JoeNatlanta:  With all due respect, I say bullsh**.  You are so filled with Merrill hate and man-love for UBS that I can't honestly believe anything you say.

I left a large BD about 3 years ago, the problem i had with them is they were more geared to selling annuities and i was fee based.  That’s when i decided to go with an independent RIA firm.  I was able to bring over 90%+, the only ones i lost were some of the annuities.  I think if you meet with each client, give them your honest reasons for leaving, don’t bad mouth the other firm and give them something tangible.  .10% off fees or something.  This will give you better odds.