Largest Independent Broker Dealers Lead the Way

The largest independent broker dealers are setting the bar high for the industry. They're the ones who have achieved significant growth and success on their own terms.

One notable example is LPL Financial, which has over 14,000 advisors and $650 billion in assets under administration. Their network of advisors is truly impressive.

Another notable example is Charles Schwab's independent advisor arm, which has over 7,000 independent advisors and $2.5 trillion in client assets. Their scale and reach are unmatched.

These broker dealers are leading the way in terms of innovation and client satisfaction, and it's no surprise that they're attracting top talent and growing their businesses at a rapid pace.

The largest independent broker-dealers are experiencing a significant turnaround in revenue. A median increase of 13.2% was reported by the 50 largest independent broker-dealers last year.

Lincoln Investment Planning was the fastest-growing broker-dealer, with a 63.6% leap in revenue. This was followed by Triad Advisors with a 50.2% increase, American Portfolios Financial Services with a 43.8% increase, and CFG/H. Beck with a 42.9% increase.

These firms all had 2010 revenues of less than $100 million, but the next two fastest-growing firms are top 10 broker-dealers.

The largest independent broker-dealers are a force to be reckoned with in the financial industry.

Stifel Financial Corp is one of the largest, with over 2,000 financial advisors and more than $400 billion in client assets.

They offer a wide range of financial services, including investment banking, institutional securities, and private client group services.

Stifel Financial Corp has a strong presence in the US, with operations in over 200 locations across the country.

Their expertise and resources make them a top choice for individuals, businesses, and institutions alike.

LPL Financial is another large independent broker-dealer, with over 14,000 advisors and more than $700 billion in client assets.

They provide a comprehensive platform of investment products and services to their advisors and clients.

LPL Financial is known for its innovative technology and commitment to supporting its advisors.

Their advisors have access to a wide range of products and services, including brokerage, advisory, and retirement services.

Stifel Financial Corp and LPL Financial are just two examples of the many large independent broker-dealers operating in the US.

The largest independent broker-dealers have seen a significant turnaround in revenue. After two years of stagnant or shrinking revenue, the 50 largest independent broker-dealers reported a median increase in revenue of 13.2%.

The robust stock market and strong demand for mutual funds, annuities, and other products helped drive the upswing. 13 of the firms posted year-to-year growth of more than 20%.

Lincoln Investment Planning was the fastest-growing broker-dealer, with a 63.6% leap in revenue. It was followed by Triad Advisors, American Portfolios Financial Services, and CFG/H. Beck, all of which had 2010 revenues of less than $100 million.

Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network's revenue jumped 40.9%, to $434.2 million, and Cambridge Investment Research posted an increase of 36%, to $339.3 million. Cambridge fell just short of the top 10, settling at No. 11.

44 of the top 50 broker-dealers on this year's list reported growth, a stark contrast to just three firms that increased their top line last year.

Based on the article section facts, here is the "Rankings and Positions" section:

The largest independent broker-dealers in the US are ranked by assets under management, with LPL Financial holding the top spot with over $700 billion in AUM.

LPL Financial has over 14,000 financial advisors working for the company.

TD Ameritrade's acquisition of Thinkorswim in 2009 helped boost its assets under management to over $600 billion.

TD Ameritrade's online trading platform offers over 17,000 mutual funds and 400 exchange-traded funds.

Charles Schwab's acquisition of TD Ameritrade in 2020 added to its assets under management, bringing the total to over $5 trillion.

Fidelity Investments has over 10,000 financial advisors and more than 28 million customer accounts.

Wells Fargo Advisors has over 14,000 financial advisors and manages over $1.4 trillion in assets.

LPL Financial's network of financial advisors serves over 4.5 million investor households.