Wirehouses Have Seen a Slow Down in Breakaway Brokers in 2019
From the Desk of Jim Eccleston at Eccleston Law LLC:
The number of financial advisors breaking away from their firms has slowed during the first three months of this year. According to InvestmentNews, only 94 financial advisors have left the wirehouse channel in the first quarter, which is a 36% drop from the 147 breakaways recorded in the fourth quarter of 2018. The stock market correction is cited as one of the main reasons why there has been the lowest breakaway activity since the second quarter of 2017.
However, this trend may not last long. Wirehouses still face challenges due to aging advisor demographics seeking liquidity, a mature economic cycle, and plentiful alternatives in the independent channel.
Notably, and by comparison, there has been a substantial increase in merger and acquisition activity among the RIA community. According to InvestmentNews, there were 49 RIA acquisitions during the first quarter, the highest level in the last six years. Furthermore, it is estimated that by the end of 2019, there will be an all-time record of 196 RIA acquisitions.
The attorneys of Eccleston Law LLC represent investors and advisors nationwide in securities and employment matters. The securities lawyers at Eccleston Law also practice a variety of other areas of practice for financial investors and advisors including Securities Fraud, Compliance Protection, Breach of Fiduciary Duty, FINRA Matters, and much more. Our attorneys draw on a combined experience of nearly 65 years in delivering the highest quality legal services. If you are in need of legal services, contact us to schedule a one-on-one consultation today.
Related Attorneys: James J. Eccleston
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