Hobby comes over from Fidelity Investments, where he served as the head of distribution for private wealth management, executive services, workplace planning and advice and stock plan services.

Previously affiliated with Mariner’s independent advisor platform, the Washington state firm brings 401(k), estate planning and insurance talent to Merit.

Northwestern Mutual’s Trenton Hazen will lead the new division and develop retirement plan services at the $500 million RIA.

Home and stock values contributed to the increase in net worth from 2019 to 2022.

Beltz Ianni & Associates left LPL to become the sixth firm acquired by the independent RIA since its April 2023 debut.

The amount of seven-figure retirement accounts at Fidelity Investments surged in the fourth quarter of 2023.

The intellectual case for getting rid of tax-advantaged retirement plans is strong, and the political case is catching up.

TIAA IRA customers paid more than $900,000 in combined expenses that could have been avoided by investing through a “brokerage window” with lower-cost share classes, according to the regulator.