Tobias Salinger

A new academic paper finds variable prepaid forwards to be much more effective than options collars with margin loans — even though they're more complex and less accessible.

Whether thinking about an RICP, RMA, CPRC, CRPC or another retirement credential, experts say it's important for financial advisors to consider the needs of clients and prospects and their current level of specialization.

The Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad-A) used its Women's Impact Initiative Network Conference in Chicago, the industry's largest gathering geared toward the professional development of Black women, to encourage Black women financial advisors to advocate for themselves, strengthen their voices and expand industry representation. Keynote speaker Minda Harts, workplace communication consultant and author, shared how persistence and self-confidence helped her overcome obstacles, urging attendees to trust themselves despite workplace challenges. Quad-A highlighted its mission to increase the number of Black financial professionals through scholarships, board diversity and partnerships with major financial firms. Panelists also emphasized collaboration, policy advocacy and values-based investing as ways advisors can drive change. Speakers encouraged advisors to support retirement access, equitable wealth-building and inclusive business practices while mentoring the next generation, reinforcing that meaningful progress requires collective action rather than working in isolation.

Women pursuing career milestones like opening their own RIAs could fall into traps based on those comparisons — or use them as inspiration and research.

At Morningstar's conference last month, speakers from companies like Blackstone, BlackRock and PIMCO added helpful context to the recent headlines on risk and alternatives.

Even though RIAs reached a record size in four important metrics, experts say equity values are masking weaknesses in their organic growth.

The Ensemble Practice's annual growth and profitability report reveals a "scissors shape" between the two, based on a survey of more than 170 firms.

To veteran financial planner and business manager Louis Barajas, the underrepresentation of Latinos in the profession ties into the U.S. racial wealth gap.

From left to right, Association of African American Financial Advisors CEO Sheena Gray, First Trust Portfolios Vice President and Advisor Consultant Jackie Wilke, Carson Group Vice President of Accounting Andrea Johnson, Naperville, Illinois-based Raymond James & Associates financial advisor Kristy Sullivan and Women's Alliance of Financial Advisors CEO Stephanie Gularte posed together in a photo of "community partners" at a recent event hosted by the Women's Alliance. Women's Alliance of Financial Advisors

Financial Planning's Compensation Survey measured the total pay of hundreds of financial advisors and, perhaps more importantly, the lessons they would share to aspiring planners about forging a successful career.