Independent advisors

The industry rivals could still turn to FINRA arbitration to pursue their dispute over allegedly unwarranted data breach notices Ameriprise sent LPL customers.

Industry trackers see Raymond James' proposal to buy minority stakes in its independent affiliates as a good way to reinvest while also warding off outside competition.

The CEO of Summit Wealth said that even before LPL announced its acquisition deal, he and his colleagues were already finding Commonwealth too big for their liking.

CEO Ron Kruszewski received praise for leading the firm's wealth management unit to a record for revenue, despite costly legal setbacks.

As LPL fights to keep teams in the fold, competitors are making strong plays and pointing to the large brokerage's perceived blemishes. The founders of KRM Investment Counsel said they also found what they wanted at Arkadios, an employee-owned firm.

CEO Paul Shoukry also told analysts that the merger and acquisition deals coursing through the industry could open doors for firms eager to bring in advisors and net new assets.

Aneri Jambusaria, among other LPL executives, plans to offer a bevy of support services to advisors of the soon-to-be purchased Commonwealth Financial Network while maintaining its small-firm feel.

States can now adopt a model rule that will prevent brokers from holding themselves out to the public as "advisors" or "advisers."

The deal, expected to close in the second half of the year, will bring in $16 billion in client assets and 110 advisors.

Also this week, Raymond James recruits from Morgan Stanley, and Mercer Advisors and EP Wealth Advisors make big M&A deals.