The process of choosing the Broker-Dealers of the Year begins in March when Investment Advisor starts compiling the Broker-Dealer Reference Guide. The firms vetted for inclusion in the guide are eligible to be considered for the Broker-Dealer of the Year.
Ballots for the award are available online in June, when reps at the BDs in the guide can begin rating their firm in 15 categories, including an overall rating. Firms that get votes from at least 10% of their producing reps are in the running for Broker-Dealer of the Year.
This year, 1,435 valid votes were counted.