Industry

Private equity–backed Clearstead completes its sixth acquisition in seven years, bringing its total assets under advisement close to $32 billion.

The SEC's settlement with Aegis Capital Corporation included a $2.3 million civil penalty; Commissioner Hester Peirce said the deal may lead to firms not giving clients the investment option at all even when it would be useful for them.

Advisors with histories of serious misconduct who exit the brokerage industry often continue to provide advice under state insurance regulations and are likely to reoffend in the future, according to a recent Stanford Law study.

Genstar-backed insurance and wealth management firm Alera Group is on track to reach its goal of $10 billion AUM by 2023, according to the firm.

With recent backing from insurer MassMutual, Kudu now has minority investments in 19 asset and wealth managers in the U.S. and abroad.

The brokerage’s head count dropped a slight 1%, primarily due to Steward Partners moving out of its b/d; the RIA continues to custody assets with Raymond James.

One securities attorney said the $2 million in fines was minimal considering the size of the firms, an indication that the SEC wants the industry to take the issue seriously.

This time, even clients said they have 'had enough' of a former broker contacting them to join him at Ameriprise.