BlackRock had its strong net flows in its history in 2017, CEO Larry Fink says.

The broker/dealer plans to begin rolling out the new service to advisors this month.

The organization calls on the SEC to clarify existing requirements. Meanwhile the regulator is accelerating work on its own fiduciary rule.

Investors Bank, with $600 million AUA, is moving to Cetera for its wealth management business and leaving INVEST, one of National Planning Holdings’ firms acquired by LPL.

Bringing R. Applegate’s $4.5 billion retirement plan and wealth management business into the fold will increase Root’s presence throughout Pennsylvania and the Midwest.

The RIA has acquired Austin, -based Murray & Co. and Hartford, Conn.-based Pinnacle Investment Management, bringing its total client assets to $11.6 billion.

Thirty-one companies have added blockchain to their name, Ameriprise debuts new ads and a record number of women received CFP designations in 2017.

In its annual priorities letter, the regulator flags some new areas of focus for 2018, including cryptocurrencies, securities-backed lines of credit and business continuity.

Mark Mobius announces he’s retiring, Regions Bank is holding Financial Fitness Fridays and Milwaukee team joins Strategic Wealth Partners.

Riskalyze CEO Aaron Klein gives the thumbs-up or thumbs-down on the biggest pieces of news to hit advisor technology for the month of December 2017.