.

Growing Up
Independent broker/dealers have long been belittled by the Wall Street powerhouses (with their tall shiny office towers)) as members of an unsophisticated channel made up of smaller practices and clients. Article quotes Tiburon research on size of the independent broker/dealer market.

Working with Widows
Searching for the perfect niche, an independent advisor in southern Florida thinks she's hit the jackpot - widows. Tiburon quoted saying that the key to segment marketing is finding their conferences and publications.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

Ellyn McColgan: Staying Cool in the Crisis
In these turbulent times, most financial pros, even heavyweights, would kill for a rolodex like Ellyn McColgan's. Tiburon quoted saying that Ms. McColgan is the most powerful woman in the brokerage industry.

Markets Under Siege
The credit crisis and market downturn have created bewildering, stressful times for financial advisors of all stripes. Tiburon quoted predicting the rise of independent advisors.

Time is Money
I've spoken with thousands of independent advisors over the years, and in those conversations, a common theme emerged. Article quotes Tiburon data showing that more than half of independent advisors generate revenues of $250,000 or less.

Tiburon CEO Summit XV - Opening Keynote Presentation Highlights
News service reprinted recent Tiburon research release in its entirety.

Helping Advisors Talk Clients Down Off the Ledge
After an absolutely dizzying few weeks on Wall Street - which have included a chain of bank failures and near failures, several uncertain rescue attempts, and the largest one day drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average ever, financial advisors and investors are exhausted. Tiburon quoted saying that most clients should stay the course.

Helping Advisors Talk Clients Down Off the Ledge
After an absolutely dizzying few weeks on Wall Street - which have included a chain of bank failures and near failures, several uncertain rescue attempts, and the largest one day drop in the Dow Jones Industrial Average ever, financial advisors and investors are exhausted. Tiburon quoted saying that most clients should stay the course.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XV October 14-15, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

The Reinvention of Ladenburg Thalmann
Ladenburg Thalmann, a 129 year old investment bank, is rapidly buying its way into the independent broker/dealer world. Tiburon quoted saying that the firm may buy up to 5,000 reps.

UpFront
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XV October 14-15, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

The Big Ask
As the financial planning industry has evolved over the years, so have the relationships you enter into with clients. Tiburon quoted saying that independent reps are not as fee-based as some believe with just 15% of their client assets in fee-accounts.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Citi Embracing Fee-Only Model
Citigroup said last month that it began transitioning the bulk of its financial advisors at its retail bank locations away from commission based compensation. Tiburon quoted saying this is a good idea but execution might be difficult.

Brokers in
As headlines continue to document the story of an unraveling Wall Street, advisors are increasingly jumping ship from distressed firms. Tiburon quoted saying that there is increased discussion regarding financial advisors going independent.

Looking Back and to the Future at Wachovia Securities
Wednesday was always going to be a sad anniversary for employees of the former AG Edwards. After this weekend, it will be a scary one, too. Tiburon quoted saying Wachovia Securities would likely stand alone or be sold to Wells Fargo Corporation.

Wachovia Securities Business May Look for Partner
Wachovia Securities will remain the second largest brokerage and intends to operate independently after Citigroup acquired Wachovia's banking operations. Tiburon quoted saying Wachovia Securities would likely stand alone or be sold to Wells Fargo Corporation.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XV October 14-15, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

Morgan & Wachovia?
Morgan Stanley, one of the last remaining stand-alone Wall Street titans, has held merger talks with Wachovia Securities and at least one other bank according to the New York Times and CNBC. Tiburon quoted saying that Wachovia has strong talent but that the better match may be with JP Morgan due to its capital position.

Merrill May Stand Alone as B of A Targets Retention
With an eye towards perceiving brand value as well as employee and customer loyalty, bank of America is expected to keep Merrill Lynch's wealth management as a stand-alone unit in New York. Tiburon quoted saying that it expects the existing Bank of America brokers to be rolled into Merrill Lynch.

Merrill May Stand Alone as B of A Targets Retention
With an eye towards perceiving brand value as well as employee and customer loyalty, bank of America is expected to keep Merrill Lynch's wealth management as a stand-alone unit in New York. Tiburon quoted saying that it expects the existing Bank of America brokers to be rolled into Merrill Lynch.

Merrill May Stand Alone as B of A Targets Retention
With an eye towards preserving brand value as well as employee and customer loyalty, bank of America is expected to keep Merrill Lynch's wealth management as a stand-alone unit in New York. Tiburon quoted saying that it expects the existing Bank of America brokers to be rolled into Merrill Lynch.

Merrill May Stand Alone as B of A Targets Retention
With an eye towards preserving brand value as well as employee and customer loyalty, bank of America is expected to keep Merrill Lynch's wealth management as a stand-alone unit in New York. Tiburon quoted saying that it expects the existing Bank of America brokers to be rolled into Merrill Lynch.

Market Reaction: The Way it Should Be
The new landscape of Wall Street began to emerge from the ashes of the once-venerable Lehman Brothers and the shotgun wedding between Bank of America and Merrill Lynch. Tiburon quoted saying that this is a great move by Bank of America which has been building a powerhouse wealth management business.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Firms Retool Workstations for Fee-Based Model
The workstations of financial advisors will be retooled to follow the industry's migration to a fee-based model. Tiburon quoted saying that the industry has long sought a technology platform to holistically serve client needs.

Sykes Group Targets Gunn Allen
Gunn Allen Holdings' main business is investing other people's money. Now, Gunn Allen is getting an investment of its own. Tiburon research quoted saying that smaller independent broker/dealers face regulatory & technology cost challenges.

UpFront
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XV October 14-15, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Who's Your Daddy?
Maybe it is just me, but when one of our industry luminaries leaves their well-established position to take on a new job, it piques my curiosity. Notable examples include when Chip Roame left his gig at Schwab to start up Tiburon Advisors, or when Moss Adams guru Mark Tibergien jumped ship to become CEO of Pershing Advisor Services.

RIAs Still Wooing Full-Service Clients
It has been a cruel year for a lot of wirehouse advisors, with the sub-prime and ARS messes eroding client confidence in their firms. Tiburon quoted saying that profit margins are less important than absolute profits.

Best of the Indies
It's time to start looking past the current market mayhem and scour the financial markets for bargains and new investment opportunities. Tiburon quoted saying that the assets of independent financial advisors have rose 19% in 2008.

Overlay Projects Proceed Amid Downturns
Given the turbulence in financial markets, now may seem an inopportune time for financial advisors to make drastic changes to the way that they interact with investors. Tiburon quoted saying that many upgrades rely on third-party providers.

UMA, Overlay Projects Proceed Amid Downturns
Given the turbulence in financial markets, now may seem an inopportune time for financial advisors to make drastic changes to the way that they interact with investors. Tiburon quoted saying that many upgrades rely on third-party providers.

UMA, Overlay Projects Proceed Amid Downturns
Given the turbulence in financial markets, now may seem an inopportune time for financial advisors to make drastic changes to the way that they interact with investors. Tiburon quoted saying that many upgrades rely on third-party providers.

The Vanishing Regionals
After spending eleven years shying away from the energy business, Houston-based broker/dealer Sanders Morris Harris now embraces this geographic niche for prospective wealth management customers. Tiburon quoted saying that most regional firms are under threat.

The Top 100 Independent Advisors in America
Article headline quotes Tiburon statistic that independent financial advisors grew their assets under administration 14% per annum between 1995 ad 2007.

Spreading Your Brand Around
A successful independent advisor faces a conundrum: He wants to expand the growth of his business while simultaneously lessening its dependence on him. Tiburon quoted saying that financial advisors need to develop people by allowing them to lead part of client meetings.

What Has Your Wholesaler Done for You Lately?
As financial advisors abandon their traditional transaction-based business model for something mroe holistic, one key player has largely failed to keep up: the wholesaler. Article quote Tiburon saying that wholesalers are becoming mroe impressive.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

UpFront
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XV October 14-15, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

The Broker/Dealer for Those Who Stand Apart
Commonwealth Financial Network is the place for advisors aiming for a higher level of success. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Who are we? Advisor Trends in the RIA Space
Tiburon Strategic Advisors managing principal recently highlighted interesting trends in the RIA space. Article summarizes recently released Tiburon facts.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

An Environment Where Your Advisory Practices Can Thrive
Here's where you will find our Preferred Portfolio Services platform, offering all the investment choices that your clients demand. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Why Most Boomers can Expect to Inherit Little
An expected $41 trillion wealth transfer will be eaten up by healthcare costs, increased longevity, and diminishing market returns.  Article quotes Tiburon data saying that only 2% of inheritances are above $100,000.

New Tiburon Research Report - Consumer Wealth, Liquidation, & the Retirement Income Challenge: The Impact of the Credit Crisis & the Decline in Home Equity
Tiburon Strategic Advisors, a market research & strategy consulting firm serving a wide variety of financial institutions and investment managers, is pleased to announce the release of its newly published research report on consumer wealth, liquidation, & the retirement income challenge. Article summarizes recently released Tiburon research report.

Tiburon Panel Highlights Need for Improvement
Tiburon Strategic Advisors, led by Chip Roame, wants its research to make executives and advisors think. Article profiles the Ask the Consumers panel at recently held Tiburon CEO Summit XV.

Wealth Stone Ally
Mark Gottlieb tried to roll with the changes when UBS bought his former firm Piper Jaffray in 2006. Tiburon quoted saying that the reasons brokers stay at the wirehouses have been decreasing.

Breaking Free
Mark Gottlieb tried to roll with the changes when UBS bought his former firm Piper Jaffray in August 2006. Tiburon quoted saying that there three traditional reasons for staying at a wirehouse - superior products & technology, golden handcuffs, & the headache - have now been lessened to one.

Retirement Costs a Headache as US Baby Boomers Age - Survey
US investors and their advisors are worried about their ability to enjoy a prosperous retirement and pay for medical bills at a time when 76 million baby boomers are expected to retire over the next two decades according to a report from Tiburon Strategic Advisors.

Russell Wants a Fresh Start After Fund Blowup
Russell Investment Group is on the hunt for a new business strategy and a new president and chief executive officer. Tiburon quoted saying that SEI has performed better than Russell domestically.

The Changing Consumer Market
Baby boomers now compromise half to three-quarters of the clients of fee-based advisors and independent reps, a new wealth report found.  Article summarizes recently released Tiburon research report.

Vision Quest Finds Feedback from 2007 Client Survey
It is late 2007, and huddled around the board room table with last year's client survey and empty coffee cups, Vision Quest Wealth Management's team is doing some soul searching. Article quotes Tiburon statistic that only 1% of independent financial advisor utilize client satisfaction surveys.

Morgan Stanley Revamps Retail Brokerage Management
Morgan Stanley's new wealth management chief has moved to streamline the executive ranks and integrate business lines in a restructuring of the retail brokerage unit. Tiburon quoted saying that Morgan Stanley is showing synergies between its retail and institutional businesses.

Russell Struggling with Marketshare, Article Says
Pension & Investments magazine had a story today about Russell. The story says that the Tacoma financial services company is facing increased competition from SEI Investment s out of Pennsylvania, which has passed Russell as a manager of institutional tax-exempt assets. Tiburon quoted saying that SEI has performed better than Russell domestically.

Go Figure
75% of brokers oversee less than $50 million of clients assets. Article quotes Tiburon statistic.

Russell Wants a Fresh Start After Fund Blowup
Russell Investment Group is on the hunt for a new business strategy and a new president and chief executive officer. Tiburon quoted saying that SEI has performed better than Russell domestically.

JP Morgan Group Pushes $1-$25 Million Market
The head of JP Morgan Chase & Company's Private Client Services group now says not is not the time to simply ride out a rocky market. Tiburon quoted saying that JP Morgan Chase is well positioned to serve the $1 million to $25 million market as many of these consumers to work with the firm.

Trust Providers Broaden Advisor-Based Services
Financial services firms are making it easier for their investment advisors to address a broader array of clients' trust needs, ranging from estate planning to philanthropic giving. Tiburon research quoted saying that there are nearly four million personal trusts with $3.3 trillion in assets.

Trust Providers Broaden Advisor-Aimed Services
Financial services firms are making it easier for their investment advisors to address a broader array of clients' trust needs, ranging from estate planning to philanthropic giving. Tiburon research quoted saying that there are nearly four million personal trusts with $3.3 trillion in assets.

Trust Providers Broaden Advisor-Aimed Services
Financial services firms are making it easier for their investment advisors to address a broader array of clients' trust needs, ranging from estate planning to philanthropic giving. Tiburon research quoted saying that there are nearly four million personal trusts with $3.3 trillion in assets.

As Bad Debt News Hits, Good Brokers Must Explain
When a financial firm is in the headlines for the wrong reasons, its advisor are stuck with the task of explaining to clients what the bad news really means. Tiburon quoted offering three tips, including contacting clients proactively.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Prospecting for M&As
Many brokerage industry watchers agree that mergers & acquisitions can be rather tiresome for clients, eroding their confidence in the firms and, often, in the reps, too. Tiburon quoted saying that TD Ameritrade is running an advertising campaign directed at E*Trade Financial's troubles.

Capturing the Boomer-Care Flag: The Misalignment of Compensation and Consumer Need
Walker reports on a Tiburon Strategic Advisors research report entitled Consumer Wealth, Liquefaction, the Retirement Income Challenge, which notes that by 2010, half of the US population will be over age 45, and that citizens above age 55 now control half of all discretionary income and 75% of investable assets.

Set Me Free
LPL Financial expands its offerings for independent advisors. Tiburon quoted saying that LPL has now addressed its biggest weakness, that of closed architecture.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

Swimming Upstream
Top independent broker/dealers are helping advisors win bigger clients. Tiburon quoted saying that Commonwealth is great at technology and practice management and that LPL will likely make substantial acquisitions.

Because You're Not Just Another Player
Top advisors stand apart for the same reasons a Stradivarius defines musical perfection. Rare vision and exceptional craftmanship produce a superior performance. Commonwealth advertisement promotes its number one ranking in recent Tiburon technology survey.

What Will the Wirehouse Brokerage Firms Look Like Thirty Years from Now?
Chip Roame, head of Tiburon Strategic Advisors, sees the strategic role and importance of financial advisors on the rise. Article profiles the thoughts of Tiburon's managing principal on the future of the wirehouses.

Where Have All the RIAs Gone?
There is a perception that the registered investment advisor (RIA) market is growing fast in number of advisors.  If so, where are they coming from? Article summarizes recent Tiburon research release, which in turn summarized break-out session at recent Tiburon CEO Summit XIV.

UBS Launches Bonus Plan to Bolster Assets
Getting richer over the next four months for more than 8,000 financial advisors of UBS Wealth Management US means generating more assets while locking in existing clients' money. Tiburon quoted complimenting the net nature of the incentive program.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XV October 14-15, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Start-Up Pushes SMA Minimums to New Lows
A new money manager is taking the separately managed account to places that it has never been before, in the latest bid to spread SMAs into the independent advisor marketplace. Tiburon quoted saying that lower minimums would likely appeal to independent reps mroe than fee-based financial advisors.

BofA to Boost Referrals Via Call Centers
Bank of America is aiming to cross-refer clients in ways other than through its cadre of more than 2,000 financial advisors. Soon, its client service representatives - stationed in different call centers - will also play a vital role in the game. Tiburon quoted saying that this could free up financial advisors to serve more holistic client needs.

Hiring Good Help
A partner in an independent firm in Arizona, Paul Ahern, wants to hire a few more advisors to expand the practice. Tiburon quoted saying that financial advisors are unlikely to recruit $50 million financial advisor to work for them as those financial advisors likely see themselves as successful.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Back Office Vision
It's always interesting to see the perspective on the other side of the table, which is why the Tiburon CEO Summits offer one panel discussion featuring three consumers, another with financial advisors, and a third panel with executives of distribution firms. Article summarizes comments from recent Tiburon CEO Summit XIV panel discussions.

The Rewards are Yours for the Taking
Commonwealth ranks #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas, according to a recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Sovereign Wealth Funds: Perceptions & Realities
Robert Pozen, chairman of MFS Investment Management, was a featured speaker at Tiburon CEO Summit XIV, held in New York on April 10-11, 2008. Article summarizes comments by Mr. Pozen at Tiburon CEO Summit XIV.

Establishing Your Personal Legacy Takes Planning
What are the keys to a successful estate plan? Clearly, it is important to understand your goals, work closely with trusted advisors, and choose appropriate wealth transfer strategies. Article quotes Tiburon research report saying that there are four million trusts.

Cultivating Wealthy Clients with Performance-Based Fees
At the end of the day, clients do not hire and fire advisors based on fees. Its about whether they trust you.  Article profiles comments by Jeffrey Dunham on the Ask the Advisors panel at recently held Tiburon CEO Summit XIV.

We're First in Technology
And the rewards are yours for the taking. A recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors rates Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Michael Steinhardt on Today's Markets & the Evolution of the Hedge Fund Industry
Michael Steinhardt is chairman of Wisdom Tree Investments. In 1967, he founded Steinhardt, Fine, Berkowitz, & Company, a hedge fund that achieved a 24% compound average annual return (more than twice the S&P 500) over a 28 year period. Mr. Steinhardt closed the fund in 1995. Article summarizes comments by Mr. Steinhardt at Tiburon CEO Summit XIV.

Tiburon CEO Summit XIV: Chip Roame: The News is Noise
Tiburon Strategic Advisors held its CEO Summit XIV conference on April 11-12. This event attracts approximately 150 attendees, most of whom are CEOs or senior operating officers from mutual fund, financial advisory, brokerage, & custodial firms. Article provides a review of Tiburon CEO Summit XIV.

Precision-Engineered for Success
Contact us today and ask for a copy of the recent Tiburon Strategic Advisors study rating Commonwealth #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Tiburon CEO Summit XIV Review
After attending the Tiburon CEO Summit in New York last Thursday & Friday, I wish that I could recommend it for my readers. But, well. You actually aren't invited. Its for C-level executives only. Article provides a review of Tiburon CEO Summit XIV.

The Rewards are Yours for the Taking
Commonwealth ranks #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas, according to a recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Your Retiring Clients' Biggest Fear
Healthcare costs increased 8% last year, as they did the year before and the year before that. Tiburon quoted saying that the debt of generation X and Y households may prevent them from acquiring the assets of their parents.

The Rewards are Yours for the Taking
Commonwealth ranks #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas, according to a recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

The Rewards are Yours for the Taking
Commonwealth ranks #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas, according to a recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

The Rewards are Yours for the Taking
Commonwealth ranks #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas, according to a recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

The Rewards are Yours for the Taking
Commonwealth ranks #1 in technology in eight business-critical areas, according to a recent study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Commonwealth advertisement promotes recent Tiburon research.

Calendar
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XIV April 10-11, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

UpFront
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XIV April 10-11, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

After the Storm
In the middle of the Great Depression, the famous economist John Maynard Keynes was asked if man had ever suffered through a worse experience in its history. Article quotes Michael Steinhardt speaking at recent Tiburon CEO Summit.

After Spurt, Number of RIAs is Starting to Level Off
Tiburon says the fee-based space is little understood and poorly enumerated.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XIV April 10-11, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

Report: Advisors Not Prepared to Pass Torch
Even though 51% of independent financial advisors are over the age of 50, few are prepared to retire and a large number do not have a succession plan, according to a report by Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Article summarizes a research report recently released by Tiburon.

More than Half of Advisors Ignoring Succession, Tiburon Study Says
Independent financial advisors are not ready for retirement, according to a new study by Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Article summarizes a research report recently released by Tiburon.

Advisers Unprepared to Pass Torch
Even though 51% of independent financial advisors are over the age of 50, few are prepared to retire and a large number do not have a succession plan, according to a report by Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Article summarizes a research report recently released by Tiburon.

Charles Schwab Expands Managed Account Services Platform for Advisors
Charles Schwab today announced enhancements to its managed account platform to assist independent investment advisors who choose to outsource functions such as money manager research and portfolio construction. Article quotes Tiburon statistics on size of TAMPs market.

JP Morgan Gets Into the ETF Business Unexpectedly
George Gatch and his team at JP Morgan Funds have unexpectedly found themselves in the ETF business. Bear Stearns recently unwrapped the industry's first active ETF.  Article takes quotes from George Gatch at a recent Tiburon CEO Summit off of Tiburon web site.

Tiburon Predicts Strong Growth Among Fee-Only Advisors
In a press release, Tiburon said that fee-only financial advisors' average assets under management will grow to $310 million by 2010. Fee-only financial advisor clients will increase to 3.2 million by 2012. Article summarizes recent Tiburon research report.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XIV April 10-11, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

Bank of America Says Private Banking Client Base is Holding Steady
Bank of America has its hands full keeping customers happy as it completes its integration of US Trust this year. Tiburon quoted saying that there will always be plenty of integration issues and it takes time to judge success.

Smaller Wealth Managers Entering the Bank Market
Many community banking companies have wealth management units, but lately mroe small and midsize wealth managers have been getting into the banking business. Tiburon quoted saying one reason these firms are starting banks is to capture deposits in interest bearing accounts.

Go Figure
$16.2 - the value if US consumer household assets held in brokerage accounts at year-end 2007. The figure is 50% higher than in 2002.

Smaller Wealth Managers Entering the Bank Market
Many community banking companies have wealth management units, but lately mroe small and midsize wealth managers have been getting into the banking business. Tiburon quoted saying one reason these firms are starting banks is to capture deposits in interest bearing accounts.

Citi Wealth Management's New Structure Breaks Broker-Banker Divide
Keeping cats and dogs under one roof is often a challenge, but Citigroup's global wealth management unit hopes to resolve the conflict that has long existed between private bankers and financial advisors with its new management structure. Tiburon quoted saying this is a good first step but segmentation can go much further.

The Accountant Down the Hall
It seemed like a guaranteed home run. Eight years ago, Janet Stanzak joined forces with a nearby accounting firm in Minneapolis to launch and run a new wealth management arm. Tiburon quoted saying that CPAs are in the cat bird seat in these relationships.

Growth Formula
Chip Roame of Tiburon Strategic Advisors is not very good at using weasel-words to describe the state of the financial planning market.  Article summarizes a speech given by Tiburon managing principal at recent NAPFA conference.

What's the Big Idea?
It's tough to learn new tricks when you already have a lot to do. That's why when it comes to your business, it's important to focus on the most helpful tricks.  Article summarizes business ideas form industry participants, including Tiburon.

Straight from the Advisor's Mouth
The Tiburon Strategic Advisors CEO Summits are held twice a year and attract top executives from a wide range of financial services firms.  One reason that invitations to the summits are so coveted is the opportunity for executives to hear direct feedback and market research from comprehensive advisors and clients. Article summarizes unique panels at Tiburon CEO Summits.

Tiburon Releases Research Reports
Tiburon Strategic Advisors has released its newly updated research report on consumer wealth, liquefaction, and the retirement income challenge. Article summarizes findings of recently released Tiburon research report.

Retirement Trouble
A new study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors takes a broad look at consumer wealth, the pending baby boomer savings crisis, and boomers' likely liquefaction of assets.  Article profiles recently released Tiburon research report.

Mutual Funds Stand Strong Versus Rivals
The mutual funds industry may not be a kid any longer, but it is still growing like a teenager. At the same time, it faces hot competitive challenges. Tiburon quoted saying that mutual funds far outgrow all other products every year.

Retirement Trouble
A new study from Tiburon Strategic Advisors takes a broad look at consumer wealth, the pending baby boomer savings crisis, and boomers' likely liquefaction of assets.  Article profiles recently released Tiburon research report.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XIV April 10-11, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

401(K) Participants Win Right to Sue
Yesterday's US Supreme Court ruling allowing individual 401(k) account holders to sue plan administrators may cause some angst amongst advisors. Tiburon quoted saying that this may scare some reps out of the 401(K) plan business.

Saint Louis Brokerage Edward Jones Owns Middle America. Can it Hack Life in the Big City?
Daniel Timm peers intently at a collection of tiny green dots and red triangles superimposed on a map of downtown Phoenix laid out ona conference table in his Saint Louis office. Tiburon quoted saying that Edward Jones has many potential clients.

RIAs Poised to Capture Retiring Boomers' Assets
Registered investment advisors seem to be winning the race to capture the retiring baby boomer market, according to Chip Roame, managing principal of Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Article summarizes speech by Tiburon managing principal at recent TD Ameritrade conference.

RIAs Poised to Capture Retiring Boomers' Assets
Registered investment advisors seem to be winning the race to capture the retiring baby boomer market, according to Chip Roame, managing principal of Tiburon Strategic Advisors. Article summarizes speech by Tiburon managing principal at recent TD Ameritrade conference.

An International Affair: (Some) RIAs Go Abroad
Deal making in the wealth management space has been rampant lately, and some wealth management holding companies and individual RIAs are beginning to see opportunities in Europe But heading across the pond may not be for everyone. Tiburon quoted saying that most RIAs should stick to their knitting.

Signs of the Time
The vast amount of wealth that many predicted would be transferred between the greatest generation and the baby boomers is looking like a bust. Tiburon research report quoted saying that longer life expectancies, increased medical costs, and estate taxes have been limiting such.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XIV April 10-11, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

The Inheritance Bust: Big Boomer Windfall Not Materializing the Way Many Planned
The vast amount of wealth that many predicted would be transferred between the greatest generation and the baby boomers is looking like a bust. Tiburon research report quoted saying that longer life expectancies, increased medical costs, and estate taxes have been limiting such.

Wisdom Tree Strikes Deal with Dreyfus
The minor league status of Wisdom Tree Investments in the world of exchange traded funds could change following a deal struck last month with Dreyfus. Tiburon quoted saying that this may evolve into an acquisition.

Rodger Riney Pushes Scottrade to New Highs
Online securities brokerage Scottrade is scoring some major firsts. The firm, which Rodger Riney founded and leads, zoomed past the $1 billion revenue mark in 2007. Tiburon research report quoted saying that there are about fifty online brokerage firms, with five controlling 80% of the market.

Selling Yourself with a Book?
An advisor running his own RIA firm recently wrote a how-to book, fulfilling a long-held dream to become a published author. Tiburon quoted saying that financial advisors need to align their business and marketing strategies.

State of the Industry
The number of independent financial advisors is rising. There are roughly 400,000 financial advisors among wirehouse & other employee brokers, life & property & casualty insurance agents, bank brokers & trust officers, and independent reps & RIAs.  Article summarizes Tiburon's year-end client letter.

Advisors Counsel Caution Amid Rebate Talk
As an economic stimulus plan with rebates for millions of Americans wends its way through Congress, some financial advisors are making their own plans for communicating with clients. Tiburon quoted saying that this is an appropriate time to contact clients.

ICI Forms ETF Committee
The Investment Company Institute has created a committee for exchange traded funds in what some say is an effort to head off the possibility that ETF providers will create their own trade association. Tiburon quoted saying that the Investment Company Institute should be motivated as ETF net flows may soon rival those of mutual funds.

Fund Architects Targets Retail Investors
Fund Architects, which promises to provide small investors with institutional-quality money management, legitimately can claim that it thinks outside of the box. Tiburon quoted saying that the firm may offer a low minimum account size option for many financial advisors.

ICI Forms ETF Committee
The Investment Company Institute has created a committee for exchange traded funds in what some say is an effort to head off the possibility that ETF providers will create their own trade association. Tiburon quoted saying that the Investment Company Institute should be motivated as ETF net flows may soon rival those of mutual funds.

Coming Events
Publication's events calendar lists upcoming Tiburon CEO Summit XIV April 10-11, 2008 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in New York, NY.

Former Brokers Make Great RIAs
You may have heard that it's not just small time advisors making the lead to full independence these days. Some big b/d brokers are moving too. Tiburon quoted saying that wirehouse brokers are trained well in sales.

Investors Still Flock to Wrap Accounts
Despite a major industry flap and a court ruling over who can manage wrap accounts, investors continue to flock to these flat-fee separately managed accounts, and to investment vehicles with different names that look and act about the same. Tiburon research quoted saying that fee-based accounts will double in size in the next two years.

Wachovia Eyes Ticket Charges for Edwardians
Wachovia Securities is considering the use of ticket charges, a change that could nudge more of its former AG Edwards financial advisors into fee-based accounts. Tiburon quoted saying that this is a savvy business strategy to push mroe financial advisors towards fee-accounts.

Sophisticated Investor: As Industry Responds to New Wrap Account Rules, Investors Dive In
Despite a major industry flap and a court ruling over who can manage wrap accounts, investors continue to flock to these flat-fee separately managed accounts, and to investment vehicles with different names that look and act about the same. Tiburon research quoted saying that fee-based accounts will double in size in the next two years.

It's a Wrap
Despite a major industry flap and a court ruling over who can manage wrap accounts, investors continue to flock to these flat-fee separately managed accounts, and to investment vehicles with different names that look and act about the same. Tiburon research quoted saying that fee-based accounts will double in size in the next two years.

After the Belle Epoque: Chip Roame & Geoff Bobroff Analyze the Impact of Trends in the Fund Management Industry for Financial Advisors
Is the golden era for fund managers coming to an end? Putnam Lovell's recent research report on the global fund management industry, After the Belle Epoque, identified major trends that will transform the way that financial advisors do business. Tiburon quoted extensively commenting on each report conclusion.

Online Brokerage Companies Reported Strong Customer Additions in 2007
The deceleration of GDP growth, substantial trading losses, and significantly lower underwriting revenues have made the securities industry gross revenues related to the NYSE-reporting firms to decline by 3.6% in the Q3 2007 to $78.8 billion compared to Q3 2006. Tiburon research quoted saying that the number of online brokerage accounts is up.

Online Brokerage Companies Reported Strong Customer Additions in 2007
The deceleration of GDP growth, substantial trading losses, and significantly lower underwriting revenues have made the securities industry gross revenues related to the NYSE-reporting firms to decline by 3.6% in the Q3 2007 to $78.8 billion compared to Q3 2006. Tiburon research quoted saying that the number of online brokerage accounts is up.

The Quest for Growth - And its Pitfalls
In some ways, the job of branch manager is hopelessly conflicted. You are responsible for improving revenues, yet you are also charged with playing Mr. Compliance Guy. Tiburon quoted saying that branch revenue growth goals are the single greatest source of potential conflicts of interest for branch managers.

Schwab Looks to Buy More Tech Vendors
Schwab Institutional will seek to acquire or partner with more technology vendors, a strategy that follows a doubling of the company's tech budget in 2007. Tiburon quoted saying that this is a smart surround strategy.

Buckle Up for a Fast Product Ride in 2008
Fasten your seatbelts. The year 2008 promises to be a fast one where insurance and allied financial products are concerned. Following are the trends as seen by industry experts around the country. Tiburon quoted saying that fee-accounts, annuities, and second-to-die life insurance should be leading trends.

Merrill's Americas Brokerage Head Gardner to Leave
Merrill Lynch said that Mac Gardner, picked three years ago by former CEO Stan O'Neal to oversee the firm's brokerage business in the Americas, will leave at the end of January. Tiburon quoted saying that Gardner had an allegiance to a different guard.

Gorman, Thain in Spotlight
Two managers with sterling track records have ascended to new roles at two of Wall Street's premier banks. Tiburon quoted saying that Morgan Stanley Co-President James Gorman might make a bold move to separate the firm from the other wirehouses.

Top Compliance Issues in 2008
If you thought compliance and regulatory scrutiny could not get any mroe intense, welcome to 2008. Tiburon quoted saying that the overturning of the Merrill Lynch rule means that branch managers must supervise their reps even more closely.

A Menu of Meetings
No matter who or where you are, you should at least attend two major conferences in 2008.  Here's a list to choose from.  Article profiles leading conferences, two of which list Tiburon's managing principal as a keynote speaker.

Innovation in Insurance
Retirement income distribution - it is the talk of the trade. And no one is better positioned than the insurance industry. Tiburon quoted saying that insurance agents are more holistic focused, are able to offer guarantees, and have a core business under threat.

Gorman Moves Up as Cruz Moves Out
As of December 1, wealth management head James Gorman and Morgan Stanley International chief Walid Chammah are co-presidents. Tiburon quoted saying that Gorman is strategic even outside his areas of expertise.

From NYSE to Merrill: Thain, CEO; Chai, CFO
Merrill Lynch is now led by John Thain, the former CEO of the New York Stock Exchange. Tiburon quoted saying that Thain is a proven executive and statesman who previously was a senior executive at Merrill Lynch's biggest rival the Goldman Sachs Group