But firms rated highest in these categories provide well-placed ads and customizable marketing materials
Advisors say good support for retirement planning ranges from clear communication to solid tools
As some dealers move away from providing support to advisors, others are intensifying their services
But that satisfaction ends when it comes to the MFDA itself, which “has gotten to the point of ridiculousness,” says one advisor
Advisors with Global Maxfin and Assante rated their firms much lower in a vast number of categories
Firms are still failing to meet advisors’ expectations when it comes to back office and administrative support
Advisors report that sales of mutual funds are up while assets in high-interest savings accounts drop
Advisors earned less because of the recession and reduced payouts, leading to dissatisfaction at certain dealers (includes chart)
Lower-producing advisors have bigger portions of their books in mutual funds, and so may be getting a hand from the markets (includes chart)