Wells Fargo Advisors Tightens Rules on FiNet Advisors' Outside Investments
From the desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law
Wells Fargo Advisors has introduced a new policy requiring advisors in its Financial Network (FiNet) channel to seek company approval before accepting certain outside investments. AdvisorHub reports that this policy targets transactions in which advisors receive equity from buyers, as Wells believes such investments could be classified as private securities transactions or outside business activities, requiring regulatory oversight under FINRA’s rules.
The policy, communicated to FiNet advisors in recent meetings, covers most new investment deals starting this week, with potential exceptions. FiNet’s stance aligns with industry trends, as independent broker-dealers seek greater control. Merchant Investment Management, which takes minority stakes in brokerage practices, is among private equity firms that have previously targeted FiNet advisors.
AdvisorHub also reports that Wells Fargo has cultivated FiNet as a retention tool within its 12,000-advisor workforce and sees outside investments as potentially destabilizing. The tightening measures reflect industry-wide concerns that larger practices may eventually exit firms altogether or establish their own independent advisory firms, as seen when Steward Partners, backed by private equity, departed Raymond James to form its own broker-dealer and RIA last year.
Eccleston Law LLC represents investors and financial advisors nationwide in securities, employment, transition, regulatory and disciplinary matters.
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