This Week in Wealth

Alex Steger and Ian Wenik do a deep dive into LPL Financial's $2.7bn acquisition of Commonwealth Financial Network: How Ian broke the story, what the immediate impact is around the industry, and who's in position to win (and lose) as the deal gets finalized.

In a packed studio, Alex Steger and Ian Wenik are joined by Citywire RIA senior reporter Sam Bojarski and reporter Lilly Riddle to discuss Charles Schwab and Fidelity's recent restrictions on money market ETF trading, a potential major deal for Focus and an RIA employee's big win on The Bachelor.

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA deputy editor Andrew Foerch discuss the biggest takeaways from Ian and Andrew's trip to Miami for the Future Proof conference, including Andrew's one-on-one interview with Rise Growth Partners head Joe Duran and the panels the journalists moderated.

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA reporter Alec Rich recap Ian's scoops on mega-private equity firm Blackstone pursuing a deal in the wealth management business and Pershing's new RIA referral program. Plus, Alec discusses his new feature on the fight between RIA tech companies for clients of the sunsetting Morningstar Office.

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA deputy editor Andrew Foerch (in his podcast debut!) discuss Andrew's scoop on the SEC offering $50,000 to its employees to quit and put LPL Financial's impending $4bn capital raise in context. 

Alex Steger and Ian Wenik discuss Ellevest's decision to sell its robo-advisory unit to Betterment after raising more than $150m in venture capital money and a prominent Los Angeles RIA's choice to rebrand itself.

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA senior reporter Sam Bojarski go over the key takeaways from Sam's exclusive interview with SEC commissioner Hester Peirce and a Canadian multi-family office's decision to buy itself out of its deal with Focus Financial Partners. 

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA reporter Alec Rich (in his podcast debut!) discuss Charles Schwab's decision to raise fees in its lucrative Schwab Advisor Network referral program and discuss what an RIA acquisition in America's chocolatiest town means for the dealmaking world at large. 

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA reporter Lilly Riddle reflect on Goldman Sachs' efforts to enter the RIA business following the departure of top wealth executive Larry Restieri and learn more about the advisor accused of defrauding clients to invest in a mini golf course. 

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA senior reporter Sam Bojarski cover Steward Partners' decision to halt recruitment of Form 1099 contractor advisors, Commonwealth Financial Network's pursuit of an institutional investor and the ongoing legal battle between mega-RIAs Edelman Financial Engines and Mariner Wealth Advisors.

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA reporter Lilly Riddle discuss Envestnet's hire of a new permanent CEO, Focus Financial Partners' dividend recap and — most importantly — the RIA client service associate who will be competing on the latest season of "The Bachelor."

Alex Steger, Ian Wenik and Sam Bojarski weigh in on RIA financier Focus Financial Partners' decision to rebrand its biggest affiliate as 'Focus Partners Wealth,' wealth managers monitoring their advisors' personal phones, and $38bn Steward Partners' decision to pursue a sale.

Citywire USA editor-in-chief Alex Steger, Citywire RIA editor Ian Wenik and Citywire RIA senior reporter Sam Bojarski discuss the rise of foreign investment in RIAs, the impending shift to Republican control of the SEC and the biggest themes they see playing out in the wealth management business in 2025.