Tom James built a tiny securities firm into a thriving mini-empire. But after nearly 40 years, will he soon step away from the helm of Raymond James Financial

The odds are that new hires will fail. Here's how to pick winners

the financial, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (FIRE) industry group contributed nearly a quarter (24 percent) of real GDP growth in 2005, making it the leading contributor to GDP for the past three consecutive years.

Wachovia hired a whopping 900 reps in 2005, bringing the total to 10,400, and aims to add the same number in 2006

RBC Dain Rauscher is on the prowl for a brokerage acquisition. The Minneapolis-based regional brokerage is aiming to increase the firm's rep force to 2,500 brokers within five years from 1,650 today

Where - and why - can you buy a buck for 90 cents?

Advisors who specialize in helping older clients deal with retirement plan conversions may be able to build an extremely lucrative practice

Marc Lane was skeptical about social investing, until he did his homework and found a more profitable approach

Two financial-services giants, Goldman Sachs and UBS, have put their analysts to work on the outcome of the beautiful game's most anticipated event, the World Cup. The results? Two wildly different predictions.

Rainmaking demands that you approach every activity with your 'serious money' antenna out. Pick up oppurtunities you are prepared to capitalize on.