A relatively simple function that should be on every money manager's service offering is stock-blocking. In the past several years, as retail individually managed account (IMA) programs have taken off, money managers have rolled up their corporate...

The 529 plan's ability to accrue and distribute free of taxes is possibly the best game in town for any taxpayer. The new tax laws have made 529 accounts more attractive as estate planning devices. You all know that contributions to a 529 account...

In June, Prudential Securities relaunched its Web site for the second time this year, with a new URL, www.prufn.com. The site is now called Prudential Financial Network. (The old URL will still get you there.) Meanwhile, PaineWebber made several...

Four top-producing teams and brokers share techniques for building a high-level business. All of these big hitters have a system for getting exposure and attracting clients. Read their ideas on how to pare accounts, service clients and deal with...

Fifty-nine percent of American adults don’t have a will, according to a survey by the legal Web site, FindLaw (www.findlaw.com). The survey found that people are more likely to have a will as they get older. Only 11% of people between the...

Yesterday the SEC turned down a request from the Investment Company Institute (ICI) to regulate folio products as mutual funds. Sponsors of folios--which are ready-made baskets of stocks individually owned by investors--operate as broker/dealers...

It seems every financial services provider claims it is aiming at the high-net-worth market. But according to a study by The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), many firms risk missing the target. The study looked at the market of an estimated 34...

The war on analysts is now threatening brokers. In proposing heightened disclosures from analysts, the NASDR has included retail brokers as well. The July proposal, NASD Notice to Members 01-45, broadens disclosure obligations for public...

Merrill Lynch’s worldwide broker sales force continues to shrink. The company reported last week that it has dropped almost 1,700 brokers from the ranks of its worldwide sales force within the past six months, mostly by not replacing brokers...