Who will lead the wirehouse industry in 2012?
FundFire’s annual poll asked the question: “Which of the four major wirehouses is best positioned, in terms of its overall strength in the wealth management space?”
Results pointed to Morgan Stanley Smith Barney with 43% or 228 respondents, making them the most popular response.
The non-scientific poll reflects the opinions of FundFire readers who chose to vote. However, Howard Schneider, president of strategic consultancy Practical Perspectives concurs with the poll’s findings:
MSSB is well positioned for 2012 compared to the other wirehouses, given its breadth of advisors, relatively stable management, corporate parent and ongoing investment in technology and product.
Placing 2nd in the poll was Wells Fargo Advisors followed by BofA/Merrill Lynch. And yes, UBS Wealth Management Americas, once again, polled as the least popular response.