This year's Report Card includes key changes
There are key differences between top producers and the rest of advisors
Greater resources give advisors more stability; dealers bring more services under one roof
Advisors, executives differ about the usefulness of giving clients accessibility
Scores in the category tumbled on communication, quality and staffing concerns
Firms’ pitches to incoming advisors, the experience level being sought and the type of training offered to new advisors all vary greatly
But firms have differing ways of meeting the growing challenge of helping retiring advisors hand off their businesses
Interestingly, the top firms shun the dual platform in favour of mutual funds and insurance sales
Advisors are satisfied with the job their compliance departments are doing, but are frustrated with their overbearing nature
The success of equity programs, which are growing in popularity in the industry, leads to higher scores