Some industry observers argue increased regulatory oversight is making it difficult to launch new broker/dealers. Is an independent b/d a sustainable business?

Hey I just quit my job as an assistant to an FA (long story...) Was thinking of going into the insurance side, and then use it as a leverage to get in the training program of a canadian bank on the investment side. I talked to insurance agents at my old firm, commission seem to be comparable  and the market larger yet it seems the investment side attracts far more applicants.  So what made you choose insurance over invesment?  Did anyone make the transition from insurance to getting investment-liscenced properly?...More