Raymond James Financial will rename its two independent contractor subsidiaries, Investment Management & Research (IM&R) and Robert Thomas Securities, to Raymond James Financial Services (RJFS), although officials insist the two operations will...
Even with powerful Citigroup behind it, Salomon Smith Barney reps say the firm has an identity problem."Our image is not as good as it should be," says one rep. "I don't think the public is as aware of our firm as they are of Merrill Lynch."There...
So how do brokers really feel about their firms? Many alternately gushed, groaned and gloated. We collect their heartfelt opinions in our exclusive Brokerage Report Card survey.A year ago when Registered Representative did its Brokerage Report...
As they have in the past, Edward Jones brokers rave once again about their autonomy."The freedom of expression is tremendous," beams one rep. "The situation we have here is fantastic," says another. "We have the ability to conduct our business the...
Merrill Lynch Contemplates $100,000 Household MinimumPolicy would end payout on transactional business in smaller accounts.Merrill Lynch is considering a new policy requiring a household to have at least $100,000 in assets at the firm in order for...
How to help the elderly and their family members prepare financially for long-term care issues.Marie Cadwallader Draper had been discussing long-term care insurance with one of her clients, but he was procrastinating.The client waited too long...
It's not that Joseph Gutkowski doesn't trust people, he just trusts himself more."I don't know if anyone can be as forthcoming in dealing with clients as I am... I see no need for a partner or a team."The Houston-based Dain...
Former Merrill Lynch managers and consultants Rich Capalbo and Rod Hagenbuch contend that brokers have too many small accounts that bring in little revenue. They say 60% of a broker's book results in 4% of his revenue. Where do these puny accounts...
Merrill Lynch brokers appreciate the fact that the Merrill brand name is instantly recognized, and its research is respected. "The best thing about Merrill is that it has a tremendous image and presence," says one broker. "It makes it easy to...
A statute of limitations is a legal deadline for filing a claim. If the deadline has expired, the claim is dead, no matter how good it might have been.Some statutes of limitations start automatically when a purchase is made, so you don't need to...
