The 2013 IA 25 Special Report

It's clear to us at Investment Advisor that the myriad players in the advisory industry don't operate in a vacuum. Investment managers, researchers, regulators, executives: These people (at least the ones who are making the biggest impact) are all working together, sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly.

With the 2013 IA 25, our 13th annual list of the most influential individuals in and around the advisor business, we decided to do something different. We decided to provide examples of how, exactly, the industry is becoming more connected, using the individuals on this year's list as proxies. How is it that an industry is growing, while at the same time shrinking and becoming more engaged?

Each of the individuals were named to this year's list for their creativity, success and—of course—impact, something they're doing largely through interaction and engagement with the others on the list, interaction driven by technology, advocacy and a host of other reasons. It's one more reason to take the time to get involved with issues and concerns beyond your own business. Use your webs of connectivity to learn from the wisdom of the advisor crowd.